Shawn Levy Snags TIFF's Inaugural Norman Jewison Award

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has announced that its new Norman Jewison Career Achievement Award will be bestowed upon Montreal born director, Shawn Levy. This accolade, sponsored by The Budman Family, is presented to Canadians in the cinematic sphere who have made an international impression with their work. Levy is to receive the award during the TIFF Tribute Awards gala fundraiser on Sunday, September 10, at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel.

Embarking on a career in acting at Yale University, Levy switched his focus to direction, earning an MFA from the USC School of Cinematic Arts in 1994. His directorial debut was with teen dramas like Nickelodeon’s The Secret World of Alex Mack and Animorphs, and the Disney Channel show The Famous Jett Jackson. His elevation to Hollywood heavyweight status began with successful comedies such as Big Fat Liar, Cheaper by the Dozen, and Night at the Museum. His portfolio also includes Real Steel, the Netflix production, The Adam Project, and the highly anticipated future release, Deadpool 3. He was a contender for the coveted Best Picture Oscar as a producer on the Amy Adams-Jeremy Renner sci-fi movie, Arrival.

Levy’s production company, 21 Laps, maintains an ongoing film and TV contract with Netflix. Over the years, he has shown a commitment to encouraging a wide range of storytellers. This commitment is reflected in his involvement in high-profile Netflix series like Stranger Things and the forthcoming All the Light We Cannot See, based on Anthony Doerr’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. The first two episodes of this series will be highlighted at this year's TIFF.

In addition to his numerous directorial achievements, Levy is at the helm of the upcoming Netflix limited series, The Perfect Couple. Acknowledging the award, TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey said, “With a multi-faceted career spanning over three decades, Shawn Levy has become one of the most versatile filmmakers and storytellers of his generation, and we’re thrilled for him to be the inaugural recipient of this Award.”

Levy joins the recently declared list of 2023 TIFF Tribute Award recipients that includes Pedro Almodóvar, Spike Lee, and past honorees such as Brendan Fraser, Jessica Chastain, and Chloé Zhao, who have all gone on to garner awards on the global stage.

Now, let’s talk about Levy. This man is the Swiss Army Knife of Hollywood, dabbling in everything from directing, acting, and producing, with an impressive list of creations under his belt. Remember when we all chuckled over ‘Night at the Museum’ or were captivated by the twisty sci-fi ‘Arrival’? That's classic Levy.

His work ethic is remarkable as he continues to churn out successful productions while managing to stay, dare I say, relevant in an industry as fickle as ours. Even my grandmother watches ‘Stranger Things’, a testament to his broad appeal.

Levy's commitment to empowering storytellers across genres is admirable - he’s not just about creating his vision (although he does that superbly), but also providing a platform for other voices. For this, among many things, we should raise our popcorn boxes in salute to Shawn Levy.

Predicting who will receive the Norman Jewison award next year is tough, but the recipient will certainly be someone who can navigate Hollywood like a chameleon, seamlessly blending with every genre and media format, just as Levy has. If there's a Mount Rushmore for versatile, innovative creators in Hollywood, Levy's face should be chiselled there, front and center. Congratulations and here’s to anticipating many more diverse and engaging productions from Shawn Levy and 21 Laps. And, of course, let’s not forget Deadpool 3 - I have my spandex suit already pressed!