Actress Jessica Chastain starring in the upcoming “The Eyes of Tammy Faye” will receive the TIFF Tribute Actor Award at the 2021 TIFF Tribute Awards taking place during the 46th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival.

“Jessica has brought to life such strong and inspiring roles for women, from the films that have screened at TIFF such as The Debt, Take Shelter, The Martian, Crimson Peak, and Molly’s Game to the upcoming World Premiere of The Eyes of Tammy Faye at the Festival — she is one of the most respected actors of her generation,” said Vicente, Executive Director and Co-Head, TIFF. “Her recent portrayal of Tammy Faye Bakker is a testament to her exceptional onscreen presence and talent.”

The Eyes of Tammy Faye is an intimate look at the extraordinary rise, fall and redemption of televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker. In the 1970s and ’80s, Tammy Faye and her husband, Jim Bakker, rose from humble beginnings to create the world’s largest religious broadcasting network and theme park, and were revered for their message of love, acceptance and prosperity. Tammy Faye was legendary for her indelible eyelashes, her idiosyncratic singing, and her eagerness to embrace people from all walks of life. However, it wasn’t long before financial improprieties, scheming rivals, and scandal toppled their carefully constructed empire.

Previous recipients of the TIFF Tribute Actor Award include Meryl Streep, Joaquin Phoenix, Kate Winslet, and Sir Anthony Hopkins.

TIFF recently announced that award-winning documentary filmmaker, writer, singer, and activist Alanis Obomsawin will be honoured with the Jeff Skoll Award in Impact Media, and Academy Award–nominated French Canadian filmmaker Denis Villeneuve will receive the TIFF Ebert Director Award at this year’s Awards.