Distinguished for his extraordinary achievements across the realms of both film and theater, Colman Domingo, an Afro-Latino actor of immense talent, is poised to receive the prestigious TIFF Tribute Performer Award.
This coveted honor is to be bestowed at the fifth annual TIFF Tribute Awards gala, an event proudly hosted by the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and supported by Bulgari. The grand occasion is scheduled to unfold on Sunday, September 10, within the elegant confines of the Fairmont Royal York Hotel.
Domingo, an actor with a career spanning over three decades, has consistently captivated audiences with his exceptional talent and compelling performances. His upcoming appearance in the Festival’s premiere of Greg Kwedar’s film “Sing Sing” has generated considerable anticipation.
The film explores the transformative power of theater within a troupe seeking solace from the challenges of incarceration. Drawing inspiration from the real-life arts rehabilitation program at Sing Sing Correctional Facility, “Sing Sing” is set to be distributed in Canada by Elevation Pictures.
Cameron Bailey, CEO of TIFF, lauded Domingo’s storytelling prowess, saying, “Colman Domingo’s performances are a masterclass in the art of storytelling. Domingo’s presence, on stage and on screen, is a gift to audiences, and his work continues to resonate, leaving an indelible impact. He is a true visionary in the world of performance, and we’re excited to honor him this year.”
Domingo, who identifies as Afro-Latino, will join a distinguished list of past recipients of the TIFF Tribute Performer Award. This includes luminaries such as Brendan Fraser and the ensemble cast of “My Policeman” in 2022, Jessica Chastain and Benedict Cumberbatch in 2021, Kate Winslet and Sir Anthony Hopkins in 2020, and Meryl Streep and Joaquin Phoenix in 2019.
The TIFF Tribute Awards gala is an integral part of TIFF’s annual fundraising efforts, having raised a remarkable $1.3 million in 2022. Presented by Bulgari, the event highlights the shared commitment to arts and culture. This year’s gala will lend support to the Viola Desmond Cinema campaign, a venture initiated through the Every Story Fund in 2022.
Domingo will be among a distinguished group of honorees at the 2023 TIFF Tribute Awards, including Andy Lau, recipient of the Special Tribute Award; Carolina Markowicz, honored with the TIFF Emerging Talent Award presented by MGM Studios; Łukasz Żal, recipient of the TIFF Variety Artisan Award; Shawn Levy, acknowledged with the Norman Jewison Career Achievement Award presented by The Budman Family; Pedro Almodóvar, who will receive the Jeff Skoll Award in Impact Media presented by Participant; and Spike Lee, recipient of the TIFF Ebert Director Award.
For information about the awards, honorees, and event details, visit tiff.net/tribute.
