Known best for her work in directing the Matrix Trilogy, transgender Director Lana Wachowski (formerly known as Larry) is a Star in her own right.  Fans got a thrill in seeing Wachowski‘s new look yesterday at the Press Conference for Cloud Atlas, her upcoming Epic Sci-Fi Flick from Warner Bros. opening October 26, 2012.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

It’s rare we get a chance to see a true Icon, so needless to say it is a thrill just to even see him up-close.  My Childhood memories consist largely of Tom Hanks Movies from Big to A League of their Own, to Oscar-winning turn in Forrest Gump.  Hanks showed his true Star Power yesterday arriving at the Press Conference for Cloud Atlas, signing only a select few Autographs for Fans and simply throwing a satisfying wave to Fans on way out.

The Actor may or may not have had a few select words to say about how TIFF is organized.  Check-out his quote from Vanity Fair here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Fans were delighted to see  acclaimed Actress Susan Sarandon arriving at the Press Conference for Warner Bros.’ upcoming Sci-Fi Epic, Cloud Atlas, making her way into the Crowd to sign some Autographs. Although it was only last year we saw her here to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Thelma & Louise, it is always a delight to see her light-up a Crowd with her smile.  Beauty!

Beautiful Halle Berry stirred-up the crowd of Fans waiting outside the Press Conference for Cloud Atlas yesterday – just one of several Stars arriving in a fleet of SUVs for the ambitious and eagerly-awaited Sci-Fi Flick.  The Oscar Winner was pure gold to Fans, generously making her way through the Crowd from front to back and signing a “storm” of Autographs.  Fans were so satisfied they gave her a round of applause! It’s always refreshing to see a Celebrity who “gets it” – even at Berry’s stature!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Irish-born Funnyman Chris O’Dowd quickly is becoming a household name thanks to a brilliant turn in last year’s hit Comedy Bridesmaids. Just three days after his Co-Star Kristen Wiig lit-up TIFF 2012, he too came to present his latest effort, The Sapphires. which eOne Films will be releasing in Canada.

O’Dowd was gracious with Fans at the Premiere of the Musical Comedy at VISA Screening Room, stopping with cigarette in-mouth and Sharpie in one hand, ensuring every request was catered to.  Harvey Weinstein is said to be v. excited about this Australian Production, seen milling about in and out of the Premiere to judge audience reactions.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

The Hunger Games Star Jennifer Lawrence certainly is gaining lots of Oscar buzz for her work in Silver Linings Playbook from Director David O. Russell, and you would be hard-pressed to find anyone in Hollywood whose star has risen as quickly as hers these past few years.  Many Insiders are saying that Lawrence‘s performance here alongside Bradley Cooper could well garner her a second Oscar nomination following 2010 Drama Winter’s Bone.

Lawrence was extremely generous with Fans who queued the Red Carpet at Roy Thomson Hall tonight, drawing several loud cheers and screams.  Loving the flat-ironed Katniss-coloured hair!

Silver Linings Playbook gets a November 21, 2012 release in Canada via Alliance Films.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Everybody loves a bonus! Fans waiting on the arrival of Amy Adams at the TIFF 2012 Press Conferences, got a surprise when Actor/Rapper Ice-T made a sudden appearance with longtime Partner Coco earlier today.  Both were super-nice to stop by and say “hi” and I cannot lie that I loved Ice-T‘s leather Versace Jacket. Obsessed.

Ice-T is in-town promoting his Documentary, Iceberg Slim – Portait of a Pimp which premiered earlier this evening.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Gaining tons of Oscar buzz for his second self-directed Feature, Argo, the handsome Ben Affleck arrived with Wife Jennifer Garner  in Toronto to unveil the new Political Drama. I was one of the lucky few who scored a Snap with the Actor/Director, who was wonderful to Fans with Autographs on his way to and from the Junket.  Argo, Affleck admits, pays tribute to the wonderful country of Canada re-telling the story of six Americans who found shelter at the home of a Canadian Ambassador during the Iranian Revolution.

Crying and shaking still….

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Based on the Novel of the same name, The Perk of Being a Wallflower comes with high expectations and made its debut at Ryerson Theatre tonight.  Stars Emma Watson, Logan Lerman and Ezra Miller drew a huge crowd, although several Fans were left disappointed as they left the venue without as much as a wave.  Lerman and Miller did appear chummy, leaving side-by-side.

Fox Searchlight is scheduling a limited release for the Coming of Age Story beginning later this month.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Who doesn’t love Mark Ruffalo? The always-giving Actor draw a warm reception from Fans at Ryerson Theatre earlier this evening alongside Co-Stars Gwyneth Paltrow, Tim Robbins and Patrick Fugit at the Premiere of Thank You for Sharing, a Comedy about Sex Addicts in recovery.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)