Mira Nair receives TIFF Tribute award alongside Anthony Hopkins, Kate Winslet, Chloe Zhao

In a new normal for film festivals, the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) began its second annual TIFF Tribute awards by honouring actress Kate Winslet, actor Sir Anthony Hopkins, filmmakers Chloe Zhao, Tracey Deer, and Mira Nair, and musician Terence Blanchard.

Nair, who recently directed the BBC adaptation of Vikram Seth's novel, A Suitable Boy, received the award from her frequent collaborator, actress Tabu. The series, starring Tanya Maniktala, Ishaan Khatter and Tabu, is being screened at this year's edition. 

The gala was held virtually and featured an introduction from director Martin Scorcese. Hosted by Chloe Wilde and Tyrone Edwards, the evening saw a host of presenters from actress Jodie Foster, Olivia Colman, Tabu, and director Ava DuVernay among others present the awards virtually through online conferencing. 

Anthony Hopkins and Kate Winslet both received the TIFF Tribute Actor awards which Hopkins dedicated to first responders and health workers all over the world. "This award is yours," said the Oscar-winning actor. 

Director Mira Nair was presented with the Jeff Skoll award in Impact Media for her films. Presenting the award, actress Tabu, who collaborated with the director on films like The Namesake (2007) and the recent series A Suitable Boy. 

Presenting the award, Tabu said, "Giving us films like Monsoon Wedding, The Namesak, Queen Of Katwe, and most recently...A Suitable Boy, see Mira, art can change the world."

Nair responded by saying, "I have often said, If we don’t tell our stories, no one else will, but it doesn’t stop at that. In telling those stories, I have discovered the great power of listening, the possibility of making bridges...of translation of being porous. Here’s to them."

The evening also featured a performance by singer Shawn Mendes. The 45th Toronto International Film Festival is set to conclude on 19 September.