Carrie Coon to Receive First VIFF Luminary Award
Carrie Coon will be the first acting recipient of VIFF's new Luminary Award, with a conversation on Oct. 4 after a screening of 'The Liberation.'
Carrie Coon will become the first recipient of the Vancouver International Film Festival's new Luminary Award in the acting category, the festival announced. The presentation takes place Oct. 4, followed by a conversation with Coon.
Earlier that same day, Coon's film "The Liberation" screens at VIFF. The festival's program runs Oct. 1-11.
The Luminary Awards will also honor Markus Schleinzer for directing and Leah Nelson for screenwriting.
VIFF Talks opens Oct. 3 with editor Matthew Hannam. Producer Haley Johnson discusses the making of "Obsession" on Oct. 4, and production designers Brandon Tonner-Connolly and Matt Hyland speak Oct. 5. The series closes Oct. 7 with Mark Mothersbaugh.
Among this year's featured guests, Matīss Kaža co-wrote and produced Gints Zilbalodis' "Flow," which won the Academy Award for animated feature. Giancarlo Nasi's credits include "The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo," winner of the Grand Prix at Cannes' Un Certain Regard in 2025, and Evelyn Rack worked on "Sound of Falling," Germany's Oscars submission.
"Tangles," based on Vancouver artist Sarah Leavitt's graphic memoir, won the best first feature Caméra d'Or at Cannes. Its voice cast includes Abbi Jacobson, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, and Seth Rogen. The 2026 CFA showcase takes place Oct. 8. Variety reported the lineup details.
Quick answers
What is the VIFF Luminary Award?
It is a new Vancouver International Film Festival award. Carrie Coon is its first recipient in the acting category, with Markus Schleinzer honored for directing and Leah Nelson for screenwriting.
When does Carrie Coon appear at VIFF?
Coon takes part in a conversation following the Oct. 4 Luminary Award presentation. Her film "The Liberation" screens earlier that day.
When does VIFF Talks run?
The series opens Oct. 3 with editor Matthew Hannam and concludes Oct. 7 with Mark Mothersbaugh.