Carrie Coon will be the inaugural recipient of the Vancouver International Film Festival's new Luminary Award, honouring her excellence and dedication to acting. The award recognition comes as part of VIFF's expanded programming from 1-11 October, which includes comprehensive talks, panels and masterclasses featuring prominent filmmakers, editors, producers and industry professionals from across the globe. Coon will participate in a wide-ranging conversation following the award presentation on 4 October, during which her film "The Liberation" also screens at the festival.

The festival will present Luminary Awards across multiple categories: Markus Schleinzer receives recognition for directing excellence for his work on "Rose," whilst screenwriter Leah Nelson is honoured for "Tangles." VIFF's programming features distinguished speakers including film editor Matthew Hannam (known for collaborations with directors like Halina Reijn and Noah Baumbach), composer Mark Mothersbaugh (celebrated for his work on Wes Anderson films), and international producers and editors from Latvia, Chile, and Germany. The masterclasses and panels emphasise international co-productions and the pathways from festival selection to commercial distribution, with particular focus on Vancouver's trajectory as a filmmaking hub, exemplified by "Tangles," which competed at Cannes.