TORONTO – On a red carpet that featured Penelope Cruz and Helen Mirren, Prime Minister Mark Carney drew the loudest cheers from an assembled crowd.
The prime minister walked the carpet and stopped by the Tribute Awards at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sunday night after delivering remarks to business leaders the Canada Investment Summit reception.
Director Sian Heder, whose film “Being Heumann” opened TIFF on Thursday, said even she was star-struck by Carney, who greeted attendees but left before the awards ceremony began.
Seth Rogen got the second-warmest welcome from members of the public who lined Front Street outside the Fairmont Royal York, where the gala was held.
That prize is named after late filmmaker Norman Jewison and meant to recognize Canadians who have made a global impact.
The annual fundraiser gala also honoured Mirren with an award inspired by TIFF’s women’s empowerment initiative, Share Her Journey.
Cruz was set to receive the Special Tribute Award, which recognizes individuals who have made lasting and extraordinary contributions to film.
Rounding out the stars being celebrated at the Tribute Awards are French actress Isabelle Huppert, Chinese actor Fan Bingbing, Korean filmmaker Lee Chang-dong and Polish cinematographer Adam Pietkiewicz.
TIFF said proceeds from the gala will support expanded access to cinema and champion artists.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 13, 2026.
