Some of Canada’s brightest Stars convened in Beverly Hills last night for the inugural Canada’s Stars of the Awards Season Gala, held at L’Ermitage Hotel. Confirmed for the Red Carpet Affair were some of the most popular working names (some seen above) in Hollywood including Laura Vandervoort, Kathleen Robertson, Ellen Wong, Wendy Crewson, Vik Sahay, Amanda Plummer, Tricia Helfer and Suzanne Somers. Not only this, some of the Nation’s brightest Rising Stars including Sophie Nélisse and Cara Gee were present to ring-in the Festivities, which later saw the Party head poolside at the historic Hotel.

The Gala, timed right between the Academy Awards this weekend in Hollywood and the Canadian Screen Awards next month in Toronto, is a partnership between Telefilm Canada, the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television and the Consulate General of Canada in Los Angeles, in collaboration with Bell Media and the Toronto International Film Festival.  eTalk‘s Tanya Kim emceed the crowded Reception, toughing it out with flare in a pair of round-toed Guccis, introducing among others, Academy CEO Helga Stephenson, who commanded the Room’s attention, reminding all that aside from the fabulous Cocktails, amazing Burger Sliders and Crabcakes, “We are here to honour Canadian Talent.”.  Rounds of applause were handed to Canadian Screen Award Nominees in attendance.

Nominees below:

Why a glitzy bash in Hollywood though, if this is about the Canadians?  Chair, Founder of the Canadian Film Centre and multiple Academy Award-nominated Director Norm Jewison says it best on the Red Carpet. “We are too polite to tell people we’re talented. I see so much Canadian Talent coming down here and nobody knows. ‘Maybe they won’t like me if I’m Canadian?’. We hide it”, he states sans filter. “I’ve never hid it. I’m very proud and I’m very proud of Canadian Talent”, he adds. Wonder what the Moonstruck and The Thomas Crown Affair Helmer thinks about this year’s Best Picture Contenders? “They all stood out. I loved Philomena, 12 Years a Slave and Nebraska” he reveals. “It’s too tough.”.

What does Wendy Crewson have to say about her two-time Co-Star Rachel McAdams? What was Teen Sensation Sophie Nélisse was wearing?  Does Ellen Wong confirm a possible third season of The Carrie Diaries? Which Toronto Actress just signed-on as a Regular on Hit Series Sleepy Hollow?  Do TIFF Titans Cameron Bailey and Piers Handling reveal any clues what’s to be expected at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival?  Find out below.

See Mr. Will‘s Chats with some of the Talent in Beverly Hills last night:

Formerly known as The Blue Pages, Brooklyn-based Quartet AMERICAN AUTHORS are prepping the release of their major label debut, OH, WHAT A LIFE to be distributed by Universal Music Canada.  Slated to play a Show at The Mod Club tomorrow night in Little Italy, the Band’s Lead Guitarist/Banjoist James Adam Shelley tells me, “I love Toronto!  Even before I was with the Band, I’d come a couple times a year”.  

Shelley, who can speak Mandarin-Chinese I learned, originally hails from sunny Tallahasee, Florida, but his time in New York has prepped him well for dealing with our Extreme Cold Alert. The self-professed Coffee Addict, was rather smitten with Billy, picking him up and playing with him for a bit, insisting he get to hold him in our Group Photo, taken by their awesome Driver.

Bassist Dave Rublin tells me he loves the City and has fond memories of his visit last year, strolling along Queen and King Streets, while Drummer Matt Sanchez wishes he could stay longer.  He reveals the Band is Montreal-bound next.

American Authors already are on-to something big, their super-catchy debut Single Best Day of My Life, on the verge of cracking the Top 20 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Chart. Chances are even if you’re not familiar with them by name, their Single should strike a chord of familiarity, having appeared in high rotation in commercial and Trailer formats.

Check-out Best Day of My Life below:

See their Performance on CITY‘s Breakfast Television earlier this morning right here!

Pre-order Oh, What a Life on iTunes here!

 Follow American Authors on Twitter here!

And of course, our Snap:

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Great news!  I’m the worst Person for keeping a secret, hence I’m rather pleased that I managed to keep this under wraps!  After having had California Dreams for many, many years, I’m thrilled to announce that I have been invited as the lone English Canadian Blogger at an ultra prestigious Event in Beverly Hills next month!

A joint Partnership between Telefilm Canada, the Consulate General of Canada and the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, the Canada’s Stars of the Awards Season Reception will  promote the achievements of our talent in the Entertainment Capital of the World on the cusp of both the Academy Awards and the Canadian Screen Awards.    Set to take place on Thursday, February 27, 2014 in Beverly Hills, the star-studded Event to take place at The L’Ermitage, is expected to draw a large turnout including several marquee Canadian Talent based out of Los Angeles.  Oscar-nominated Filmmaker Norman Jewison will serve as Honourary Chair.

I am incredibly excited that my first visit to L.A. is this grand an Affair and I’ll be sure to bring back lots of exciting Stories and Photos from the Event which pays tribute the immense Hotbed of Talent we have here in our Country!

Along the way, I must thank you my Friends, Colleagues and Readers for all your support in my journey as a Blogger in what undoubtedly is one of my brightest moments – never to be forgotten!  I adore you.

In the meantime, feel free to forward some suggestions where I should eat, shop and stargaze.  I can never have enough ideas!

xMr. Will

(Photo credit: LACity.Org)

No shockers here!  The Lego Movie continues its reign at the top of the Box Office once again, spending a third consecutive week at number one for Warner Bros. The 3-D Animated-Feature brings in $31.5 million this weekend from 3,890 theatres, as it edges its way closer to that $200-million mark domestically.

3 Days to Kill starring Kevin Costner and Amber Heard, debuts in second spot for Relativity Media/eOne Films, earning $12.3 million from 2,871 theatres.  The Thriller garnered 25% from Critics on the Tomatometer,  earning a B CinemaScore from Audiences.

Placing third and fourth this weekend are two Toronto-Filmed Action Flicks,  Pompeii with $10 million from 2,658 theatres for Sony Pictures/eOne Films, and RoboCop with $8.7 million respectively, the latter now in its second week out. Pompeii starring Game of Thrones’ Kit Harington, was made for over $100 million, hopefully able to recoup some of that back overseas; Audiences gave it a B CinemaScore.

After an excellent start last weekend which saw it debut in second spot, About Last Night slips to number six this weekend with $7.4 million for Sony Pictures, closing-in on $40 million cumulative. Ride Along, a second Film starring Kevin Hart in the Top Ten, garners $4.6 million at number eight, now in its sixth week out.

After debuting at number seven last weekend, Romantic-Drama Winter’s Tale rounds-out the Top Ten for Warner Bros. with $2.1 million. In two weeks, it has grossed an impressive $11 million across North America.

Okay, admit it.  As a trend-conscious 20-something, Ford wasn’t at the top of my list for Dream Car. Now that I’m in my 30s though, I appreciate practicality, but make no mistake – I still love style. The American Multinational Automaker however truly has stepped-up its game, understanding the Marketplace and what they’ve come-up with is a way of incorporating Ford’s reliability, while offering new options which dare I say, stand side-by-side with several other mid-range to Luxury Cars from its Competitors.  If I might say so myself, I rather enjoyed test-driving the sophisticated FORD FOCUS TITANIUM recently.

I was lucky enough to drive the Vehicle in a flashy Blue Candy Metallic, which actually is reminiscent of Blue Freezies – happy times! Looks aside, I appreciated most its pavement-hugging traction amidst these sloshy, wet Conditions – an aftermath of our prolonged Extreme Cold Alert. Its six-way Power Driver’s Seat angled me into position perfectly for a comfortable ride and best of all, the Luxury Version of the Vehicle came with impressive Leather Seating.

I fully utilized the Focus Titanium‘s indulgent powered, big, bright Moonroof and those who are particularly concerned with safety will appreciate individualized control over the Airbag and also a super-diligent Rear-View Camera which warns you right away when anything might be coming your way as you reverse.  This of course meant a lot to me as I had to transport several invaluable belongings in the Hatchback that day.

You’ll also appreciate its Dual-Climate Heating because let’s face it, not all of us are the same when it comes to temperature preferences. I had the heat up on my side, while my Billy napped away in Doggy Dreamland in the Passenger’s Seat at a lower temperature as we cruised up the Don Valley Parkway.

One of the features I enjoyed most in the Vehicle is its Sirius XM capability. Basically, I didn’t want to leave my Car at points jamming to the ’90s on 9 Station with the Car’s fantastic SONY Audio System. Best of all?  The Car is fuel-efficient for those of you who like me have better things to spend our hard-earned cash on than gas!

Learn all about the Ford Focus Titanium right here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Production fully is now under-way for Anton Corbijn‘s LIFE, which we reported previously would be filming in Toronto. The Drama, based on True Events and the friendship between LIFE Magazine Photographer Dennis Stock and Pop Culture Icon James Dean, stars The Twilight Saga Megastar Robert Pattinson, his third Movie to film in the City over the past three years, and up-and-coming Talent Dane DeHaan.

Filming took place today in the Downtown Core at a Building ridden with Bedbug problems in the past, with both external and internal shoots taking place for much of the afternoon.  As a torrential downpour of sloshy wet snow handicapped the City midday, the Shoot moved indoors where a Movie Premiere scene within the Film had commenced.

Appearing in the Scene is  Academy Award Winner Sir Ben Kingsley, who was reported as having flown into the City for the Film earlier this week, cast as Canadian-born Studio Executive Jack Warner. Spending much of his day in his Trailer, the mustached Thespian was guided along with a Handler under an umbrella, dressed warmly in a green Canada Goose Parka.  “I’m afraid you will take my Photo and show it to your Friends on the Internet!”, said Kingsley when asked by Fans to pose for a Group Photo.  Despite declining to pose for a Photo, upon returning for a Touch-Up later in the day, he threw a quick wave to Fans.

Meanwhile DeHaan, who plays Dean in the ’50s-set LIFE, was enjoying the Olympics in his Trailer. He had an earlier wrap, seen heading home in a Plaid Jacket, Toque and Glasses.

The Film’s Star, Pattinson, was spotted smoking a cigarette in a hidden area of the Building he was filming at in the afternoon, later retiring to his Trailer for a six-hour-long break which saw him lunching on a Subway Sandwich, craving a large bag of Potato Chips in the evening brought to him by his Assistant.  The handsome 27-year-old British Actor who plays the Lead Role of Stock,  donned a Canada Goose Parka and was seen exiting quietly, his hood concealing his face. His Private Bodyguard Dean aided him along to his vehicle, narrowly avoiding a serious fall on the extremely slippery footing.  Fortunately he made it unscathed and fall-free to a late night of filming!

LIFE continues filming west of Toronto tomorrow and is slated to wrap Production late March.

We’ve had a wonderful history with Pattinson over the past few years. Let’s take a walk down Memory Lane, shall we?

Robert Pattinson greets Fans & Mr. Will in Toronto on the Set of Cosmopolis

Robert Pattinson on the Set of Cosmopolis 1

Robert Pattinson on the Set of Cosmopolis 2

Robert Pattinson‘s Final Night filming Cosmopolis

Robert Pattinson at the Canadian Premiere of Cosmopolis

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Mr. Will Wong and Fox Searchlight (Canada) want to give Readers in Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary a chance to see Wes Anderson’s latest Masterpiece THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL before everybody else! We’ve seen it and absolutely we were enchanted! Check back soon for our glowing Review.

Screenings take place tentatively:
Toronto: Week of March 10
Vancouver: Week of March 10
Calgary: Week of March 17

Official Synopsis:

THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL recounts the adventures of Gustave H, a legendary Concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars; and Zero Moustafa, the Lobby Boy who becomes his most trusted Friend. The Story involves the theft and recovery of a priceless Renaissance painting; a raging battle for an enormous Family Fortune; a desperate chase on motorcycles, trains, sleds, and skis; and the sweetest confection of a love affair — all against the back-drop of a suddenly and dramatically changing Continent.

Star-studded THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL stars: Ralph Fiennes, Tony Revolori, F. Murray Abraham, Mathieu Amalric, Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, Jeff Goldblum, Jude Law, Bill Murray, Edward Norton, Saoirse Ronan, Jason Schwartzman, Tilda Swinton, Tom Wilkinson and Owen Wilson.

See the Trailer below:

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook and state your City. You are encouraged to share via Social Media and you can increase your chances by Re-Tweeting the below:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/thegrandbudapesthotel @MRWILLW wants us to enter to #win Advance Passes to see #THEGRANDBUDAPESTHOTEL in #Calgary #Toronto and #Vancouver!

Fox Searchlight (Canada) release THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL on Friday, March 14, 2014 in Toronto, Friday, March 21, 2014 in Edmonton, Montréal, Québec and Friday, March 28, 2014 in- Calgary, Halifax, Ottawa, Victoria, Kitchener. Mark your calendars!

Mr. Will & The Cast of The Grand Budapest Hotel:

(Photo/video credit: Fox Searchlight/Mr. Will Wong)

House of Cards + Cards Against Humanity. Could there be any better a fit? Netflix and the popular daring Card Game Maker have partenered together for limited-time-only HOUSE OF CARDS Pack. In fact, the Card Pack quickly sold out but never fret, Mr. Will has your Hookup!

Netflix Canada and Mr. Will Wong want to give Readers a chance to win a Cards of Humanity – House of Cards Pack.

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. You are encouraged to share this Post via Social Media. Re-Tweet the below to double your chances:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/houseofcardsagainsthumanity @MRWILLW wants us to #win a limited edition #CARDSAGAINSTHUMANITY #HOUSEOFCARDS PACK! Series Season 2 out now!

Good luck. Contest open to Canadian Readers only.

See the Trailer for HOUSE OF CARDS Season 2 below:

HOUSE OF CARDS Season 2 is now available for streaming, only on Netflix.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

Chris Pratt certainly is a Star on the rise basking in the success of The Lego Movie and with his all-American good looks and comedic relatability, there isn’t a reason why he can’t be the Nation’s next Megastar. He stars in the new Action-Fantasy-Comedy as a Jet Pilot who gets stranded in space, and must unite a diverse team of aliens to form a squad capable of defeating cosmic threats. Jimmy Kimmel got the exclusive tonight premiering the Trailer for Guardians of the Galaxy. And for only 24 hours on his YouTube Channel, you can watch it first!

Guardians of the Galaxy also stars Bradley Cooper, Zoe Saldana, Benicio del Toro, Glenn Close, Chris Pine, Djimon Honsou, Vin Diesel and Lee Pace.

See the Trailer below:

Walt Disney Motion Pictures Canada release Guardians of the Galaxy on August 1, 2014.

(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Motion Pictures Canada)

In celebration of the release of Game of Thrones‘ Season Three on DVD, Stars Kristian Nairn and Isaac Hempstead-Wright, have arrived in  Toronto to ring-in the occasion! The Thespians, who play Hodor and Bran Stark respectively, braved the slushy weather conditions to do a bit of promotion this morning, their day starting early in the east-end at CTV‘s CANADA AM.

Right in the nick-of-time, their super-skilled Driver got them to their Breakfast Television appearance at CITY afterwards, all full of smiles and extremely gracious to pose for some Fan Photos. Irishman Nairn in particular, seemed to enjoy the snow. Shortly after, the Duo head over to Global Television‘s The Morning Show to pre-tape an Interview to air soon. 14-year-old Hempstead-Wright meanwhile, is a bit of Sultan of Style in-the-making, wearing some awesome boots and his Sweater which looked like Halloween –  the coolest!

In case you missed them, both Nairn and Wright will be meeting Fans who purchase Game of Thrones: The Complete Third Season at HMV with a qualifying Wristband. The Meet-and-Greet takes place tomorrow at 333 Yonge Street, 12:00 PM tomorow – Wednesday, February 19, 2014.  Details here.

Also a Touring Exhibit featuring Pieces from Game of Thrones will take place in Toronto at TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX from Wednesday, May 14 – Sunday, May 18, 2014.  More details to come.

Check-out the spellbinding Series’ Season Four (premiering Sunday, April 6, 2014) Trailer:

See our Snap:

Game of Thrones: The Complete Third Season is now in stores via Warner Home Entertainment/HBO.

Order it here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)