So we came to Hollywood this Awards Season hoping to see a few stars. Since our unforgettable night at AN EVENING WITH CANADA’S STARS, honouring our country’s best in Cinema, it seems we’ve experienced a bit of trouble finding starpower in this City on Oscars week. Where are the stars hiding?!?
Come on, let’s go on a bit of search together, shall we?
#DenzelWashington out partying last night. #AcademyAwards #Oscars
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#CaseyAffleck partying pre-#Oscars. #AcademyAwards
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With #StarWars #TheForceAwakens’ #JJAbrams, last night in #LosAngeles.
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#DaisyRidley, star of #TheForceAwakens last night in L.A.
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The best. #JessicaChastain #IndependentSpiritAwards #Oscars #AcademyAwards
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#CateBlanchett, #IndependentSpiritAwards. #Oscars #AcademyAwards
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Verklempt that I met my #1!! #AcademyAward Nominee #RooneyMara + me. #Oscars
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#LukeWilson, #IndependentSpiritAwards. #Oscars #AcademyAwards
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#MichaelKeaton, #IndependentSpiritAwards. #Oscars #AcademyAwards
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#RamiMalek at the #IndependentSpiritAwards.
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#AaronTaylorJohnson + #SamTaylorJohnson. #AcademyAwards #Oscars #Kickass #FiftyShadesofGrey
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#JoanCollins celebrating British Film. #AcademyAwards #Oscars
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#AcademyAward winner #TimRobbins celebrating #LeonardoDiCaprio. #Oscars
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It’s #Frasier! With #KelseyGrammer. #Oscars #AcademyAwards
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Funnyman #JamesCorden celebrating British Film. #AcademyAwards #Oscars
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My girl #KateHudson. At her fitness wear shop, #Fabletics.
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#EddieRedmayne celebrating British Film. #AcademyAwards #Oscars
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#AliciaVikander, celebrating British Film. #AcademyAwards #Oscars
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#SissySpacek supporting #LeonardoDiCaprio at private party. #Oscars #AcademyAwards
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The lovely and legendary #CharlotteRampling, a Nominee for #45Years. #Oscars #AcademyAwards
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#AntonioBanderas shows his support for #LeonardoDiCaprio at private party. #AcademyAwards #Oscars
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#TimAllen, celebrating the #Oscars early last night. #AcademyAwards
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Forgot to post this gem with #EmmanuelleChriqui from #AnEveningWithCanadasStars! #xoTO
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Supermodel #TriciaHelfer. Still gorg. #AnEveningWithCanadasStars
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#AishaTyler, out partying. #Oscars #AcademyAwards
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Any #DowntonAbbey fans? #JoanneFroggatt celebrating British Film. #Oscars #AcademyAwards
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#HaileeSteinflee hosting party for Vanity Fair. #AcademyAwards #Oscars
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#DowntonAbbey fave #LesleyNicol. She is the sweetest lady!! #AcademyAwards #Oscars
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With #PrettyLittleLiars star #JulianMorris. #Oscars #AcademyAwards
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Hilarious seeing #Scrubs star #DonaldFaison in Beverly Hills!
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With #Selfie royalty, #StalkerSarah! 📷
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Now that wasn’t so bad, was it?😉
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Now in its third thriving year, AN EVENING WITH CANADA’S STARS was held last night at the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills. Leading into the Academy Awards and Canadian Screen Week, the Gala honours Canadian accomplishments in Cinema during Awards Season and if any year, this was the year to celebrate. The Gala is brought to us by Telefilm Canada, the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television and the Consulate General of Canada in Los Angeles.
Canada notched over 20 nominations at the Academy Awards this year and one Technical Achievement Award! This also marks the first time ever Canada has had two Films in the running for Best Picture, with Canadian Co-Productions ROOM and BROOKLYN both being nominated.
It was an at-capacity crowd as Canadian talent and notables filled the venue. Being honoured with the Academy‘s Legacy Award are two iconic Canadian screen veterans, Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy, whom after making us laugh many years on SCTV, still continue to do so on CBC Series, Schitt’s Creek. Both walked the Carpet tonight with their loved ones before taking the stage to accept their honours.
The fashion was bold and elegant on the Red Carpet with presenter Emmanuelle Chriqui in a gorgeous red and white floral print dress making a subtle Canadian statement. Amanda Brugel was a vision in wavy white, reminding us again what a triumph she was in ROOM as a quick thinking police officer who helps save the day. Laura Vandervoort simply never disappoints and chose a fashion-forward pink lace number. Katie Boland was a stunner in a magenta dress, looking classic and chic. Missy Peregrym continues to rock our world with her amazing choices including a dyed pixie cut and short black dress shirt-like number. Academy Award-nominated Shoreh Aghdashloo was effortlessly chic in simple, flattering red. Stealing the entire show though was dapper Jacob Tremblay, star of ROOM in a perfectly-tailored and patriotic red suit which had us both jealous and in “awww”. Did we mention his swoon-worthy police detective dad Jason was there too? Effortlessly cool in a non-stagedad way.
Why don’t you be the judge of that? Let’s gawk at some of that Canadian beauty which the World can’t seem to get enough of:
Presenters Lyriq Bent + Emmanuelle Chriqui
Emmanuelle Chriqui
Lyriq Bent
Legacy Award honourees Catherine O’Hara + Eugene Levy
Catherine O’Hara + Guest
Eugene Levy
Jacob Tremblay + Amanda Brugel
Adam Beach
Missy Peregrym
Amanda Brugel
Toronto Mayor John Tory + Guests
Sarah Blackwood of Walk Off the Earth
David Sutcliffe
Dustin Milligan
George Stroumboulopoulous with Air Canada‘s Bambina Marcello + Robert Trudeau
Katie Boland
Meaghan Rath
Olivia Cheng
Martin Katz, Academy Chair
Aaron Poole
Sophie Tweed-Simmons
Laura Vandervoort
Ben Mulroney
Dan Levy
Stephan Moccio (co-wrote “Earned It” by The Weeknd for Fifty Shades of Grey)
Shoreh Aghdashloo
Co-Presenter (and Canadian Screen Award Nominee) Lyriq Bent sums-up the spirit of An Evening with Canada’s Stars best by telling the room “We’ve got to show the world what we’re all about because that’s what it takes to be great. We need to understand ourselves before we need others to understand us.”. After he and Chriqui called to stage all Canadian Academy Award Nominees this year, last but not least was the brilliant young star of ROOM himself, Tremblay. “I need you all to understand – this is the future generation. This is why when we see talent, we need to embrace talent, not just tell him how great he is, but to show this young man what it is to be a good man. That’s our responsibility in this industry.”.
Suicide Squad star Adam Beach, who also presented, had a two or thing to say about Tremblay too!
See the Video:
So everybody was trying to crash this Party!
Canadian Screen Week runs Monday, March 7 through Sunday, March 13, 2016, the night of the Canadian Screen Awards.
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
As XXX: The Return of Xander Cage continues throughout the City, with star Vin Diesel spotted filming around St. Lawrence Market today, we caught-up with some related arrivals. Orange is the New Black star Ruby Rose, who stars in this Franchise’s upcoming third installment was spotted flying-in on little rest after wrapping the Sequel to John Wick yesterday in Rome.
After an extended two-hour wait after landing, the Model/Actress wasn’t in best spirits understandably, covering her face with a scarf and sunglasses, also covering her face. Despite being a huge fan of hers and even offering a gift which I thought she would’ve loved, she replied “No, I’m good.” before shielding her face from Paparazzi. We hear some wonderful things about the Australian beauty from other Fans who met her at TIFF ’15. Perhaps it just wasn’t the right time?
Earlier in the day, we also spotted Ranveer Singh, boyfriend of Bollywood star Deepika Padukone, who has settled-in already beginning work on XXX: The Return of Xander Cage, after arriving last week. Tipped off right away by Flight Attendants queueing for Selfies with him after he arrived in Toronto, we joined-in on the Fun! The 30-year-old Indiana University graduate is a huge star in his own right in his native India sweeping multiple Awards since his debut in 2011. He also is closely-related to the powerful Kapoor Family. To be honest, he was amazingly-nice and hope he enjoys his quality time with his dear Deepika Valentine’s Day weekend!
XXX: The Return of Xander Cage films through May in Toronto.
See our Snap:
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(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Quietly filming in Toronto since last year is a tween-geared Series which rapidly is taking the world by storm! MAKE IT POP since airing on star-making Nickelodeon in the U.S. this past March, quickly catapulted itself to the top of network ratings and soon after, YTV in Canada would air it.
The Series follows the trials and tribulations of three talented teens – one-part K-Pop Fantasy, one-part Glee, one-part Telenovela. Sun-Hi (Megan Lee), Corki (Erika Tham) and Jodi (Louriza Tronco) despite their initial differences go-on to form a strong bond of friendship in their time at a boarding school, Mackendrick Prep, after discovering their own musical talents. They would become known as XO-IQ and joining them is their DJ, Caleb (Dale Whibley).
Although initially we weren’t sure what to make of it when their Publicist reached out to us – okay, we admit we felt a bit old (!) – we’re glad we opened our minds to the spirited EDM-Pop sounds of XO-IQ. Unlike your average TV Series, these girls are balancing schooling with choreography and recording in their schedule above acting responsibilities. Fresh off an appearance in which they helped Series Creator Nick Cannon with hosting duties on the Nickelodeon Awards (airing later this month), we visit their Toronto set just one day after season two finished filming.
I walk through the halls of the studio, which shares a space also with famed Degrassi, admiring the attention to detail from teen girl wall decor down to old class photos in purple hallways of the school. I get even a sneak peek of the backlot where a colourful painted school bus sits parked, holding the key to some spoilers for its upcoming second season. I then am led upstairs to the green rooms where a lovely Tham and her friendly mom come out to hug me.
“I’m not good at being goofy”, soon-to-be-16 Erika Tham admits to us as she poses for a couple snaps in the light on a green room couch. She is mature beyond her years and tells me on her impending downtime she’ll be catching-up with her Chinese-Malaysian father, following him through Asia as he works. Born in Singapore, she has traveled the world and received the best education at several international schools. “I’m off to Hong Kong next”, she tells me after her mom learns that I too am from there. Coincidence.
Despite filming together, getting the Series’ three stars together in a room isn’t always an easy feat with their busy schedules, but fortunately our timing was perfect in the Make-Up Room as each entered one by one successively. This day the Trio were filming promos for their upcoming line of dolls modeled after their respective characters.
A pink-haired Lee, who originally had K-Pop aspirations – a perfect fit actually for the Series itself – gushes about how much she loves her doll after we watched her Film a spot where she meets with the creation modeled after her just minutes before. Winnipeg-born and Vancouver-based Tronco – her hair with blue streaks – chimes in also, excited too. “I can’t wait to hibernate for a couple weeks!” she tells me after a hectic filming and promo schedule of late.
Together the girls take celebratory Selfie on Tronco‘s phone to mark the occasion. After all isn’t it everybody’s dream to have a doll made after them? It is said the dolls are set to hit shelves early 2016.
In case you aren’t caught-up on your MAKE IT POP, know that the girls essentially are taking over your Holidays with a couple marathons on YTV here in Canada and also a new album featuring music from its second season. Click here for more on that.
Although we’re waiting on announcement of a third season, the Series’ popularity has cemented the likelihood of XO-IQ being around for a while.
See some Snaps from our time together with the Girls of MAKE IT POP!
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
We wanted so bad for this to be at TIFF ’15, but alas The Revenant has a plan of its own and this brand-new Trailer solidifies its status as a real Awards Season contender. The bear attack. That is all.
This Film was the reason Tom Hardy couldn’t come film Suicide Squad here this Summer… so it better be good!
Synopsis:
Inspired by true events, THE REVENANT is an immersive and visceral cinematic experience capturing one man’s epic adventure of survival and the extraordinary power of the human spirit. In an expedition of the uncharted American wilderness, legendary explorer Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio) is brutally attacked by a bear and left for dead by members of his own hunting team. In a quest to survive, Glass endures unimaginable grief as well as the betrayal of his confidant John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy). Guided by sheer will and the love of his family, Glass must navigate a vicious winter in a relentless pursuit to live and find redemption. THE REVENANT is directed and co-written by renowned filmmaker, Academy Award® winner Alejandro G. Iñárritu (Birdman, Babel).
See the Trailer:
20th Century Fox Canada release THE REVENANT this Christmas.
(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Fox)
Early Awards Season buzz surrounding Angelina Jolie‘s UNBROKEN is almost deafening. Universal Pictures Canada and Mr. Will want to take Readers across Canada to see it first! Screenings take place Wednesday, December 17, 2014 in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver and Winnipeg.
Official Synopsis:
Academy Award® winner Angelina Jolie directs and produces Unbroken, an epic drama that follows the incredible life of Olympian and war hero Louis “Louie” Zamperini (Jack O’Connell) who, along with two other crewmen, survived in a raft for 47 days after a near-fatal plane crash in WWII—only to be caught by the Japanese Navy and sent to a prisoner-of-war camp.
Adapted from Laura Hillenbrand’s (“Seabiscuit: An American Legend”) enormously popular book, Unbroken brings to the big screen Zamperini‘s unbelievable and inspiring true story about the resilient power of the human spirit.
Starring alongside O’Connell are Domhnall Gleeson and Finn Wittrock as Phil and Mac—the airmen with whom Zamperini endured perilous weeks adrift in the open Pacific—Garrett Hedlund and John Magaro as fellow POWs who find an unexpected camaraderie during their internment, Alex Russell as Zamperini‘s brother, Pete, and in his English-language feature debut, Japanese actor Miyavi as the brutal camp guard known only to the men as “The Bird.”
Watch the phenomenal Trailer:
To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook. Tell me which City you’re from and name for me someone who inspires you with their great strength. You also may share this Post on Facebook or Re-Tweet the below for an extra chance!
http://www.mrwillwong.com/unbroken @MRWILLW wants us to #win Passes to see #IAMUNBROKEN by #AngelinaJolie. In theatres Christmas Day.
If you have a moment, please also check-out the #IAMUNBROKEN Project where you are encouraged to share your own stories of overcoming adversity just like Louis Zamperini himself:
Official Artwork:
Universal Pictures Canada release UNBROKEN on Christmas Day.
(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)
Expect TIFF 14 to be even more star-studded an affair than ever before! As Awards Season approaches, Toronto always gets it first with an array of Premieres, Galas and Special Presentations slated around the City between September 4-14, 2014. Confirmed earlier today at a Press Conference held at TIFF Bell Lightbox are the latest Films from the likes of Robert Pattinson, Julianne Moore, Reese Witherspoon, Corey Stoll, Jason Bateman, Kate Winslet, Ansel Elgort, Stanley Tucci, Chris Rock, Jake Gyllenhaal, Al Pacino, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Hardy, Channing Tatum, Steven Carell, Kevin Costner, Sam Worthington, Hailee Steinfeld and several more. Expect Witherspoon to be the Queen of TIFF 14 with two buzzed Films doing to rounds at the Festival, including The Good Lie and Wild! Will Tom Hardy finally make an appearance this way? We can’t wait!
A look at some of the major Titles to be presented at the Festival this year:
OPENING NIGHT GALA: THE JUDGE – Big City Lawyer Hank Palmer returns to his childhood home where his estranged father, the town’s judge, is suspected of murder. Hank sets out to discover the truth, and along the way reconnects with the family he walked away from years before. Stars Robert Downey Jr., Vera Farmiga and Robert Duvall.
FOXCATCHER – heavily-buzzed Wrestling Drama based on true events involving an obsessive Coach who murders his star Wrestler. Stars Channing Tatum, Steve Carell and Mark Ruffalo. Director Bennett Miller brought us Oscar-winning Capote.
THE GOOD LIE – A Sudanese refugee is taken in by a straight-talking American woman in their new home in the United States. Stars Corey Stoll and Reese Witherspoon. From the same people who brought us The Blind Side.
MAPS TO THE STARS – National Treasure David Cronenberg after making a splash at Cannes, premieres his latest at TIFF 14. A tour into the heart of a Hollywood Family chasing celebrity, one another and the relentless ghosts of their pasts. Stars Julianne Moore, Mia Wasikowska and Robert Pattinson.
NIGHTCRAWLER – a look at the underground World of Journalism Crime. Stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Rene Russo; this is Gyllenhaal‘s third consecutive year having a Film at the Festival.
THIS IS WHERE I LEAVE YOU – When their father passes away, four grown siblings are forced to return to their childhood home and live under the same roof together for a week, along with their over-sharing mother and an assortment of spouses, exes and might-have-beens. Stars Rose Byrne, Corey Stoll and Jason Bateman.
MEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN – TIFF Darling Jason Reitman debuts his latest, which centers on the sexual frustrations that young teenagers and adults face in today’s world. Stars Adam Sandler, Jennifer Garner, Ansel Elgort and Judy Greer. Sandler of course, already will be in town as he’s currently filming Pixels.
BLACK AND WHITE – a story of a widowed Grandfather who is left to raise his bi-racial Granddaughter. When the little girl’s paternal Grandmother seeks custody, a bitter legal battle ensues that forces the uneasy family members to have an honest conversation about life, death, anger and America’s racial divide. Stars Kevin Costner, Octavia Spencer and Anthony Mackie.
THE EQUALIZER – a Film Adaptation of the popular ’80s TV Show, with McCall believing he has put his past behind him and has dedicated himself to beginning a new, quiet life. Stars Denzel Washington, Chloë Grace Moretz and Melissa Leo.
THE REACH – an arrogant businessman and big game hunter in pursuit of his ultimate prize who hires a young guide to lead him into the American desert. Stars Michael Douglas and Jeremy Irvine.
LOVE & MERCY – Biopic about The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson starring Paul Dano and John Cusack.
TOP FIVE – a comeback of sorts for Chris Rock who directs, writes and stars in this Film about a Comedian-turned-Movie Star. Stars Chris Rock, Whoopi Goldberg and Rosario Dawson.
WILD – documents a Woman’s 1,100 mile hike to recover following a catastrophe. Stars Gaby Hoffman and Reese Witherspoon.
WHILE WE’RE YOUNG – an uptight Documentary Filmmaker and his wife find their lives loosened up a bit after befriending a free-spirited younger couple. Stars Naomi Watts, Amanda Seyfried and Ben Stiller.
PAWN SACRIFICE – Biopic about Chess Legend Bobby Fischer is locked in a gripping championship clash with the Soviets as he struggles against his own psychological demons while the whole world anxiously awaits the outcome. Stars Tobey Maguire and Peter Sarsgaard.
THE RIOT CLUB – a privileged young man is inducted into the exclusive, debaucherous company of Oxford’s elite “Riot Club,” in this scathing dissection of the British class system. Stars Natalie Dormer, Douglas Booth and Max Irons.
BEFORE WE GO – set in Manhattan, the story follows two strangers after their serendipitous meeting in Grand Central. Over the course of one night, they form an unlikely bond and the conflicts in their own lives become the basis for exploration into each other and themselves. Stars Chris Evans and Alice Eve.
CAKE – the story of the acerbic Claire Bennett who has managed to alienate everyone from her life, with the exception of her loyal Housekeeper. When Claire becomes fascinated with the suicide of a Woman in her chronic pain support group, she develops a poignant relationship with the woman’s grieving husband and comes to terms with her own personal tragedy, catapulting her forward into life. Stars Jennifer Aniston, Anna Kendrick and William H. Macy.
THE DROP – follows lonely bartender Bob Saginowski through a covert scheme of funnelling cash to local Gangsters in the underworld of Brooklyn bars. Under the heavy hand of his employer and cousin Marv, Bob finds himself at the centre of a robbery gone awry and entwined in an investigation that digs deep into the neighbourhood’s past where friends, families, and foes all work together to make a living — no matter the cost. Stars Tom Hardy and Noomi Rapace.
GOOD KILL – A Las Vegas-based fighter Pilot turned drone pilot fights the Taliban by remote control for 12 hours a day, then goes home to the suburbs and feuds with his wife and kids for the other 12. But the pilot is starting to question the mission. Is he creating more terrorists than he’s killing? Is he fighting a war without end? This story follows one soldier’s tale with epic implications. Stars Ethan Hawke and January Jones.
THE IMITATION GAME – English Mathematician and Logician, Alan Turing, helps crack the Enigma Code during World War II. Stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley.
THE HUMBLING – Centers on an affair between an aged, suicidal Actor and a young Woman. Stars Al Pacino and Greta Gerwig.
THE KEEPING ROOM – Three Southern Women – two Sisters and one African American Slave – left without men in the dying days of the Civil War, are forced to defend their home from the onslaught of a band of soldiers who have broken off from the fast approaching Union Army. Stars Hailee Steinfeld, Sam Worthington and Brit Marling.
KAHLIL GIBRAN’S THE PROPHET – Inspired by the beloved classic, Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet is a richly-animated story and celebration of Gibran‘s Book, created by Artists, Animators and Musicians from around the world. Stars Liam Neeson, Salma Hayek, and Quevenzhane Wallis.
TUSK – A Man is captured by a Maniac and tortured, physically and mentally, into becoming a walrus. Directed by Kevin Smith and stars Justin Long, Haley Joel Osment and Genesis Rodriguez.
THE GUEST – A Soldier introduces himself to the Peterson Family, claiming to be a friend of their Son who died in action. After the young Man is welcomed into their home, a series of accidental deaths seem to be connected to his presence. Stars Dan Stevens and Ethan Embry.
THE FACE OF AN ANGEL – Both a Journalist and a Documentary Filmmaker chase the story of a murder and its prime suspect. Stars Kate Beckinsale, Caral Delevingne and Daniel Brühl .
IT FOLLOWS – For 19-year-old Jay, fall should be about school, boys and weekends out at the lake. But after a seemingly innocent sexual encounter, she finds herself plagued by strange visions and the inescapable sense that someone, or something, is following her. Faced with this burden, Jay and her teenage friends must find a way to escape the horrors that seem to be only a few steps behind. Stars Keir Gilchrist and Maika Monroe.
CLOSING NIGHT GALA: A LITTLE CHAOS – A landscape gardener with a taste for the unconventional is invited to design one of the fountains at the Palace of Versailles. As she battles with the weather, the perilous rivalries at the court of Louis XIV and her own private demons, she finds herself drawn closer to the formality and enigma of the architect who hired her. Stars Kate Winslet, Stanley Tucci and Alan Rickman (who also directs).
Stay tuned for more in the coming weeks! This is only the first batch of Films to be announced! Excited?
(Photo credit: Mongrel Media)
Filmed in Toronto over the Summer of 2012, a Red Carpet Premiere in the City only would be fitting as a proper homecoming for The F Word. The Romantic-Comedy directed by Michael Dowse (Goon, Take Me Home Tonight) comes well-regarded after a debut at TIFF last Fall, with multiple nominations including Best Picture at the Canadian Screen Awards. The Film which almost didn’t get made locally, now at last is primed for an international release. From humble beginnings, it received a significant boost in profile with Megastar Daniel Radcliffe signing-on as the Male Lead in a bit of a mold-breaking move which has him trying something completely different than what we’d expect of the Harry Potter Star.
Stars Zoe Kazan (Ruby Sparks), Megan Park (The Secret Life of an American Teenager), Meghan Heffern (Degrassi), Screenwriter Elan Mastai and Director Dowse all came out to support The F Word – the mysterious “f” of course standing for “friendship”. Also seen zipping through the Carpet was Kazan‘s longtime partner Paul Dano (12 Years a Slave, Prisoners), present but careful not to draw too much attention to himself.
The F Word, based on the Play Toothpaste and Cigarettes, centers around Wallace (Radcliffe), a Med School Dropout who falls hopelessly in love with an Animator named Chantry (Kazan). The only problem is however that she is in a long-term relationship with Ben (Rafe Spall). This poses the question what to do when the love of your life happens to be your Best Friend.
I had the pleasure of speaking with all in attendance tonight, the Group enthusiastic to promote what appears to be a labour of love for an endearing story about finding love when gray areas are involved.
Montreal’s Dowse tells us about how he came to be involved with The F Word and how the Toronto Story almost didn’t get made in the City. “I was only involved a year and a bit outside of shooting, but it took a while”, says the Director. “It went to a couple different Producers and almost got made in the States.”. “We got it to turn around and were able to make it and once we got Dan on it, it worked really quickly and went by smoothly.”.
We ask Matsai about the decision to brand the Film a tamer What If in other territories and the decision to keep its original Title here in Canada. “Actually, my Girlfriend at the time – who’s now my Wife – named it”, he reveals to us. “I’ve always loved the Title as I think it’s cheeky and tells you about the spirit of the Movie.”. “In the U.S., the ratings might find it a bit too cheeky and edgy, which is disappointing, but on one hand it’s like renaming your Child and I’m happy my Child gets to blossom.”.
Toronto’s Meghan Heffern tells us that she’s now based in Los Angeles and walks us through her casting process and the sacrifices she made for the role of Tabby. “I auditioned and it happened that all my auditions took place while I was outside the City. It was super-stressful because I really wanted it.”. “It was shot on the day of my Best Friend’s wedding, but she’s very understanding and happy. This is such a big deal for Canada.”.
Megan Park certainly is a familiar face, having starred in The Secert Life of an American Teenager alongside now-Superstar Shailene Woodley. Although she had read for another part originally, she landed the part of Dalia – Chantry‘s bubbly and sassy Sister. “I gave it a shot and really liked Michael as a person and was on the same page in what type of a Movie he wanted to make.”. As a Canadian, she finds it refreshing that The F Word portrays Toronto as itself. She states, “It’s the first time I’ve filmed here and it was supposed to be Toronto. It was nice not to hide my Canadian accent. I’m proud to be an honourary member of the Cast.”. Park can be seen currently in brand new Series, The Lottery.
Kazan has wowed Critics as both a Writer and an Actress, including 2012 Indie Darling Ruby Sparks which she penned and co-starred in along with Partner Dano. She lights-up the screen with a complex innocence to her in The F Word. Keeping busy much of late in New York starring in the Play When We Were Young and Unafraid, she calls working with Co-Star Radcliffe “a dream come true”. Dressed in a chic piece by New York Dressmaker Honor, she accepts a compliment how smart she has been in her output of work. On whether or not she feels it’s wise for Friends to date, she admits, “It’s better just to move on. Sometimes it’s actually better to be friends than romantically involved!”.
Always impeccably-dressed – we’ve met him a couple occasions now – Radcliffe is gracious in his interviews and when probed by Bloggers about his dating past, he defers with grace. Does he feel Men and Women can just be friends? The once-highest paid Actor in Hollywood replies, “I do, yes. If romantic and sexual attraction comes into it, then it’s a different question. But I think there’s plenty of people in the World who are just friends and it doesn’t go anywhere.”. I ask him about the most fun he had in Toronto since work has brought him to our City on multiple occasions over the past couple years. “I think it’s a great City to work in. The Crew on The F Word was awesome was really fun to hang with off-set as well.”. “One of the best things in the City to do was The Hockey Hall of Fame actually” he remembers. “If you’re not into Hockey you’ll hate it, but if you are into it, you’ll love it!”. We’re guessing he is a Fan of our National Sport?
Check-out some of our Chats with the Cast, Writer and Director of The F Word below:
eOne Films release THE F WORD across Canada on Friday, August 22, 2014.
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
2013 certainly will be a year remembered for its outstanding Male Performances and Dallas Buyer’s Club, the sixth Film from Canadian Director Jean–Marc Vallée, contains two of them. Driven by remarkable performances from Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto, even well before Awards Season, the fact-based Drama has solidified itself as a major Contender in a multitude of categories, getting a headstart with at TIFF ’13 Premiere last month.
The Film centers around wild and reckless Ron Woodroof (McConaughey), who is diagnosed with HIV and just 30 days to live. Then seen mostly as a “Gay Disease”, he soon is ostracized by his Friends despite his clear stance about the matter being a Homophobe himself. His condition is worsened by his Drug and Alcohol dependency, while managing to get his hands on a supply of the controversial AZT – then the only legal Drug to treat HIV in the mid-80s. As his supply dwindles and his health fades under the medication, he makes his way to Mexico where he discovers safer alternative treatments.
Quickly seeing the benefits of these non-FDA-approved medications, he ventures around the World to secure/smuggle supplies and together with the help of an unlikely Sidekick in transgendered Rayon (Leto), they set-up a soon-in-demand Club where for $400 per month, HIV patients have an alternative to the potentially-dangerous AZT. The FDA however are watching Ron closely and what ensues is a battle within a battle – he fights for his own life and also he finds himself consumed in a legal war for those who refuse to be treated with AZT. Along the way, he forms an alliance with Dr. Eve Saks (Jennifer Garner) whom also opposes the efficacy of that medication, sacrificing her name professionally in the name of what she feels is right.
Dallas Buyers Club is one of those Films which remains with you long after you watch it. It is impossible not to be mesmerized by McConaughey‘s charms as we watch him grow spiritually from start to finish, defying the odds miraculously in his terrifyingly emaciated and weakened state. There isn’t a scene where he isn’t commanding presence, always delivering with pure Southern conviction. A completely unrecognizable Leto pours everything into his role as the effervescent and sassy Rayon, bringing light to the overshadowing weight of grimness. Seeing him come to terms with his own mortality is utterly heartbreaking and Leto taps into Rayon‘s vulnerability with grace. Rather quickly, we find ourselves convinced that he is a Woman. Vallée captures perfectly an edgy authenticity of the Era, transporting us completely into the times. In addition to this being a Journey of mixed emotions, the Film poses important questions about the U.S. Health Care System and makes an impactful statement about our own rights in determining our medical treatment.
An absolute Heavy-Hitter and certainly among the year’s finest. Remstar Films releases Dallas Buyers Club on November 1, 2013 in Toronto and Montreal.
The v. finest in Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Racing were honoured tonight at Woodbine Racetrack, right in time for tomorrow’s 2013 Season Launch. This year marks the 38th edition of the Awards, recognizing remarkable talent in the Industry from Breeders to Journalists to Horses.
Winning tonight’s most prestigious Award was Champion Two-Year-Old Colt/Gelding, Uncaptured, owned by Oklahoma Oilman John C. Oxley and trained by Mark Casse. Until last week the now three-year-old Colt was seen as a major Kentucky Derby Contender and last season he won an impressive six out of seven races, including the Grade II Kentucky Jockey Club Cup Stakes and Grade III Iroquois Stakes back-to-back against some stiff competition in Kentucky. His Breeder, long-time veteran and former Football Player William D. Graham for the first time ever was awarded Breeder of the Year.
Double Winners tonight were Champion Three-Year-Old Filly and Turf Female, Irish Mission, who competed effectively against the Boys last Summer, even defeating them in the third leg of Canada’s Triple Crown, the Breeders’ Stakes. Roxy Gap, owned by the same Man who owns the Ottawa Senators, Eugene Melnyk, won both Older Female and Female Sprinter.
23-year-old Jockey Scott Williams, also the Son of Jockey Danny Williams, was awarded Apprentice Jockey handed to him by past Winner Robbie King Jr. And for a second year in-a-row, Luis Contreras won Jockey, with his two young Sons there to accept his Award from former Champion Sandy Hawley, causing laughter with their antics on-stage.
Trainer Mark Frostad, who trains Irish Mission, made a heartfelt plea during his Acceptance Speech, with a call to the Provincial Government to preserve and protect a Sport which for so many years has built a History and also a substantial amount of revenue for Ontario. Premier Kathleen Wynne has expressed willingness to help keep Horse Racing alive in Ontario and was given due credit by him. Meanwhile, Trainer Casse also expressed great relief he and his Wife will be able to enjoy the races which have been revived at Fort Erie Racetrack this season, already planning a trip to Niagara Falls this Summer!
I had an amazing time attending my first ever Sovereign Awards tonight and must admit it was a bit surreal that a few Jockeys recognized me and knew me by first name! An unforgettable experience being in the same room as Veterans in the spirit of this treasured Sport and also those aspiring to be in the Industry like Nastia Zemtsova, a young Woman and avid Horse Racing Fan hoping to become a Jockey, who won tickets to the Event.
Woodbine‘s 2013 Racing Season kicks-off tomorrow at 1:00 PM and runs through December 15, 2013.
Some Snaps from the Evening:
For more details on tonight’s Winners, click here.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
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