Suzette Mayr has been named the winner of the 2022 Scotiabank Giller Prize for her novel, The Sleeping Car Porter, published by Coach House Books, taking home $100,000 courtesy of Scotiabank.

The announcement was made at a black-tie dinner and award ceremony hosted by poet, artist and performer Rupi Kaur and award-winning actress and producer Sarah Gadon, attended by over 300 guests. The gala was broadcast live commercial-free presented by Scotia Wealth Management on CBC, CBC Radio One, and streamed live on CBCBooks.ca.

This year, the Prize celebrates its 29th anniversary.

The remaining finalists, listed below, will each receive $10,000:

Kim Fu for her short story collection, Lesser-Known Monsters of the 21st Century, published by Coach House Books

Rawi Hage for his short story collection, Stray Dogs, published by Knopf Canada

Tsering Yangzom Lama for her novel, We Measure the Earth With Our Bodies, published by McClelland & Stewart

Noor Naga for her novel, If an Egyptian Cannot Speak English, published by Graywolf Press
The longlist, shortlist, and winner of the 2022 Scotiabank Giller Prize were selected by an esteemed five-member jury panel: Canadian authors Kaie Kellough, Casey Plett (Jury Chair), and Waubgeshig Rice, joined by American authors Katie Kitamura and Scott Spencer. On September 6, the jury narrowed down the 138 submitted works to 14 to create the longlist. The shortlist of five was selected on September 27. And just this very morning, the jury met to choose tonight’s winner.

Of the winning book, the jury wrote:

“Suzette Mayr brings to life –believably, achingly, thrillingly –a whole world contained in a passenger train moving across the Canadian vastness, nearly one hundred years ago. As only occurs in the finest historical novels, every page in The Sleeping Car Porter feels alive and immediate –and eerily contemporary. The sleeping car porter in this sleek, stylish novel is named R.T. Baxter –called George by the people upon whom he waits, as is every other Black porter. Baxter’s dream of one day going to school to learn dentistry coexists with his secret life as a gay man, and in Mayr’s triumphant novel we follow him not only from Montreal to Calgary, but into and out of the lives of an indelibly etched cast of supporting characters, and, finally, into a beautifully rendered radiance.”

Suzette Mayr is the author of the novels Dr. Edith Vane and the Hares of Crawley Hall, Monoceros, Moon Honey, The Widows, and Venous Hum. The Widows was shortlisted for the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Best Book in the Canada-Caribbean region, and has been translated into German. Moon Honey was shortlisted for the Writers’ Guild of Alberta’s Best First Book and Best Novel Awards. Monoceros won the ReLit Award, the City of Calgary W. O. Mitchell Book Prize, was longlisted for the 2011 Giller Prize, and shortlisted for a Ferro-Grumley Award for LGBT Fiction, and the Georges Bugnet Award for Fiction. She and her partner live in a house in Calgary close to a park teeming with coyotes.

Listen to CBC Radio’s q tomorrow for an interview with Suzette Mayr and relive the gala at CBCBooks.ca.

Ask the author your questions about her book during a live Twitter chat hosted by @GillerPrize on Thursday, November 10, at 2 p.m. ET using the hashtag #GillerWinner.

More here at www.scotiabankgillerprize.ca.

Toronto rolled-out the Red Carpet for a legend tonight as Sylvester Stallone made a rare appearance in the City in advance of his Television debut in upcoming Paramount+ Series TULSA KING! The Academy Award-nominated Actor has the distinction of appearing in Films which have topped the Box Office each decade over a span of six decade. With a celebrated career which has seen him front iconic franchises like Rocky, The Expendables and Rambo, the world certainly has a special place in their heart for Stallone, who walked the Red Carpet at a Special Screening of the Series at Scotiabank Theatre, with an Afterparty thrown at gorgeous new hotspot, Marked. The Venue was decorated to pay tribute the legacy of Paramount Pictures classics, with room inspired by #1 Paramount+ Series, YELLOWSTONE. The main bar was a lit by a neon sign reading TULSA KING and there were even Cocktails inspired by Paramount and the new Series.

Stallone completed a round of Press with select outlets, before appearing at the Premiere to introduce the Series before a live audience comprised of influencers and Media. He was joined by wife Jennifer Flavin at his side.

Synopsis:

TULSA KING follows New York mafia capo Dwight “The General” Manfredi (Stallone) just after he is released from prison after 25 years and unceremoniously exiled by his boss to set up shop in Tulsa, Okla. Realizing that his mob family may not have his best interests in mind, Dwight slowly builds a crew from a group of unlikely characters, to help him establish a new criminal empire in a place that to him might as well be another planet.

The series also stars Max Casella (“The Tender Bar”), Domenick Lombardozzi (“The Irishman”), Vincent Piazza (“Boardwalk Empire”), A.C. Peterson (“Superman & Lois”) and Dana Delany (“Body of Proof”).

Some Snaps and a Reel from tonight:

TULSA KING arrives November 13, 2022 only on Paramount+.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount+/Mr. Will Wong)

At long last we get an official Trailer for TIFF ’22 selection GLASS ONION: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY!

GLASS ONION: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY is in Select Theaters for One Week Only November 23, 2022
and On Netflix December 23, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

Walt Disney Studios Canada x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win Advance Passes to see Disney’s STRANGE WORLD!

Screenings take place on Monday, November 21, 2022 in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa and Montreal.

Synopsis:

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ original action-packed adventure “Strange World” introduces a legendary family of explorers, the Clades, as they attempt to navigate an uncharted, treacherous land alongside a motley crew that includes a mischievous blob, a three-legged dog and a slew of ravenous creatures. The voice cast includes Jake Gyllenhaal as Searcher Clade, a family man who finds himself out of his element on an unpredictable mission; Dennis Quaid as Searcher’s larger-than-life explorer father, Jaeger; Jaboukie Young-White as Searcher’s 16-year-old son, Ethan, who longs for adventure; Gabrielle Union as Meridian Clade, an accomplished pilot and Searcher’s partner in all things; and Lucy Liu as Callisto Mal, Avalonia’s fearless leader who spearheads the exploration into the strange world. Helmed by Don Hall (Oscar®-winning “Big Hero 6,” “Raya and the Last Dragon”) and co-director/writer Qui Nguyen (co-writer “Raya and the Last Dragon”), and produced by Roy Conli (Oscar®-winning “Big Hero 6,” “Tangled”), “Strange World” releases November 23, 2022.

To enter for a chance to win, please click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Re-Tweet the Contest Tweet below for an extra chance.

Rules and regulations here.

(Photo/video credit: Disney)

The five world-class illusionists that make up mind-bending theatrical production Champions Of Magic will be back on tour in Ontario following sell out shows across the globe, rave reviews and a run in London’s West End. Catch this incredible show, which is perfect for the whole family, at the Flato Markham Theatre from November 30 to December 1, 2022 Centre in the Square in Kitchener from December 2 to 3, 2022 and the Peterborough Memorial Centre on December 9, 2022.

With more than 50 million online views between them, this cast of top magicians includes international award-winners presenting incredible mind reading, stunning close-up magic and daring large-scale illusions. Their skills have been seen on screen around the world with appearances on The CW’s ‘Penn & Teller: Fool Us’, NBC’s ‘Caught on Camera with Nick Cannon’, ‘The Today Show’ & ‘Access Hollywood Live’.

“You HAVE to check them out! That was tremendous!” – Access Hollywood Live

“That’s incredible… you guys are rock stars” – FOX 8 Cleveland

“I’m amazed… a one-of-a-kind show” – FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth

The Champions Of Magic team perform incredible interactive illusions, an impossible escape from Houdini’s water torture cell, a mind-blowing prediction that has to be seen to be believed, levitation high above the stage and a finale beyond explanation. The show features spectacular magic that can’t be seen anywhere else.

Now’s your chance to see why fans return to see one of the world’s biggest touring illusions shows time and time again. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here.

CHAMPIONS OF MAGIC – ONTARIO TOUR DATES

November 30, 2022 – Markham, ON – Flato Markham Centre

December 1, 2022 – Markham, ON – Flato Markham Centre

December 2, 2022 – Kitchener, ON – Centre in The Square

December 3, 2022 – Kitchener, ON – Centre in The Square *matinee

December 3, 2022 – Kitchener, ON – Centre in The Square

December 9, 2022 – Peterborough, ON – Peterborough Memorial Centre

Upcoming STAR WARS Series THE ACOLYTE is next to come in the fantastical Lucasfilm universe and some casting announcements were made today. The Series already is under production in the UK.

Joining the previously announced Amandla Stenberg (“The Hate U Give”) are Emmy Award-winner Lee Jung-jae (“Squid Game”), Manny Jacinto (“Nine Perfect Strangers”), Dafne Keen (“His Dark Materials”), Jodie Turner-Smith (“Queen & Slim”), Rebecca Henderson (“Inventing Anna”), Charlie Barnett (“Russian Doll”), Dean-Charles Chapman (“1917”) and Carrie-Anne Moss (“The Matrix”).

“The Acolyte” is a mystery-thriller that will take viewers into a galaxy of shadowy secrets and emerging dark-side powers in the final days of the High Republic era. A former Padawan reunites with her Jedi Master to investigate a series of crimes, but the forces they confront are more sinister than they ever anticipated. 

From creator, showrunner and executive producer Leslye Headland (“Russian Doll”), “The Acolyte”has begun production in the U.K. The executive producers are Kathleen Kennedy, Simon Emanuel, Jeff F. King and Jason Micallef. Rayne Roberts and Damian Anderson are producing. Headland will also direct the series pilot.

(Photo credit: Disney)

For a third straight weekend, BLACK ADAM proves too tough to beat, taking the #1 spot yet again with $15 million from 4,402 theatres for Warner Bros. In its domestic run so far, it has earned $134 million.

Debuting in second is ONCE PIECE FILM: RED for Crunchyroll/Sony Pictures, with $9.5 million from 2,400 theatres. The Animated Feature gets a stellar 95% on the Tomatometer from Critics.

Third is TICKET TO PARADISE with $7.2 million from 3,692 theatres for Universal Pictures, a tally of $45.5 million in its run to date. That’s the power of Julia Roberts and George Clooney in a market missing its Rom-Coms!

Fourth is the resilient SMILE with $3.4 million from 3,221 theatres for Paramount Pictures, a total $98.7 million to date.

Rounding things out is PREY FOR THE DEVIL with $3.3 million from 2,980 theatres for Cineplex Pictures/Lionsgate. It has made $13 million over two weekends.

For the first time ever, Toronto-based Songwriting Duo Good Grief hosted THE INNER CIRCLE: A SONGWRITERS’ SHOWCASE at The Drake Underground. The intimate event brought together on-stage some of this highly-sought-after Duo’s collaborators, to perform acoustic versions of their songs in a Songwriters’ Circle. Good Grief is comprised of Singer-Songwriters Bryn McCutcheon (also known as Bryn) and Kirstyn Johnson (also known as Aryss). After meeting a fateful Songwriters’ Camp, they’ve joined forces and have worked with some of the biggest emerging names including one of our faves, Lilyisthatyou.

Appearing at the event, which hopefully will launch into a Series, were Universal Music Canada Artists Reve and Sofia Camara, plus the amazing Ralph, whom we adore. Telling the audience the stories behind the songs, we got two rounds of songs from each of the special guests and Good Grief, including one round where the Artists performed their collaborations with the Duo. This was followed by individual sets from each McCutcheon and Johnson.

The City definitely needs more platforms to showcase emerging talent, test new material and of course, create a space for female voices in a supportive environment. This was just wonderful and most amazing of all, we got a chance to interact with these amazing Singer-Songwriters. Definitely an experience worth checking-out.

Some Snaps:

Highlights and performances:

Follow these Artists on IG for more:

Good Grief

Bryn

Aryss

Sofia Camara

Rêve

Ralph

Prime Video will launch The Continental, the highly anticipated special event series based on the blockbuster action franchise John Wick. The prequel is produced by Lionsgate Television, and will be exclusively available to Prime Video members worldwide excluding the U.S., Middle East and Israel in 2023.

The Continental is told from the perspective of the hotel manager, portrayed by Ian McShane in the film franchise – a young Winston Scott, played by Colin Woodell (The Flight Attendant). Throughout the series, viewers will follow Winston through the underworld of ‘70’s New York, where he will battle demons from his past as he attempts to seize control of the iconic hotel – a hotel that serves as a meeting point for the world’s most dangerous criminals.

Woodell is joined by Mel Gibson (Braveheart), as Cormac; Ayomide Adegun (The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes), who will portray a young Charon (based on the character portrayed by Lance Reddick); Ben Robson (Vikings) as Frankie; Hubert Point-Du Jour (Dr. Death) as Miles; Jessica Allain (The Laundromat) playing Lou; Mishel Prada (Vida) as KD; Nhung Kate (The Housemaid) as Yen; and Peter Greene (Training Day), who dons the fedora of Uncle Charlie (based on the tight-lipped body disposal expert).

“The John Wick films have created one of the most immersive, detailed and enjoyable universes we’ve seen on screen in the last decade” said Chris Mansolillo, Director, Content Acquisition, Prime Video. “We are extremely proud to play a part in continuing to build that universe, offering viewers an insight into the origins of the infamous Continental Hotel and its incredible characters.”

“We’re delighted to partner with Prime Video, which is always a world-class home for our properties,” said Lionsgate President of Worldwide Television Distribution Jim Packer. “The Continental promises to be one of the major streaming events of 2023, and it will be a perfect fit for Prime Video’s global audience as the John Wick franchise continues to grow. This deal wouldn’t have been possible without Agapy Kapouranis and Chase Brisbin and their talented counterparts at Prime Video, who crafted a multifaceted agreement that reflects today’s evolving marketplace.”

Greg Coolidge and Kirk Ward serve as writers and showrunners on The Continental, and executive produce alongside Albert Hughes, Thunder Road Pictures’ Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee, Chad Stahelski, Derek Kolstad, David Leitch, Paul Wernick, Rhett Reese, and Marshall Persinger. Shawn Simmons serves as a writer and executive producer. Albert Hughes directs the first and third nights and Charlotte Brandstrom directs the second night.

The John Wick films have grossed nearly $600 million worldwide to date, with each film outperforming its predecessor. John Wick: Chapter Four is scheduled for theatrical release worldwide on March 24, 2023.

(Photo credit: Lionsgate)

A sensual new adaptation of D.H Lawrence’s classic novel LADY CHATTERLEY’S LOVER is on the way – notoriously banned at the time of its publication. Directed by Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre, the film stars Emma Corrin and Jack O’Connell, along with Joely Richardson (returning again to the story after famously playing Lady Chatterley in the Ken Russell directed version) and Matthew Duckett. Just arriving today is a new Trailer!

DIRECTOR: Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre
WRITER: David Magee
PRODUCERS: Laurence Mark, Pete Czernin & Graham Broadbent
CAST: Emma Corrin, Jack O’Connell, Matthew Duckett, Joely Richardson
CINEMATOGRAPHY BY: Benoit Delhomme
SCORE BY: Isabella Summers
LOGLINE: Based on the classic D.H. Lawrence novel, a story well ahead of its time, we follow the life of Lady Chatterley, a woman born to a life of wealth and privilege, who soon finds herself married to a man that she eventually falls out of love with. Lady Chatterley engages in a torrid affair with a gamekeeper on their English estate, discovering more desire and intimacy than she thought possible. When she realizes that she has fallen heart and soul, she breaks all traditions of the day and seeks happiness with the man she loves.

LADY CHATTERLEY’S LOVER arrives on Netflix December 2, 2022.

(Photo credit: Netflix)