Calling all film fanatics — Canada’s largest film festival returns to Toronto next month, bringing world-class cinema, A-lister celebrities on the red carpet, and after-parties to the city’s streets.
Running Sept. 10 to 20, the 51st annual Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) will offer an official selection of 293 confirmed titles.
Opening film and The Market debut
This year’s opening-night film premieres on Thursday, Sept. 10 at Roy Thompson Hall with a screening of “Being Heumann” from American director Siân Heder.
Alongside film screenings, several popular programmes have been confirmed, from old favourites to new projects.
Launched for the very first time, The Market by TIFF debuts as a new and exciting business hub devoted to content, where film and entertainment industry professionals can connect, showcase projects, discover content, and build partnerships from Sept. 10 to 16.
In Conversation With…
A returning festival favourite called the In Conversation With… series will feature in-depth interviews with Lee Min-ho, Rachel Morrison, Chris Rock, Andrew Scott, and Hudson Williams. In front of a live audience, the guest speakers will touch on topics including their careers and the creative journey they took to get there.
“This year’s In Conversation With… series brings together trailblazers and extraordinary storytellers for conversations that will offer audiences a deeper look at their craft and careers,” said Anita Lee, TIFF’s chief programming officer. “From Lee Min-ho, who became an icon of Korean drama long before K-dramas captured global audiences, and Rachel Morrison, the first woman nominated for an Academy Award for Best Cinematography, to multi-hyphenate Chris Rock, who has fearlessly redefined comedy, to Andrew Scott and Hudson Williams, whose groundbreaking performances have captivated audiences around the world.”
TIFF includes 293 confirmed titles this year and will debut a new market.
Erman Gunes/Dreamstime
Midnight Madness
For those who love catching an after-hours flick, the 2026 Midnight Madness lineup includes six world premieres from 10 countries, and offers 10 screenings starting at 11:59 p.m. out of the supposedly haunted Royal Alexandra Theatre. The Midnight Madness opening night film is a screening of U.S. director Joshua Giuliano’s “River,” a suspenseful slasher flick that follows three siblings adrift as they float toward a masked killer. The Midnight Madness closing night film is U.K. director Duncan Jones’ “Rogue Trooper,” an animated military sci-fi adaptation of the British comic book that follows a blue-skinned soldier who is the sole survivor of a toxic earth.
2026 Centrepiece program
Presented by tour operator Intrepid Travel, this year’s Centrepiece program features 54 titles from filmmakers representing 50 countries, including Canada. The official lineup is a mix of returning favourites and new works, as well as a good selection of Canadian films by filmmakers Marie Clements, David Bezmozgis, and Cody Lightning. Eight animated features are also included, marking a significant milestone for the program.
2026 Tribute Awards
TIFF has also revealed the list of the first honourees of the 2026 Tribute Awards. Presented in partnership with Rolex, the eighth annual Tribute Awards gala fundraiser takes place on Sept. 13 at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel as a celebration of outstanding contributions to cinema worldwide. First added to the festival in 2018, the Tribute Awards gala is TIFF’s largest annual fundraiser, with all proceeds funnelling directly back into the film industry, from artist support to expanded access to cinema.
Award recipients include actor Penelope Cruz, who will receive the TIFF Special Tribute Award; South Korean film director and screenwriter Lee Chang-dong will be honoured with the TIFF Ebert Director Award; actors Rosalind Eleazar and Isabelle Huppert will be presented with TIFF Tribute Performer Awards; and Academy Award–winning filmmaker Siân Heder will receive the TIFF Tribute Award in Impact Media.
Closing film
The 51st TIFF ends with its final screening, aptly named “Closing Night” by Australian director and actor Cody Fern. Naomi Watts, Sarah Paulson, and Odessa A’zion star in this family drama about a former movie star that reconnects with the family she walked away from decades prior.
The full schedule is now available online. Tickets go on sale to TIFF members by level beginning Friday, Aug. 21, and single tickets will go on sale to the public on Monday, Aug. 31.