The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has revealed the final slate of honourees for its seventh annual TIFF Tribute Awards, a gala fundraiser that shines a spotlight on cinematic excellence and artistic achievement.

This year’s recipients include acclaimed actor, producer, director, and musician Idris Elba, who will be honoured with the TIFF Tribute Award in Impact Media; Academy Award–winning makeup artist Kazu Hiro, who receives the TIFF Variety Artisan Award; and celebrated performers Nina Hoss and Channing Tatum, who will each be presented with TIFF Tribute Performer Awards.

TIFF will also recognize two trailblazing filmmakers with Special Tribute Awards: Iranian auteur Jafar Panahi, whose work has endured despite censorship and imprisonment, and Inuk storyteller Zacharias Kunuk, whose films have brought Inuit traditions to international audiences. Canadian comedy legend Catherine O’Hara rounds out the list as the recipient of the TIFF Norman Jewison Career Achievement Award.

These honourees join previously announced recipients Guillermo del Toro, Jodie Foster, HIKARI, and Lee Byung Hun. The gala, presented in partnership with Rolex, will take place on Sunday, September 7, at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, with Academy Award winner Brendan Fraser serving as Honorary Chair.

“The 2025 Tribute Award honourees represent the very best of what cinema can achieve,” said TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey.

Idris Elba – From ‘The Wire’ to ‘Beasts of No Nation’ and ‘Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom,’ Elba has long been a Festival favourite. This year he returns with ‘Dust to Dreams,’ his directorial debut short. Beyond the screen, he advocates for youth empowerment through the Elba Hope Foundation.

Kazu Hiro – A master of prosthetic makeup and hyperrealist sculpture, Hiro has won two Oscars (‘Darkest Hour,’ ‘Bombshell’) and earned acclaim for his transformations of Gary Oldman, Charlize Theron, and Bradley Cooper. At TIFF 2025, he presents his latest work on ‘The Smashing Machine,’ in which he transforms Dwayne Johnson.

Nina Hoss – Known for ‘Phoenix,’ ‘Barbara,’ and ‘Tár,’ the German star returns to TIFF with ‘Hedda,’ Nia DaCosta’s bold reimagining of Ibsen. Her acclaimed career spans both international cinema and prestige television (‘Homeland,’ ‘Jack Ryan’).

Channing Tatum – From ‘Step Up’ to ‘Foxcatcher’ and ‘Magic Mike,’ Tatum’s career has showcased remarkable range. His latest role in Derek Cianfrance’s ‘Roofman,’ premiering at TIFF, explores the true story of Jeffrey Manchester, a prison escapee who hid inside a toy store.

Jafar Panahi – A longtime Festival presence, Panahi defied a filmmaking ban to create works such as ‘Offside’ and ‘Taxi.’ His new film, ‘It Was Just an Accident,’ winner of the Palme d’Or, marks his return to TIFF after his release from prison.

Zacharias Kunuk – The visionary Inuk director of ‘Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner’ brings his latest film, ‘Uiksaringitara (Wrong Husband),’ to the Festival. With a career spanning over four decades, Kunuk has been instrumental in preserving and sharing Inuit stories on screen.

Catherine O’Hara – From ‘SCTV’ and ‘Beetlejuice’ to ‘Home Alone’ and ‘Schitt’s Creek,’ O’Hara has defined comedy across generations. Recently starring in ‘The Studio’ (2025), she remains a beacon of Canadian talent with global reach.

The Tribute Awards are TIFF’s largest annual fundraiser, supporting the Transform Together campaign tied to TIFF’s 50th anniversary. Proceeds will strengthen talent development initiatives, celebrate visionary artists, and expand the organization’s cultural impact.

Presented in partnership with Rolex and supported by RBC, Don Julio, and Fairmont Royal York, the gala has become a marquee event in the international film calendar.

The 50th Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, runs September 4–14, 2025.

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