Giancarlo Esposito Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award at ICFF’s Luxurious Event
ICFF’s exclusive event was an unforgettable evening filled with laughter, inspiration, and heart. The celebration began with a hilariously engaging introduction by Canadian filmmaker Matt Johnson (Blackberry fame), setting the tone for a night that celebrated the incredible career of Giancarlo Esposito, a Hollywood icon known for his unforgettable performances in Breaking Bad, The Mandalorian, and many more.
Johnson opened up by asking Esposito about Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis premiering at Cannes Film Festival earlier this year. The film also screened at TIFF in September, prompting Johnson to inquire which audience Esposito believed understood the film more.
Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis: A Cannes and TIFF Triumph
The conversation kicked off with a question from Johnson about Esposito’s role in Francis Ford Coppola’s highly anticipated Megalopolis, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year and later screened at TIFF. When asked which audience resonated more with the film, Esposito humorously remarked:
“The French love everything. They see the nuance of it no matter what it is.”
Esposito shared a delightful behind-the-scenes story of receiving direction from Coppola through a megaphone amidst a room of 300 extras. His dedication to the craft was evident as he recalled walking through a maze to personally hear Coppola’s note, reflecting his desire to connect deeply with every project he works on.
On Breaking Bad and the Art of Character Creation
Esposito’s career has spanned decades, with his iconic role as Gus Fring in Breaking Bad earning him worldwide acclaim. Reflecting on his approach to crafting characters, Esposito shared:
“I have a different program for everything I do. On Breaking Bad, I realized I had to flow seamlessly into an already established world. My method was simple—I just did it. I let my stillness and silence speak volumes, allowing my scene partners to react to the energy I brought.”
This deliberate, understated approach is what made Gus Fring one of the most chilling and memorable villains in television history.
Fashion, Capes, and The Mandalorian
Esposito’s love for fashion, passed down from his father, plays a key role in his on-screen presence. When asked about his iconic cape in The Mandalorian, Esposito joked:
“The first time I tried the cape, I kicked everyone out of the room. There was a floor-to-ceiling mirror, and I just twirled. That’s when I knew—I had made it!”
He spoke of his “superpower” as an actor: the ability to control chaos on set. Whether improvising or staying bulletproof in his preparation, Esposito’s joy for the craft shines through.
The Journey to International Fame and Parish
Unlike many actors, Esposito achieved international fame later in life, something he candidly discussed:
“There were so many times I wanted to bail. But I stayed in it because I love it. Once I eradicated my ego and just did the work, I understood that was enough.”
Esposito recounted the challenges of financing and producing Parish, his passion project that took eight years to bring to the screen. He described it as a deeply personal story about family, resilience, and self-reclamation:
“I had to tell that story so I could hold my chin up again and say, ‘It’s okay.’ If you do what you do for the love of it, you’ll never fail.”
A Community Connection and Lifetime Achievement Award
The night concluded with Giancarlo Esposito being presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award, an honor bestowed by ICFF and Lavazza. Esposito’s heartfelt speech paid tribute to Toronto and the sense of community he feels when visiting the city:
“It’s such a pleasure and an honor to come together with a community of people who are so involved. Toronto has always welcomed me with open arms, and I am so grateful for this award.”
[Review by Jurgen Sosa]