The 86th annual Oscars Luncheon aka took place earlier today in Beverly Hills in advance of the Academy Awards next month. Can we agree the Class of 2014 is an elegant bunch?

Is that Bradley Cooper two over from Tom Hanks? Is that Meryl at the top of the class as expected? What is Julie Delpy staring at? Doesn’t Cate Blanchett look super-thrilled? Where’s Jennifer Lawrence? 🙁  I assure you Amy Adams definitely isn’t wearing Valentino!

The 86th annual Academy Awards take place Sunday, March 2, 2014 and air on ABC.

(Photo credit: Getty Images)

Taking place at Los Angeles’ Nokia Theatre, the Stars electrified the Red Carpet tonight at the 71st annual Golden Globe Awards.  Honouring the year’s best in Film and Television, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association selected their most deserving, unveiled at the Ceremony, seen by many as a Precursor to the Oscars.

Hosted by Amy Poehler and Tina Fey a second time, the Funnywomen brought-out big laughs from the Celebrity-filled Audience including pokes at George Clooney on his habit of dating younger Women to Matt Damon jokingly being called a “Garbage Man” amidst the high caliber Talent which filled the room.  An aloof Julia Louis-Dreyfus, nominated for Best Lead Actress in a Motion Picture Comedy,  played-up her new-found Movie Star status, donning sunglasses as the Camera panned her with Reese Witherspoon playfully trying to take a Selfie with her. Poehler after several nominations, finally won her first Golden Globe  tonight for Best Lead Actress in a TV Series Comedy with Parks and Recreation.

American Hustle walked away the big Winner tonight winning three Awards, including Best Motion Picture Comedy, Best Lead Actress in  Motion Picture Comedy (Amy Adams) and Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture (Jennifer Lawrence). The ’70s-set Dramedy directed by David O. Russell, who received a Nomination in the same Category last year with Silver Linings Playbook, is garnering commercial success in addition to acclaim, exceeding the $100-million mark in North America.

12 Years a Slave, directed by Steve McQueen, regarded as a Frontrunner for Best Picture at the Oscars next month, was awarded one single win for Best Motion Picture Drama.  The Film which received the coveted People’s Choice Award at TIFF ’13 in September.

Breaking Bad, Behind the Candelabra and Brooklyn Nine-Nine in the Television Categories each took home two Golden Globes apiece, winning Best Actor with Bryan Cranston, Michael Douglas and Andy Samberg respectively. Each Series also won Best Series in each Category: Best Television Series Drama, Best Television Mini-Series or Movie and Best Television Series Comedy.

Auteur Filmmaker Woody Allen was given lifetime achievement distinction with a Cecil B. DeMille Award despite being in absentia.  Accepting on his behalf was his Annie Hall Muse Diane Keaton whose heartfelt Speech was highlighted by song and laughter.

Red was a highlight on the Red Carpet tonight with some of the Evening’s best looks coming from eventual Winner Amy Adams in a two-toned red Valentino Number and Country-Pop Sensation Taylor Swift stunning in a cherry-red and black Dress by Carolina Herrera.  Also, Newcomer Lupita Nyong’o of 12 Years a Slave dazzled in a red caped Piece by Ralph Lauren.  Another Fresh Face, The Wolf of Wall Street Star Margot Robbie wowed in a white Gucci dress and surprisingly was overlooked for her work in the acclaimed Martin Scorcese Film.

Toronto’s Tatiana Maslany despite being nominated for Best Lead Actress in a TV Series Drama with Orphan Black, still represented our City proudly despite losing-out to a deserving Robin Wright of Netflix‘s House of Cards.  Fans avidly supported Maslany online with the Hashtag #TATIANAPOCALYPSE.

Complete List of Winners below:

BEST MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
“12 Years a Slave”

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
Matthew McConaughey, “Dallas Buyers Club”

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
Cate Blanchett, “Blue Jasmine”

BEST MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
“American Hustle”

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
Leonardo DiCaprio, “The Wolf of Wall Street”

BEST TELEVISION SERIES – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
“Brooklyn Nine-Nine”

BEST DIRECTOR – MOTION PICTURE
Alfonso Cuaron, “Gravity”

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
Amy Poehler, “Parks & Recreation”

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
“Frozen”

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Michael Douglas, “Behind the Candelabra”

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
“The Great Beauty”

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
Andy Samberg, “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”

BEST SCREENPLAY – MOTION PICTURE
Spike Jonze, “Her”

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE
Jared Leto, “Dallas Buyers Club”

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA
Robin Wright, “House Of Cards”

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
Amy Adams, “American Hustle”

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Jon Voight, “Ray Donovan”

BEST ORIGINAL SONG – MOTION PICTURE
“Ordinary Love,” “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom”
Music by: Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, Larry Mullen, Jr., Brian Burton

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE – MOTION PICTURE
Alex Ebert, “All Is Lost”

BEST TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA
“Breaking Bad”

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA
Bryan Cranston, “Breaking Bad”

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Elisabeth Moss, “Top of the Lake”

BEST MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
“Behind The Candelabra”

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Jacqueline Bisset, “Dancing on the Edge”

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE
Jennifer Lawrence “American Hustle”

Mr. Will and some of the 2014 Golden Globe Winners:

The Academy Awards air on CBS Sunday, March 2, 2014.

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Mr. Will Wong)

I really don’t know how Moviegoers are going to choose, but Christmas Day 2013 is shaping-up to be perhaps the busiest yet with Oscar Contender vs. Oscar Contender vs. Oscar Contender pitted against one another.  Check-out the above latest Character Posters for David O. Russell‘s (Silver Linings Playbook, The Fighter) American Hustle, which evaded us at TIFF ’13, but cannot hide much longer with its release soon before us!

The authenticity is killing me.

The Drama is about a former Con Artist and his Partner-in-Crime, who are enlisted by a Federal Agent to turn the tables against other Criminals and corrupt Politicians, namely the Mayor of Camden, New Jersey.  American Hustle stars Bradley Cooper, Jeremy Renner, Christian Bale, Amy Adams and Jennifer Lawrence.

Trailer below:

Sony Pictures/Columbia Pictures releases AMERICAN HUSTLE on Christmas Day.

(Photo/video credit: Columbia Pictures)

You can just sense how bittersweet this is going to be. Spike Jonze writes and directs HER, a Rom-Com starring Joaquin Phoenix, about about a Man who falls in love with an Operating System designed to cater to his every need. Rooney Mara, Amy Adams, Chris Pratt, Portia Doubleday and Scarlett Johansson also star, the latter who voices the Operating System, Samantha.  I’ve heard of people loving their Computers, but this is beyond.

Watch the cute and charming Trailer below:

Warner Bros. releases HER on November 20, 2013. 

(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros.)

Although there’s been no confirmation of this premiering at TIFF ’13, we’re still holding hope that David O. Russell‘s (The Fighter, Silver Linings Playbook) upcoming ’70s-era Crime-Drama, American Hustle, will get a bow in Toronto here in September.

The Film is based on the True Story for the ABSCAM Operation in which a Con Artist and his Girlfriend are enlisted by Federal Agent to turn the tables on other Con Artists, Politicians and Mobsters.

This brand new Trailer looks and feels absolutely authentic to the Era.  You must see it:

I love the idea of Amy Adams getting arrested and having a meltdown. I think I actually am in love with this Movie already!

eOne Films releases American Hustle on Christmas Day.

(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)

By: Jonathan Godrey for Mr. Will Wong

He was the first personage with powers to don tights and toss troubles aside. He led the way to a new age, one filled with hope beyond belief, as well as unparalleled despair. Considered to be more than a man it is interesting to note that he is not a man at all. Certainly in appearance, the eye would argue this point vehemently. Nevertheless he is from a far away planet no longer in existence. Torn asunder by wars both natural and otherwise he was forced to flee whilst still a suckling babe. Arriving here on earth he was reared by parents fitting to be called such, for they loved him as their own. Clark they called him, though Kal-El he was in the flesh. Different from everyone else he wrestled a lifetime with this reality. Odd when you think about it. Why would a god worry so? Only a man would raise such a question, and as it has already been stated, Kal-El is neither god nor man. He is a being known by many titles, and yet truly known by very few. He is the embodiment of an ideal so intimidating it borders on offensive. But beautiful it is in fact, and beautiful this movie about the mythos appears to be.

Zack Snyder has never failed when it comes to film. Perhaps financially, but never artistically, and the artist is at last ready to unveil his latest masterpiece. Feast your eyes on the splendour. Man of Steel is coming.

See Trailer below:

Warner Bros. releases Man of Steel Friday June 14, 2013.

(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros.)

TIFF 2012 was another great Festival.  The fact that Toronto plays Host to such a prestigious and glamorous event is a true testament to the level of respect the Film Industry has for our City. I am so proud to be a Torontonian and proud of my fellow Torontonians who made it all happen, from the Hot Dog Vendors who fed those of us with no time for a sit-down meal, to the Celebrity Drivers and Security Guards for keeping everyone out of harm’s way.

This year I met many Stars and my only regret is not being able to be at two places at once with the opening weekend crammed with Stars. Although this is nothing new for the Festival, let’s just say I never want to be faced with having to decide between Johnny Depp versus Amy Adams, Jennifer Lawrence versus Emma Watson, Tom Hanks versus Jackie Chan versus Will Smith ever again!  Whomever schedules the times and locations of these Premieres certainly wasn’t a Star Spotter, that much I can say. Nightmare.

Ask Hanks, who called-out the Festival Organizers at the Press Conference for Cloud Atlas, asking: “Why do you run your celebrities through a pin like we’re bulls on the way to slaughter? It’s the narrowest  kind of like entrance to a theater I’ve ever had.”.  So believe me, it’s not just the Fans who are complaining – the Celebrities also have thoughts on the matter.

Thank you for being there along the way with me, tuning-in on CP24 and CTV News and reading my Posts as I dozed off on my keyboard fighting to finish that one more Blog Post at 5:00 AM.  I can now look forward to catching-up on sleep once again, spotting Stars in the City at a far more reasonable pace and being Billy‘s Dad again.  Oh, how I’ve missed that little Guy.  And oh, how I know come January (when the Stars are sparse in the City) that I’ll be wishing it was September again!

  Until next year…

xMr. Will

List of Celebrities: Vanessa Hudgens, John Krasinski, Flava Flav, Ashley Benson, Kevin Zegers, Karl Urban, Alice Englert, Derek Cianfrance, Stephen Fung, Ben Mendelsohn, Dane DeHaan, Lana Wachowski, Doona Bae, Ben Whishaw, Glen Powell, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Liana Liberato, Jessica Mauboy, June Diane Raphael, Trudie Styler, Mickey Sumner, Kristen Wiig, Sam Taylor-Wood, Aaron Johnson, Eva Mendes, Elle Fanning, Christina Hendricks, Kevin James, Adam Sandler, Fran Drescher, Molly Shannon, Tate Donovan, Ben Affleck, Coco, Ice-T, Amy Adams, Gina Torres, Zoe Kazan, Paul Dano, Frank Grillo, Billy Bob Thornton, Michael Shannon, Viggo Mortensen, Gael Garcia Bernal, Kristin Scott Thomas, Jason Bateman, Paula Patton, Marisa Tomei, Julie Benz, Lorenza Izzo, Jacqueline MacInnes-Wood, Patrick J. Adams & Tatyana Ali, Gregory Smith, Penelope Mitchell, Abbie Cornish, Logan Lerman, Toby Irvine, Jeremy Irvine, Emile Hirsch, Chris O’Dowd, Lee Daniels, Kiowa Gordon, Alessandro Nivola, Zac Efron, Octavia Spencer and Shannon Leto.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

1. Bruce Willis actually signing an Autograph for once – Press Conference for Looper.  Believe me, he rarely does it!  His younger Co-Star Joseph Gordon-Levitt certainly could learn a lesson or two from that, getting booed after turning-down Fans yet again.

2. Vanessa Hudgens & Austin Butler arriving in Toronto together for Spring Breakers.

3. Kristen Stewart at the On the Road Premiere. Smiling!  A great regret of mine for not bothering to queue toe Red Carpet for her as she was extremely generous with Fans that day.

4. Garrett Hedlund is a star on the rise; he is seen here at On the Road Premiere.

5. Karl Urban at the Premiere for Dredd 3-D.  Is he perhaps Action Cinema’s most underrated Actor?

6. Joss Whedon walking to TIFF Bell Lightbox for some Photos.  Several Fanboys and Fangirls got their biggest wish come true meeting the Director as he walked to and from Ritz-Carlton Hotel.

7. Lana Wachowski debuts herself as a Woman at the Cloud Atlas Press Conference. Yes, you know who she is. Think: The Matrix.

8. Jennifer Lawrence at the Press Conference for Silver Linings Playbook. Easily the Festival’s biggest “It Girl”. Few got their Photos with her, but The Hunger Games Star did her best to sign every Autograph she could.

9. Tom Hanks at Cloud Atlas Press Conference. That is all.

10. Halle Berry being gracious to Fans working her way into ever corner of the queue, signing Autographs at Cloud Atlas Press Conference. I am floored by her beauty and kindness.

11. John Hawkes at the Premiere for The Sessions, for which he is gaining a tremendous amount of Oscar buzz with.  He declined me a Photo but still was nice about it, as he was rushed off into his vehicle.

12. Patrick Schwarzenegger at the Premiere for his first Film, The Writers.  Yes, I met a Schwarzenegger!!  Was Arnold even this handsome at his age?

13. Lily Collins at the Premiere for The Writers. Love her Balmain Dress; favourite Dress at TIFF 2012 – no doubt.

14. Pierce Brosnan at the Premiere for Love Is All You Need. As classy and kind as you’d imagine.

15. Kristen Wiig at the Premiere for Imogene.  Incredibly gracious on the Carpet, but don’t bug her when she’s not working.  My #1 Person to Meet at TIFF 2012 and it happened! And it was epic! Hilarious seeing myself shouting for her on the Carpet later that day on the news!!

16. Bradley Cooper and Ryan Gosling together in one Photo.  How can one .jpg contain that much hotness?  Photo taken at Party for The Place Beyond the Pines where Gosling was spotted bringing his Mom, Donna. Aww!  

17. Eva Mendes at the Party for The Place Beyond the Pines. Whatever Ryan Gosling has done to her,  she needs to keep doing as she was in great spirits that night. Mendes was incredibly friendly to Fans this year and she has never looked more glamorous doing it. I want to squeal every time I look at my Photo with her.

18. Elle Fanning at the Premiere for Ginger & Rosa. Stunning and sweet young Lady who happens to be the little Sister of Dakota.  She is said to have been v. emotional after seeing Film for the first time and apparently cried on-stage during the Q&A.

19. Christina Hendricks at the Premiere for Ginger & Rosa. Stunning.  Just absolutely stunning.  The Mad Men Star declined Photos that night, but after a bit of persistence she did it and I will never forget!  Thanks to Friend and Reader Laura for snapping this!

20. Adam Sandler at the Press Conference for Hotel Transylvania being  awesome with Fans surprisingly. You just can never tell with Comedians.  He’s always been a favourite of mine and I’d never have guessed I’d have gotten a Photo with him!

21. Selena Gomez at the Press Conference for Hotel Transylvania. I have never heard so much shrieking. Ever.

22. Ben Affleck at the Press Conference for Argo, which although got mixed reviews at Venice Film Festival, was loved by many in Toronto. A great Guy who is equally talented as a Director as he is an Actor and wonderful to his Fans. He definitely is one of my greatest highlights of TIFF 2012.

23. Bryan Cranston at the Press Conference for Argo. A true Gentleman who hopefully will come back to film in Toronto again and be welcomed with open arms as he’s just an amazing Guy!

24. Darren Criss at a Photo Call for Imogene.  Some Glee Fans had great experiences with him, some not so much especially after arriving so late to the Premiere for the Film that he had little time for Fans.

25. Paul Thomas Anderson at the Press Conference for The Master – the one Film which already is being touted as a clear favourite to win Best Picture this year.

26. Amy Adams at the Press Conference for The Master. They don’t come much nicer than her. One of my fondest memories of TIFF 2012 was meeting her. One of America’s greatest Actresses and believe me, I’ve waited year after year for her to come.

27. Ziyi Zhang at the Roy Thomson Hall Premiere for Dangerous Liaisons. Absolute perfection.

28. Michael Shannon at the Press Conference for The Iceman; a bona fide Actor’s Actor on the verge of an Oscar whether it be this year or another year. Incredibly humble and generous with Fans, taking the time to fulfill every request thrown his way that day.

29. Kristin Scott Thomas leaving her Hotel after promoting No. Brilliant Actress, who is every bit as classy and kind as you’d imagine.  Will she ever age?!

30. Marisa Tomei at Red Carpet for Inescapable at Roy Thomson Hall.  Tomei was in great spirits at the Carpet, signing many Autographs and believe it or not, doing some Photos with Fans. I even got one (minus the fact that she moved quickly after posing!).  A rarity for the Oscar-winning Actress!

31. Octavia Spencer at Red Carpet for Smashed. Charismatic Actress who although vocal with Fans and generous with Autographs at Ryerson Theatre, was photo-shy, declining Photos with Fans leaving them disappointed as she entered the venue.

 32. Aaron Johnson at Premiere for Anna Karenina.  Unquestionably talented Actor who is on the verge of becoming Hollywood’s next It Boy. Currently in Toronto filming Kick-Ass 2; lovely meeting his Wife, Sam Taylor-Wood who was a bit taken a back when I asked her for a Snap.

33. Paula Patton leaving her Hotel for Premiere of Disconnect. She was one of the sweetest Celebrities to have graced the City this Festival; extremely giving, friendly and just beautiful to the eye.

34. Chris Evans aka Captain America, at Press Conference for The Iceman.  The Hunk has catapulted to the top after much persistence and dedication. Although he typically doesn’t sign Autographs, Fans were delighted by his generosity that day.

35. Penelope Cruz at Press Conference for Twice Born. Always a thrill to see this brilliant Spanish Actress, who has left her mark in Hollywood with a string of Oscar-worthy performances.

36. Chris O’Dowd at Premiere for The Sapphires. The lovable Funnyman spent a good amount of time with Fans as his Premiere with cigarette in-mouth, while earlier Harvey Weinstein milled about in the background, going in and out of VISA Screening Room checking audience reactions.  One of the few Films which I saw an Audience give a standing ovation to outside the Theatre.

37. Zoe Kazan at the InStyle Magazine Party. You’ve definitely seen her before but just didn’t know her name. This humble and sweet Actress was spotted with her equally amazing Partner Paul Dano, taking Photos with several Fans.  Currently in-town filming The F Word opposite Daniel Radcliffe, it’s quite possible we’ll be seeing her on the Red Carpet herself at TIFF 2013! While most Actresses opted for fluffy frocks and slinky dresses, she kept it cool and casual.

38. Johnny Depp at Premiere for West of Memphis.  Although I physically wasn’t at this event, I did see Depp earlier in the day at the Press Conference for the Documentary, failing to fire a proper Snap of him as he hopped straight into his vehicle. He apparently was generous with Autographs upon arrival, although few who were persistent enough managed a Snap together with him. Thanks to my loyal Reader and Friend Sheetal for sending this in!

39. Gwyneth Paltrow at Premiere for Thanks for Sharing.  Fans who lined the Carpet at Ryerson Theatre were in awe how kind this Oscar-winning Actress was with Fans. It definitely was one of my biggest regrets of the Festival, just missing her both arriving and leaving, but thanks again to Sheetal, I have a beautiful Snap to show you.  Paltrow was in a great hurry to fly-out after walking the Red Carpet quickly.

40. Jeremy Irvine at the InStyle Magazine Party.  I adore this Irish-born Actor v. much after having seen him in War Horse – the one single Movie which made me cry so hard my face hurt, last year.  I’ll be the first to admit he’s a bit more reserved and quiet than I’d have imagined but still a great Guy. I also got to meet his younger Brother Toby, who is just breaking into Cinema appearing in Dickens Adaptation Great Expectations together. Thanks to my amazing Reader and Friend Nicole who generously sent this Snap over after my Camera failed to fire!

41. Zac Efron at Afterparty for The Paperboy.  One of the Films I am most excited to see this year is this latest effort from Precious Director, Lee Daniels. The number one question I received on Twitter this Festival definitely was “Do you have any idea where Zac is staying?”. Everywhere he went there was chaos as that was the case at his Afterparty at Bloke and Forth, with Fans crowding to meet him, resulting in him having to be escorted-in prematurely.

42. Logan Lerman at The Writers Premiere.  One of the biggest breakout Stars of TIFF 2012 is this Star of Percy Jackson. Praise has been universal for his other Film at the Festival, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, with Critics and Sir Paul McCartney singing the praises of the Novel Adaptation. He’s definitely an Oddball, but a good Guy.

It’s been an absolute blast making it through another TIFF together.  Thank you all for your encouragement, Re-Tweets and kind words. Can’t wait till next year already! *bow*

 (Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong | Additional Photos: Sheetal Nanda/Nicole Divitcoff/Laura Cordero)

Such a pleasure for Toronto finally to be graced with the presence of Oscar-nominated Actress Amy Adams, whose rise to Hollywood’s A-List has come as rapid as it takes for one to warm-up to her when watching her on-screen.  I absolutely adore Adams and got one of my greatest wishes in meeting her after having fawned over her work for years now in Enchanted, The Fighter, Doubt, The Muppets and Sunshine Cleaning – just a taste of her eclectic range as an Actress.

Although Co-Star Joaquin Phoenix was quick to leave Toronto, curtailing his Press responsibilities, Adams was a true Professional working alongside Director Paul Thomas Anderson today at the Junket for The Master.  The Drama  swept multiple Awards at the Venice Film Festival this weekend including Best Actor and the Silver Lion Award.  Legitimate Contender to take it all come Oscars season.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Already gaining  Oscar buzz withn Paul Thomas Anderson‘s The Master, the lovely Amy Adams arrived in Toronto earlier today to help promote the Film which is being touted as a Best Picture Contender. After enjoying the Premiere in full while Co-Star Joaquin Phoenix left after introducing it, Adams was seen taking Photos and Autographs upon exiting the Princess of Wales Theatre after midnight. 

Joseph Gordon-Levitt, in-town for Looper last night, was spotted at the Screening, entering and leaving discreetly through the Stage Door.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)