The Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) is set to introduce two new competitive awards, marking a significant shift in its focus and recognition of diverse cinematic contributions. One of these new awards will be dedicated to Southeast Asian cinema, while the other will honor women in the film industry. These additions reflect TIFF’s ongoing efforts to diversify its programming and support underrepresented voices in global cinema. The newly established "Nippon Cinema Now" section will feature two awards: Best Film and a Special Jury Prize. This segment aims to highlight emerging talent and innovative storytelling within the Japanese film industry. The jury for these awards will consist of both Japanese and international film professionals, ensuring a broad and inclusive perspective on the selected works. In addition to Nippon Cinema Now, TIFF is introducing a special prize dedicated to women in cinema. This award seeks to recognize the contributions of female filmmakers, actors, and other industry professionals, addressing the historical underrepresentation of women in film awards. The festival aims to use this platform to celebrate and elevate the work of women across all areas of filmmaking. TIFF has not yet provided full details on the selection process or criteria for these new awards. However, the festival has emphasized that these changes are part of a broader initiative to enhance inclusivity and reflect the evolving landscape of global cinema. As the festival continues to grow, these new awards are expected to play a key role in shaping the future of international film recognition.