Mercy Ejibunu

Kenneth Branagh, Chrissie Hynde, Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, Seth Rogen, Léa Seydoux, Channing Tatum, and Mahershala Ali also expected as Festival prepares for 51st edition

The Toronto International Film Festival has announced its highly anticipated talent lineup for the 51st edition, with approximately 800 guests expected to attend, including some of the biggest names in global cinema. The star studded list features Academy Award winners Javier Bardem, Penélope Cruz, Helen Mirren, Mahershala Ali, Forest Whitaker, and Michelle Yeoh, alongside Cynthia Erivo, Kenneth Branagh, Seth Rogen, Léa Seydoux, Channing Tatum, and Naomi Watts.

Music legends Chrissie Hynde and Rush members Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson are also expected on the red carpet, reflecting the Festival’s broad cultural reach. Other notable attendees include Hiam Abbass, Gael García Bernal, Fan Bingbing, Jesse Eisenberg, Ayo Edebiri, Tom Hiddleston, Daniel Kaluuya, John Malkovich, Julianne Moore, Megan Rapinoe, Issa Rae, Chris Rock, Andrew Scott, Sebastian Stan, Sir Gary Oldman, and Rebel Wilson.

The talent list also highlights a strong Nigerian and African presence, with Nollywood stars such as Odunlade Adekola, Bimbo Ademoye, Mercy Aigbe, and Iyabo Ojo expected to attend, alongside filmmakers Kaelo Iyizoba and Daniel Oriahi, whose film The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives will have its World Premiere.

This year’s Tribute presenters include Gael García Bernal, John Cho, Nyla Innuskus, Anna Kendrick, Lee Chang dong, Sul Kyung gu, John Madden, Chris Rock, and Florian Zeller.

The 51st edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, runs September 10 to 20, 2026. There are no further scheduled Festival announcements until the TIFF Awards on Sunday, September 20.