The upcoming Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) recently unveiled a selection of its featured films and honorees for its 49th edition. Among the highlights are two standout films: "Elton John: Never Too Late," a Disney+ documentary co-directed by R.J. Cutler and David Furnish, John’s spouse, and "Nightbitch," a drama led by director Marielle Heller and produced by Searchlight Pictures.
Canadian filmmaker David Cronenberg is set to be honored with the 2024 Norman Jewison Career Achievement Award for his profound and impactful contributions to cinema, marking him as one of the most significant filmmakers globally.
Sandra Oh, renowned for her roles in "Grey’s Anatomy," "Killing Eve," and "The Sympathizer," will be celebrated as the Honorary Chair at the 2024 TIFF Tribute Awards. TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey praised Oh for her exceptional talent and the festival's commitment to enhancing inclusivity in the film industry.
The festival, scheduled for September 5-15, will feature a tribute awards gala on September 8 at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel. Other films set to premiere include the South Korean war movie "Harbin" by Woo Min-ho, "The Life of Chuck," starring Tom Hiddleston and based on Stephen King’s short story, "Rez Ball," a Netflix-sponsored film about Indigenous basketball, and "The Wild Robot," a live-animation feature by Dreamworks Animation directed by Chris Sanders.
Anita Lee, TIFF’s chief programming officer, expressed enthusiasm for the diverse lineup and its appeal to TIFF audiences, highlighting the festival's reputation for showcasing a mix of works from both new and seasoned filmmakers around the world.
Additionally, earlier this year, Elton John and Bernie Taupin were awarded the Library of Congress’s Gershwin Prize for Popular Song during a ceremony at the Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. This prestigious recognition was celebrated with an exclusive concert broadcast on PBS.
