Toronto International Film Festival ended on a note of emotion and joy, culminating in the year’s celebration of cinema in the festival’s second edition of its yearly Tribute Awards. 

"We can never remind people enough that this remarkable art form has always been and always will be much more than a diversion. Cinema, film, movie at its best is a source of inspiration and wonder," a moved Martin Scorsese remarked in the introduction of the ceremony which premiered live online globally on Variety’s Facebook page.

“Tonight we celebrate film, its past, present and future. We’ll be honouring six artists who have built their careers pushing cinema forward, both in front of and behind the camera.” #TIFF20

: George Pimentel pic.twitter.com/pWxNSocS3G

TIFF Tribute Actor Awards were presented to Kate Winslet and Sir Anthony Hopkins. Chloe Zhao was awarded TIFF Ebert Director Award constituted in memory of American film critic Roger Ebert. Taika Waititi won the Ebert accolade last year.

Indian film director Mira Nair was honoured with Jeff Skoll Award in Impact Media, and the award presenter Tabu congratulated the director whose six-part series, A Suitable Boy closed the festival.

Musician Terrence Blanchard was bestowed with TIFF Variety Artisan Award and filmmaker Tracey Deer the TIFF Emerging Talent Award.

The award presenters included Ava DuVernay, Regina King, Jodie Foster, Olivia Colman, Colin Farrell and Delroy Lindo.

Shawn Mendes performed exclusively at the virtual awards ceremony.