Pedro Almodóvar and Spike Lee to be feted with TIFF Tribute Awards

Academy Award-winning filmmakers Pedro Almodóvar and Spike Lee will be honoured at the Toronto International Film Festival. Almodóvar will receive the Jeff Skoll Award in Impact Media presented by Participant, at the same time, Lee will be awarded the TIFF Ebert Director Award on September 10 at the 48th edition of the renowned film festival. 

The Jeff Skoll Award in Impact Media, presented by Participant, recognizes leadership in creating a union between social impact and cinema, while the TIFF Ebert Director Award recognizes filmmakers who have exemplified greatness in their careers; the award is named after iconic film critic Roger Ebert.

According to Deadline, TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey said, "It's a true thrill to acknowledge Pedro Almodóvar as the distinguished recipient of the Jeff Skoll Impact Media Award for 2023. Pedro has been coming to TIFF for years, and each time is better than the time before. His artistic vision, bold storytelling, and unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of cinema have had a profound impact on cinema. He challenges societal norms, champions diversity, and illuminates the human experience with sensitivity and grace. We applaud his contributions to cinema and celebrate his ability to inspire and provoke audiences worldwide."

Speaking about  Lee, Bailey added," A foremost storyteller of our era, Spike's body of work from She's Gotta Have It, to Do the Right Thing to Mo' Better Blues, to his most recent film at TIFF 2021, American Utopia, Spike has inspired audiences and made a lasting impact on the art of filmmaking."

Notable film personalities who were formerly honoured with Tiff Tribute Awards include Michelle Yeoh, Brendan Fraser, Jessica Chastain, Roger Deakins, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Joaquin Phoenix, Taika Waititi, and Chloé Zhao.