Lee Chang-dong TIFF Ebert Director Award: Master Filmmaker Wins Historic Career Honor
Auteur filmmaker Lee Chang-dong has achieved a historic milestone in international cinema! The acclaimed Korean auteur will become the first Korean director to receive the prestigious TIFF Ebert Director Award at the 51st Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), as announced by Netflix on Thursday, July 30.
Named after the legendary American film critic Roger Ebert, the award honors visionary directors whose ground-breaking storytelling and distinct artistic achievements have left an indelible impact on global cinema.
Joining an Elite Roster of Global Visionaries
By winning the Lee Chang-dong TIFF Ebert Director Award, the celebrated auteur joins an elite group of past honorees who have defined modern cinema.
| Past Honoree | Notable Works | Nationality |
| Lee Chang-dong | Burning (2018), Oasis (2002), Possible Love (2026) | South Korea |
| Guillermo del Toro | The Shape of Water, Pan’s Labyrinth | Mexico |
| Denis Villeneuve | Dune, Blade Runner 2049 | Canada |
| Chloé Zhao | Nomadland | China |
| Sam Mendes | 1917, American Beauty | United Kingdom |
New Film ‘Possible Love’ Heading to Venice and TIFF
The career tribute comes alongside the global festival debut of Lee’s highly anticipated feature film, “Possible Love”. Invited to the Special Presentations section at TIFF, the romantic drama explores the complex lives of two married couples—a laid-off worker and his wife, alongside a documentary director and her husband.
Star-Studded Cast:
-
Zo In-sung
-
Cho Yeo-jeong (Parasite)
-
Jeon Do-yeon (Cannes Best Actress Winner for Secret Sunshine)
-
Seol Kyung-gu
Before making its North American debut in Toronto, “Possible Love” will compete for the prestigious Golden Lion at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival in September.
Release Schedule for ‘Possible Love’
Fans eagerly awaiting Lee Chang-dong’s latest masterpiece following his acclaimed thriller Burning (2018) can mark their calendars for its upcoming multi-platform rollout:
-
Korean Theatrical Release: September 23 (Limited Run)
-
Global Netflix Premiere: November 6
As the Lee Chang-dong TIFF Ebert Director Award honors a lifetime of cinematic excellence, the global film community looks forward to celebrating his legacy at the Toronto International Film Festival from September 10 to 20.
