First Korean Director Honored… New Film "Possible Love" Invited to Special Presentations

Director Lee Chang-dong (provided by Munhwa Ilbo)

Director Lee Chang-dong has been named the recipient of the TIFF Ebert Director Award at the 51st Toronto International Film Festival's Tribute Awards, becoming the first Korean director to receive the honor. Netflix announced the selection on July 30.

The Tribute Awards is a ceremony hosted by the Toronto International Film Festival that honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the film industry, presented across several categories. This year marks the eighth edition of the awards. The ceremony will be held on September 13.

First Korean Recipient of the TIFF Ebert Director Award

The TIFF Ebert Director Award, given in the directing category, is named in honor of American film critic Roger Ebert. Recipients are selected based on directing achievements that have brought meaningful change to the film industry and a body of work reflecting a distinct artistic vision.

Lee Chang-dong was recognized for the singular perspective and cinematic experimentation he has sustained over a directing career spanning nearly 30 years.

Past recipients of the award include Chloé Zhao (2020), Denis Villeneuve (2021), Sam Mendes (2022), Spike Lee (2023), Mike Leigh (2024), and Guillermo del Toro (2025). Lee Chang-dong becomes the first Korean director to receive the honor.

From Best Director at Venice to Best Screenplay at Cannes: Lee Chang-dong's International Festival Record

Lee Chang-dong won the Best Director award at the Venice International Film Festival in 2002 for "Oasis." He went on to win the Best Screenplay award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2010 for "Poetry," and the International Critics' Award (FIPRESCI Prize) at Cannes in 2018 for "Burning."

"Possible Love" marks Lee's first feature film in eight years since "Burning." The new film will hold its world premiere in the competition section of the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, followed by its North American premiere in the Special Presentations section at Toronto.

The film is set for theatrical release in Korea on September 23, followed by its global release on Netflix on November 6. The unusual decision for a Netflix film to receive a theatrical release ahead of streaming is interpreted as an effort to meet eligibility requirements for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film category, which requires a film's first release to take place in its country of origin and a minimum of seven consecutive days of commercial theatrical exhibition.

This year, Lee Chang-dong has recorded both an invitation to the Venice competition section and selection for the Toronto Ebert Director Award. Attention now turns to how "Possible Love" will be received as it travels through the two festivals.

Sources

• Kyunghyang Shinmun, "Lee Chang-dong Wins Toronto Film Festival's Ebert Director Award," 2026.07.30

• Kukmin Ilbo, "Lee Chang-dong Wins Toronto Film Festival's Ebert Director Award, First Korean Director," 2026.07.30

• The Korea Times, "Lee Chang-dong becomes first Korean to win TIFF Ebert Director Award," 2026.07.30

• Munhwa Ilbo, "Director Lee Chang-dong Wins Toronto Film Festival's Ebert Director Award," 2026.07.30

• Seoul Shinmun, "'Possible Love' Director Lee Chang-dong Achieves Historic First for Korea with Toronto Film Festival's Ebert Director Award," 2026.07.30