Let’s be real. We can never have enough Celeb Selfies! 2014 was a year I’ll never forget and will forever go down as one of our most star-studded yet! Our travels brought us to L.A. and New York, but our most exciting adventures took place here in our Hometown of Toronto! Let’s take a walk down our star-studded memory lane to some of our fave Celeb moments of 2014!
Who were you most excited to see? The red-hot Benedict Cumberbatch? The private Usher? The iconic Tom Cruise? The adorable Anna Kendrick? “It Boy” Ansel Elgort? How about “It Girl” Shailene Woodley? The incredibly-tough Reese Witherspoon? The irresistible Tom Hardy?!
Also, we want to share with you some of our fave of the several thousand Celeb Snaps we took in 2014! Chances are if there was a major Star in-town this year, we at some point snapped them!
2014 will go down as one of the strongest years for Cinema in recent memory, but which Movies rocked our World? And which Singles ruled our iPod? You’re about to find out!
Re-live some of our Fave Celeb Selfies of 2014 (click HD for better quality):
TOP PHOTOS:
Tinashe, Tattoo Rock Parlour
Rachel McAdams at Canada’s Walk of Fame
Ryan Reynolds + Peter Fonda at Canada’s Walk of Fame
Tove Lo, The Phoenix
Robert Pattinson at the NKPR IT Lounge, TIFF ’14
Channing Tatum, TIFF ’14
Steve Carell, TIFF ’14
Denzel Washington, TIFF ’14
Felicity Jones, TIFF ’14
Kevin Costner, TIFF ’14
Adam Sandler, TIFF ’14
Robert Downey Jr., TIFF ’14
Tom Hardy, TIFF ’14
Ian Somerhalder, Fan Expo 2014
Elijah Wood, Fan Expo 2014
Norman Reedus, Fan Expo 2014
Shawn Mendes, Universal Music Canada
One Direction, Where We Are Tour
5 Seconds of Summer, Summer 2014
Daniel Radcliffe + Zoe Kazan, The F Word Toronto Premiere
Katy Perry, Prismatic World Tour
Lady Gaga, Artrave Tour
Charlie Sheen, Joe Carter Classic Afterparty
Gordon Lightfoot, SOCAN Awards
Missy Peregrym + Charlotte Sullivan, Shaw Media Upfronts
Charlie Barnett + Jesse Lee Soffer, Shaw Media Upfronts
Stephen Amell, Bell Media Upfronts
Kirsten Vangsness, Bell Media Upfronts
Elizabeth Henstridge, Bell Media Upfronts
Katie Holmes, Met Gala, NYC
Blake + Ryan, Met Gala, NYC
Hugh Jackman, Met Gala, NYC
Lily Aldridge + Kate Upton, Met Gala, NYC
Dakota Johnson (50 Shades of Grey), Met Gala, NYC
Marion Cotillard, Met Gala, NYC
Joshua Jackson + Diane Kruger, Met Gala, NYC
Zac Efron, NYC
Iggy Azalea, The New Classic Tour
Cher, D2K Tour
Miley Cyrus, Bangerz Tour
Katheryn Winnick, Canadian Screen Awards
Martin Short, Canadian Screen Awards
Shay Mitchell, Canadian Screen Awards
Maria Bello, David Cronenberg + Viggo Mortensen, Canadian Screen Awards
Laura Vandervoort + Olivier Trevena, Canada’s Stars of the Awards Season Gala, L.A.
Ellen Wong, Canada’s Stars of the Awards Season Gala, L.A.
TOP FILMS:
1. WHIPLASH
2. GONE GIRL
3. NIGHTCRAWLER
4. WILD
5. BIRDMAN
6. THE IMITATION GAME
7. FOXCATCHER
8. THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING
9. THE FAULT IN OUR STARS
10. THE LEGO MOVIE
Perhaps under-seen, WHIPLASH is the one Film you absolutely must see this year. J.K. Simmons and Miles Teller will shatter your World with their performances! You’ll leave shaken and sobered.
TOP SINGLES
1. ALL ABOUT THAT BASS – Meghan Trainor
2. BLANK SPACE – Taylor Swift
3. WEST COAST – Lana Del Rey
4. BOOM CLAP – Charli XCX
5. POMPEII – Bastille
6. STAY WITH ME – Sam Smith
7. SHE LOOKS SO PERFECT – 5 Seconds of Summer
8. COUNTING STARS – OneRepublic
9. SHAKE IT OFF – Taylor Swift
10. SAY SOMETHING – A Great Big World ft. Christina Aguilera
2014 was all about that bass for us. Meghan Trainor blew our mind with her positive message about body image. We’re sold and extremely excited for her 2015 full-length Debut.
Won’t you join us as we embark on more exciting adventures in Entertainment 2015? Also stay tuned for an upcoming Post where our Contributors Jonathan Godfrey, Justin Waldman, David Baldwin and George Kozera share their fave Films of 2014 too!
Happy Holidays, Willionaire$!
Photos Post-TIFF ’14 taken on Nikon D3300. Photos pre-TIFF ’14 taken on Olympus E-PL5/Samsung S4.
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
The stars shined bright tonight on the yellow carpet at Sony Centre for the Performing Arts as the 2014 Canada’s Walk of Fame Tribute Show commenced on a chillier-than-average October day. The annual Fixture which originated in 1998 honouring individuals who have contributed greatly to the Canadian Cultural landscape, saw representatives from multiple disciplines recognized with an equally star-studded list of Presenters. Their achievements are commemorated via a star plaque situated between John to Simcoe Streets in Toronto, in and around the Entertainment District.
Among those honoured this year were the likes of Actor Ryan Reynolds, Actress Rachel McAdams, Olympian and Hockey Icon Hayley Wickenheiser, Philanthropist Louise Arbour, Musician Jeff Healey and iconic Rock Outfit, The Band. Their Peers including Jian Ghomeshi, Wendy Crewson, Tom Cochrane, Jay Baruchel, Clara Hughes, Peter Fonda and more were on-hand to introduce each of this year’s Star Recipients.
Director and Film/Television Star Jason Priestley filled Host’s duties more than ably with his quick wit, poking fun at everything from the traffic in Toronto to the perception that all Canadian Actors hang with one another while in Hollywood. We had the pleasure of chatting with Priestley on who his Canadian Heroes are and why it is he chose to be involved with Canada’s Walk of Fame. On his Idol, he says “It was The Relic on The Beachcombers back in the day. That’s how long ago I left Canada.”. He adds, “I left Canada in the mid-80s but I’m so thankful every day I grew up here. I want to Theatre School here and Canada’s been extremely important to me as an Artist and a Man. That’s why it’s important for me to be here recognizing these great Entertainers and Political Figures.”.
We spoke quickly to Ryan Reynolds who arrived sans pregnant Wife Blake Lively and he reveals to us his greatest Canadian Heroes. “Michael J. Fox for starters, Atom Egoyan (whom he collaborated with on 2014’s The Captive), Gordon Lightfoot… I loved Barenaked Ladies growing-up” says the Vancouver-born Honouree. “There’s no shortage of Canadian Heroes, I could definitely do this all day!”. Reynolds upon receiving his Star, spoke to some of the highs and lows he’s faced in his Career, telling the Audience “My ability to laugh at myself has saved my life. Canada’s greatest export in fact is sarcasm.”. He proceeded to thank his Mother Tammy who was in-attendance and Lively, whom he describes as “An Alien. Like MacGyver-meets-Brigitte Bardot!“.
Prized Hockey Olympian Hayley Wickenheiser had full control of the stage today, speaking eloquently about her success and how our national treasure of a sport, Hockey, has afforded her many privileges in life. She brought along a ten-year-old Cancer-surviving Hockey Player named Grace whom had her leg amputated, lauding her courage to continue fighting in the name of the Sport. Wickenheiser also thanked her Son Noah on-stage, whom she admits isn’t a Hockey Fan. She went-on to thank him for his understanding in all her travels away from home, drawing emotional reactions from some of the Audience members.
McAdams certainly was the Belle of the Ball, looking one-part Classic Hollywood Starlet and one-part Grecian Goddess in a dual-tone flowy number. Despite being rushed-in and unable to accommodate many Media interviews, she made a strong impression, tearfully receiving her Star on the Walk of Fame. The Actress, in-town currently filming the Drama Spotlight, admits “As much as I love adventure, there is nothing more nourishing to my soul than coming home.”. McAdams went-on to credit York University for giving her a foundation and skills which she still draws-upon still to this day as one of Hollywood’s top Actresses.
Musical Tributes also were given to Inductees Jeff Healey and The Band, with JUNO Winner Sean Jones and The Treasures (ft. Tom Cochrane and more) putting on a dazzling display for the Audience respectively. Scarborough’s The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) was named Recipient of the Allan Slaight Award, honouring one young Canadian for making a positive impact. His latest Disc KISS LAND debuted atop the iTunes Album Chart and in three short years, he has seen his star rise on the international front.
Global Television airs the 2014 CANADA’S WALK OF FAME TRIBUTE SHOW on Friday, December 19, 2014 at 8:00 PM EST.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
It is with great sadness that I’ve come to the realization TIFF ’14 is only a couple days away from its end. Going back into my normal routine once again surely will be especially hard because I had such an amazing Festival this year! I look forward to catching a couple more Movies this weekend now that the Parade of Stars are about to make an exit.
Today was a special day and I will remember this as the day that I met Ryan Reynolds. I’ve seen him many times but just simply never have been able to angle myself into contention to get a Snap with him. At last it happened today as I crossed paths with him while he was promoting his new Comedy, The Voices. The Film which sees him get into some trouble as he hears things from his Dog and his Cat, driving him to murder.
The Canadian-born Star looked particularly dappper in a blue suit tonight on the Red Carpet at Ryerson Theatre and was extremely generous with Fans taking time to sign as many Autographs and take as many Selfies as he could! No sign however of his Mrs., Blake Lively.
Earlier tonight, we also saw Patricia Clarkson and Scott Speedman on the Red Carpet for Winter Garden Theatre in support of their new Film, October Gale. The Film is about a Doctor who takes-in a wounded Man, only to discover that his Killer is out to complete the job.
Clarkson was absolutely amazing, stopping to sign some Autographs for Fans and I was lucky enough to get a Snap with the remarkable Actress.
Scott Speedman always looks sharp and tonight was an exception as the Toronto-born Actor graced the Red Carpet for October Gale also.
Although we didn’t get a chance to see him, our Contributor David Baldwin was thrilled to attend a Screening of Martin Scorcese‘s latest, The 50 Year Argument which he co-directs. Fan Reports are indicating that things got a little unruly outside the Theatre tonight hindering the Icon from signing more Autographs.
Tomorrow we’re expecting to see John Travolta, Chris Evans and Alice Eve, among others! We can’t wait. So check back!
Don’t forget to follow for immediate updates:
Twitter: @MRWILLW
Instagram: @MRWILLWONG
All Photos were taken on the Nikon D3300 and communciated via the Samsung Galaxy Tab S.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/David Baldwin)
eOne Films and Mr. Will want to take Readers to the Red Carpet Premiere of THE CAPTIVEon Wednesday, August 27, 2014 at Scotiabank Theatre. Director Atom Egoyan will be in-attendance for a special Q&A!
Official Synopsis
Matthew (Ryan Reynolds) and Tina (Mireille Enos) live in Niagara Falls, Ontario with their nine-year-old daughter Cassandra. When Matthew goes to a store to pick up some food, he leaves Cassandra in the truck. She vanishes without a trace.
Some years later, police officers Nicole (Rosario Dawson) and Jeffrey (Scott Speedman) uncover a lead in the case. After hours spent scanning the internet for photos and video circulated by pedophiles, they come across images of Cassandra, alive in captivity.
See the Trailer:
Enter to win by simply clicking “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. Share with your Friends on Facebook and increase your chances. Re-Tweet the below to increase your odds also:
http://www.mrwillwong.com/thecaptive @MRWILLW wants us to #win Passes to the Red Carpet Premiere of #THECAPTIVE with #AtomEgoyan in attendance!
eOne Films release THE CAPTIVE on Friday, September 5, 2014.
(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)
The 43rd annual Costume Institute Gala was held last night in New York City. The annual Fixture at the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art pairs Fashion and Starpower together in a dazzling Red Carpet Affair with a hand-picked A-List of Invitees approved none other than by Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour – the most respected and at once feared Woman in the Fashion industry. Earlier in the day, American First Lady Michelle Obama honoured her in a Ceremony at the Venue.
Bringing the focus on influencial Fashion Designer Charles James, Men for the first time ever played a more pronounced role at the Gala. Hugh Jackman, Neil Patrick Harris, Jim Parsons, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Bradley Cooper – the latter serving as Chair this year, were among the many Hunks gracing the Red Carpet which shut down a portion of Fifth Avenue. A mandate was set by Wintour encouraging Coat Tails and white Bow Ties, most adhering as would best be advisable at the profile-boosting Extravaganza of the highest form.
As always, the Ladies are front and center. Sporting and among the Red Carpet Favourites last included Supermodel Cara Delevingne in a Pantsuit by Stella McCartney, Karolina Kurkova in Marchesa, Lupita Nyong’o in a sparkly green piece by Prada and Blake Lively in Gucci.
The Party didn’t end right there though as the stars came out in full force at the Afterparties around town. It is said Beyoncé and Jay-Z got swarmed by Fans, travelling separately from one Party possibly for their own safety. Sean Penn and Charlize Theron were seen happily out and about as were another new Couple in Michael Sheen and Sarah Silverman. We wonder if there were any moments of awkwardness as Toronto’s own Rachel McAdams also attended; she previously was involved with Sheen. All eyes however were on Lively and Ryan Reynolds as loud cheers were hears upon their cozy displays of affection.
Several were disappointed about Jennifer Lawrence‘s deeply-felt absence despite being scheduled to be dressed in Dior and without Madonna this year, there seemed to be that little bit less enthusiasm in the air.
Some got a bit tipsy as we witnessed Academy Award Nominee Ejiofor getting a bit of help back to his Hotel, as was 20-year-old French Acting Sensation Adèle Exarchopoulos. And was that Tomato Sauce we saw on Lily Allen‘s cheek as she made her way back to her Hotel with a big box of Pizza in-tow?
Personally, we are still giddy about meeting Australian Beauties Naomi Watts and breakout Star Margot Robbie! And did we mention that we got an ultra-rare opportunity to meet the biggest Celebrity in New York right now, Pasty Chef Dominique Ansel? The soon-to-be Author and Beard Honour-receiving Cronut Inventor has the Culinary World and New York City at the palm of his hand. It was also sublime getting to meet Celebrity Photographer of the highest calibre, Mario Testino!
Just some of the Snaps below of whom I got to meet:
Thanks again, New York City for the fun times!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Avril Lavigne covers this week’s issue of Hello! Canada, featuring their 50 Most Beautiful Canadians. Set to return with her current single Here’s to Never Growing Up, Editor-in-Chief Alison Eastwood released a statement saying, “Unveiling our annual Most Beautiful issue is as thrilling as giving a close friend a big, beautiful birthday present. And this year is especially exciting. Avril and her Fiancé Chad Kroeger have been great friends to HELLO! Canada, their Wedding is just around the corner, and our exclusive (and rare) Photo Shoot, on the eve of Avril’s return to the pop charts, was nothing short of magical.”.
The List ranges from Media, Ballerinas, Singers to Movie Stars with some surprises and some names you have to do a quick Google Image search for. Selected this year by the Magazine are:
Stephen Amell
Actor: Arrow, CTV
Hometown: Toronto
Will Arnett
Actor: Arrested Development, Netflix
Hometown: Toronto
Justin Bieber
Singer, Universal
Hometown: Stratford, Ont.
Jean-Luc Bilodeau
Actor: Baby Daddy, ABC Spark
Hometown: Vancouver
Dean Brody
Singer, Universal
Hometown: Jaffray, B.C.
Michael Bublé
Singer, Warner
Hometown: Burnaby, B.C.
Sidney Crosby
Professional hockey player, Pittsburgh Penguins
Hometown: Cole Harbour, N.S.
Antonio Cupo
Actor: Bomb Girls, Global TV
Hometown: Vancouver
Victoria Duffield
Singer, Warner
Hometown: Abbotsford, B.C.
Matt Dusk
Singer, eOne Music
Hometown: Toronto
Nathan Fillion
Actor: Castle, CTV
Hometown: Edmonton
Mitsou Gélinas
Radio host: Rythme FM
Hometown: Montreal
Ryan Gosling
Actor
Hometown: Cornwall, Ont.
Pascale Hutton
Actor: Arctic Air, CBC
Hometown: Creston, B.C.
Carly Rae Jepsen
Singer, Universal
Hometown: Mission, B.C.
Sean Jones
Singer
Hometown: Toronto
Tanya Kim
Anchor: etalk, CTV
Hometown: Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.
Adam Korson
Actor: Seed, City
Hometown: Thornhill, Ont.
Kristin Kreuk
Actor: Beauty and the Beast, Showcase
Hometown: Vancouver
Amanda Lang
Anchor: The Lang and O’Leary Exchange, CBC
Hometown: Ottawa
Avril Lavigne
Singer, Sony
Hometown: Napanee, Ont.
Dan Levy
Actor: TV/film
Hometown: Toronto
Raine Maida
Singer, Warner
Hometown: Toronto
Rachel McAdams
Actor
Hometown: St. Thomas, Ont.
Kandyse McClure
Actor: Hemlock Grove, Netflix
Hometown: Vancouver
Tracy Moore
Host: Cityline, City
Hometown: Richmond Hill, Ont.
Ashley Diana Morris
Guess! model
Hometown: Toronto
Alanis Morissette
Singer, Collective Sounds
Hometown: Ottawa
Enuka Okuma
Actor: Rookie Blue, Global TV
Hometown: Vancouver
Ellen Page
Actor
Hometown: Halifax
Jessica Paré
Actor: Mad Men, AMC
Hometown: Montreal
Jason Priestley
Actor
Hometown: Vancouver
Milos Raonic
Professional tennis player
Thornhill, Ont.
Lisa Ray
Host: Top Chef Canada, Food Network Canada
Hometown: Toronto
Ryan Reynolds
Actor
Hometown: Vancouver
Ed Robertson
Singer, Warner
Hometown: Toronto
Sonia Rodriguez
Principal dancer, National Ballet of Canada
Hometown: Toronto
Anna Silk
Actor: Lost Girl, Showcase
Hometown: Fredericton
Hannah Simone
Actor: New Girl, City
Hometown: Calgary
Cobie Smulders
Actor: How I Met Your Mother, City
Hometown: Vancouver
Scott Speedman
Actor
Hometown: Toronto
Jessica Stam
Model
Hometown: Kincardine, Ont.
George Stroumboulopoulos
Host: George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight, CBC
Hometown: Toronto
David Sutcliffe
Actor: Cracked, CBC
Hometown: Saskatoon
Shania Twain
Singer, Universal
Hometown: Timmins, Ont.
Emily VanCamp
Actor: Revenge, City
Hometown: Port Perry, Ont.
Cory Vitiello
Executive chef: The Harbord Room
Hometown: Brantford, Ont.
Roz Weston
Senior entertainment reporter, ET Canada, Global TV
Hometown: Acton, Ont.
Ellen Wong
Actor: The Carrie Diaries, City
Hometown: Toronto
Kevin Zegers
Actor
Hometown: Woodstock, Ont.
See the Cover below:
The 124-page Double Issue is now on Newsstands.
(Photo/ credit: Hello! Canada/Sony Music)
Some exciting news at last for Toronto, which currently is going through a virtual Production Drought without a major Feature to film in the City this Winter. The closest brush we’ve had these past couple months t a major Feature Production is Atom Egoyan‘s Queen of the Night, although a vast majority of filming for that Ryan Reynolds-starring Thriller is taking place in Sudbury.
Locals in the 705 have marvelled at the sight of him, talented Wife Blake Lively and her cute Yorkshire Terrier Penny, including the Staff at this Sudbury Animal Clinic, who where stunned to see Lively and lucky enough to get this amazing Group Photo with her! Sudbury Native Larissa Kozoriz admits to me that she’s still ecstatic about the experience saying, “I’m pretty starstruck… but she is a very very nice woman.. Beautiful.. Pictures do not do her justice! Memorable moment!”. Production continues until mid-March with hopefully some Toronto sightings to happen soon. eOne Films will release Queen of the Night in Canada in 2014.
Universal Pictures’ The Best Man 2 might be pencilled-in for a November 2013 release date, but it so slated to film in the City between April and May. The Sequel to the 1999 Dramedy which grossed $35 million worldwide, stars a brilliant Cast including Terrence Howard, Nia Long, Regina Hall, Morris Chestnut, Taye Diggs and Sanaa Lathan. Malcolm Lee returns once again as Writer/Director.
Also announced recently was 3-D Action Adventure, Pompeii, from Paul W.S. Anderson, known best for his work helming installments of the Resident Evil Franchise, set to film to Toronto from late April through early July. Starring Game of Thrones‘ Kit Harington, production is slated to film at Cinespace Film Studios. Additional Casting details to follow, but surely we’ll be seeing lovely and sweet Mrs. Anderson herself, Milla Jovovich in-town?
Although announced incorrectly via the Ontario Media Development Corporation‘s Website that Anderson would also be directing Sci-Fi Flick Debug, it is confirmed that Actor David Hewlett is directing the Film. Production is taking place currently at Pinewood Studios, up till early March. The official Synopsis describes it as being about “six young Computer Hackers, sent to work on a derelict Space Freighter, are forced to match wits with a vengeful Artificial Intelligence that would kill to be Human”.
Secret Ballot Director Babak Payami will begin production on his Drama Manhattan Undying, which centers around a female Vampire who hires an Artist to paint a portrait of her so that she can see herself for the first time. Brothers & Sisters Star Luke Grimes plays Lead in the Film, which will see its production based out of Hamilton up till late March. This has TIFF 2013/2014 written allover it.
ABC recently green-lit a new TV Pilot titled Lucky 7 which is based on a BBC Series The Syndicate, about seven Service Station Workers from Queens who win the Lottery. So far, Isaiah Whitlock Jr. is confirmed among the Cast and it will film between March through May in the City.
Even though his critically-panned Thriller A Dark Truth starring Eva Longoria, Forest Whitaker and Andy Garcia filmed partly in Sudbury and Toronto last year, Director Damian Lee will be returning to both locales late March through mid-April with another Thriller in A Fighting Man. Casting details to follow.
Last but not least, there may have been some doubts that CTV Medical Drama Series Saving Hope would be returning for a second season after mixed response south of the Border where it aired on NBC, but alas it is ready to begin production again mid-March through late September out in Mississauga. Stars Daniel Gillies, Michael Shanks and Erica Durance are expected to return.
(Photo credit: Larissa Kozoriz)
Although there’s been much talk about it, finally we got a confirmation of filming dates. Chloe Director Atom Egoyan will be filming his new Thriller Queen of the Night – not to be confused as a Whitney Houston Biopic (I wish!!) – here in Toronto. Filming dates have been scheduled and the month-plus-long shoot will take place throughout the City between February 4 through March 18, 2013.
The Film centers around a Man in pursuit of his kidnapped Daughter. Starring a Canadian Duo of Ryan Reynolds and Scott Speedman, Toronto’s Egoyan truly is a Man of his word, talking the talk in keeping it Canadian. Does this perhaps mean we’ll be seeing Blake Lively spend Valentine’s Day here in Toronto next year? We’ll soon see won’t we?…
eOne Films will be distributing Queen of the Night in Canada.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
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