#INTERVIEW: MR. WILL AT THE INAUGURAL “CANADA’S STARS OF THE AWARDS SEASON” GALA

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:

The Canadian Screen Awards are to be held in Toronto on Sunday, March 9, 2014, airing on CBC at 8:00 PM EST.

More details here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)