As the calendar flips to August and summer days call for patios and pools, it’s a reminder that in just over a month, one of the world’s biggest film festivals and many of Hollywoods biggest names will be descending on Toronto. And as the Toronto International Film Festival prepares to celebrate its landmark 50th edition, the first wave of TIFF 2025 Tribute Awards honourees has been revealed—showcasing a powerful lineup of international talent and trailblazing voices in film.
See also: TIFF 2024 recap: The best films, awards & unforgettable moments
TIFF Tribute Awards
Among this year’s recipients is Guillermo del Toro, the celebrated Mexican-born filmmaker behind The Shape of Water and the upcoming Frankenstein, who will receive the TIFF Ebert Director Award. TIFF also honours Jodie Foster with the Share Her Journey Groundbreaker Award for her boundary-pushing legacy both in front of and behind the camera. Rising Japanese filmmaker HIKARI, whose feature Rental Family will premiere at the festival, earns the TIFF Emerging Talent Award, while South Korean star Lee Byung Hun—returning with Park Chan-wook’s No Other Choice—is this year’s Special Tribute Award recipient.
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The awards, set to take place on September 7 at Toronto’s Fairmont Royal York Hotel, also mark the return of Brendan Fraser as the 2025 Honorary Chair. Fraser, a previous Tribute recipient himself, stars in HIKARI’s Rental Family and brings heartfelt momentum to a gala rooted in community and cinematic excellence.
Now TIFF’s largest annual fundraiser, the Tribute Awards not only signal the start of awards season but also support TIFF’s Transform Together campaign—fueling new talent development, industry impact, and year-round film programming.
Presented in partnership with Rolex, and supported by RBC, Don Julio, and Fairmont Royal York, the 2025 event is shaping up to be a global celebration of artistry, influence, and storytelling. With voices from across continents and genres, TIFF’s honourees reflect the richness of modern cinema—and a bold step into its future.
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The 50th Toronto International Film Festival runs September 4–14, 2025. For more information, visit tiff.net.
