Toronto, ON – August 16, 2023: Shawn Levy will be honored with Inaugural Norman Jewison Career Achievement Award at TIFF’s Tribute Awards 2023.
The entertainment industry is abuzz as Canadian producer-director Shawn Levy, renowned for his impressive filmography including “Free Guy” and “Deadpool 3,” is set to be bestowed with the prestigious inaugural Norman Jewison Career Achievement Award. This honor, named in tribute to the iconic Canadian filmmaker, is a testament to Levy’s profound global impact on the film landscape. The award will be presented by The Budman Family and stands as a cornerstone of the 2023 Tribute Awards, promising an evening of glitz and glamour at the upcoming event.
A Celebration of Remarkable Contributions. Cameron Bailey, the esteemed CEO of TIFF, joyously announced Levy as the recipient of this revered accolade. The award recognizes outstanding Canadians in the film industry who have indelibly marked their presence on the world stage. The upcoming awards ceremony, slated to take place on September 10th at the opulent Fairmont Royal York Hotel, is positioned as the crowning jewel of the TIFF Tribute Awards gala fundraiser, proudly sponsored by Bulgari.
Levy’s incredible body of work spans several blockbuster titles, most notably the award-winning series “Stranger Things” and the crowd-pleasing franchise “Night at the Museum.” His artistic prowess will be front and center at the festival as he showcases his latest masterpiece, “All the Light We Cannot See,” a screen adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize–winning novel. This film, a testament to his remarkable storytelling ability, was directed and produced through his very own production company, 21 Laps.
A Legacy Continues. With an illustrious career spanning over three decades, Shawn Levy has emerged as one of the industry’s most versatile filmmakers. His creations, ranging from the riveting “Free Guy” to the Academy Award®–nominated thriller “Arrival,” have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. “We’re thrilled for him to be the inaugural recipient of this Award,” Bailey expressed, acknowledging Levy’s enduring impact on the cinematic landscape.
Joining Levy in the league of honorees are Pedro Almodóvar, recipient of the Jeff Skoll Award in Impact Media, and the esteemed Spike Lee, who will be presented with the TIFF Ebert Director Award. This tradition of honoring cinematic brilliance has seen luminaries like Michelle Yeoh, Brendan Fraser, Jessica Chastain, and others rise to international prominence.
A Sneak Peek into the Upcoming Festivities. All the Light We Cannot See,” Levy’s latest endeavor and a Netflix Original series, is poised to captivate audiences with its poignant narrative. The series, based on the acclaimed Pulitzer Prize–winning book by Anthony Doerr, brings to life the tale of Marie-Laure, a blind French girl, and her father’s attempt to protect a legendary diamond from falling into Nazi hands in German-occupied Paris. The first two episodes of the series will be unveiled as part of TIFF’s Primetime program, offering a tantalizing glimpse into Levy’s storytelling prowess.
As the Toronto International Film Festival gears up for its annual extravaganza from September 7th to 17th, 2023, the anticipation is palpable. This year’s Tribute Awards gala, presented by Bulgari, will rally behind the Viola Desmond Cinema campaign—a noble cause championing diversity and inclusivity within the film world.
In summary, the upcoming 2023 Tribute Awards promise to be a celebration of cinematic excellence and a reflection of the remarkable impact of luminaries like Shawn Levy on the global stage. With his illustrious career and exceptional storytelling, Levy is poised to receive the Norman Jewison Career Achievement Award, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening that underscores the power of creativity and innovation in the world of film.
