sarah gadon
#TIFF22: “NORTH OF NORMAL”
By Mr. Will Wong
Carly Stone (The New Romantic) directs this adaptation of Cea Sunrise Person’s Memoir of the same name and at the center of the story is Cea (played as a child by River Price-Maenpaa and as a teen by Amanda Fix) and her young mother Michelle (Sarah Gadon). Together, they embark on a nomadic life through Western Canada, breaking apart from Cea‘s grandparents.
Cea is beautiful, young and aspires to be a model, but time and again is caught-up in her mother’s revolving door of romances. Michelle insists that she needs the security of a man and this causes strain not only on their mother-daughter relationship, but spills over to many other aspects of Cea‘s life.
NORTH OF NORMAL explores how the cycle of multi-generational toxicity can feed itself over and again. Grandpa Dick (Robert Carlyle) makes many irresponsible choices, as does Michelle and we wonder if Cea will break the cycle. But at the same time, the Fillm explores the bonds that tie this dysfunctional family together.
The Film possesses a maturity, though some of its central characters are on the contrary and unaware. Gadon transforms completely going against-type as Michelle and does so well, but the breakout performance here is from Fix, who currently is in-town filming Orphan Black: Echoes next – a name to look-out for.
NORTH OF NORMAL screens at TIFF ’22 as follows:
Sun, Sep 11 IN-PERSON TIFF Bell Lightbox 6:45pm
Tue, Sep 13 IN-PERSON Scotiabank Theatre Toronto 11:30am
#FIRSTLOOK: “AMERICAN WOMAN” ON-DEMAND AND DIGITAL JUNE 30, 2020
The plus side of being in isolation is lots of great films coming straight to us at home! TIFF ’19 selection AMERICAN WOMAN is coming this June on-demand and digitally!
Synopsis:
Inspired by the headline-dominating kidnapping of heiress Patty Hearst in 1974, this atmospheric drama is a fictionalized re-imagining of her time in hiding, from the perspective of Jenny, a political activist assigned to take care of her.
Director: Semi Chellas
Cast: Sarah Gadon, Hong Chau, Ellen Burstyn, David Cubitt, John Gallagher Jr.
See the Trailer:
Elevation Pictures release AMERICAN WOMAN Tuesday, June 30, 2020.
(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)
#TIFF19: “AMERICAN WOMAN”
Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong
In this fictionalized reimagining of the Patty Hearst affair, a political activist (Hong Chau) helps take care of a group of wanted fugitives including a well-known heiress (Sarah Gadon).
At the core of American Woman is a captivating story about political activism and the extremes some go to with their beliefs. These enthralling themes are all here, however, there’s no mystery about the fate of the characters because the opening scene reveals where they end up. What does keep the audience engaged is the cast, particularly the mysterious Jenny played by Chau and the shifty Pauline played by Gadon.
American Woman screens at TIFF on Thu, Sep 12 at Roy Thompson Hall at 6:30 PM, Thu, Sep 12 at Elgin Theatre at 8 PM, and Sat, Sep 14 at Scotiabank Theatre at 7 PM.
#TIFF19: DAY SEVEN – BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, ZAZIE BEETZ, HONG CHAU, GEORGE MCKAY + MORE
It’s officially been a week since TIFF ’19 began and we honestly don’t know where the time went! It all felt like one long day with power naps. We’re doing just fine, although we worry with the switch from hot to umm… freezing, we are a prime candidate for a cold!
Some names still in town we spotted. Hover cursor right to navigate albums.
Zazie Beetz (Lucy in the Sky, Joker + Seberg)
George McKay (True History of the Kelly Gang)
WESTERN STARS – Premiere
AMERICAN WOMAN – Afterparty
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#CDNSCREENAWARDS: “MAUDIE”, “ALIAS GRACE” + “KIM’S CONVENIENCE” TOP WINNERS AT THE 2018 CANADIAN SCREEN AWARDS
By Amanda Gilmore and Mr. Will Wong
Now in its sixth year, the Canadian Screen Awards Broadcast Gala caps-off a week of celebrations in Toronto honouring the Country’s very best in Film, Television and Digital Media. Held at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, the Awards are an answer to Canada’s humility and need for a real star system. The Gala was hosted by Jonny Harris and Emmy Hunter.
Winning top honours this year was the Aisling Walsh Film MAUDIE based on the life of Canadian folk artist Maudie Lewis starring Ethan Hawke and Sally Hawkins. The Drama won a total seven Canadian Screen Awards tonight including Best Picture, Best Director, Supporting Actor (Hawke), Best Actress (Hawkins) and more. Walsh in what was a common theme of female empowerment and inclusion in light of the #AfterMeToo movement in Canada, tells the audience, “Every woman in this room who has dreamed of directing, writing or acting in a Film, go ahead and do it!”.
CBC‘s ALIAS GRACE scored two Canadian Screen Awards including Best Limited Series or Program and Best Actress in a Drama or Limited Series (Sarah Gadon). Based on Canadian literary icon Margaret Atwood‘s Book of the same name, tonight we saw the Author herself honoured with the Academy Board of Directors’ Tribute Award. Atwood says “I am very lucky to work with the brightest talent including Sarah Polley. I am supporting #AfterMeToo (and what their actual mission is) and the Canadian Women’s Foundation.”.
Tying in the Television categories tonight were fellow CBC Series KIM’S CONVENIENCE and ANNE with two wins each. The former is a Sitcom centering on a Korean-Canadian family in Toronto and their convenience shop and it won Best Comedy Series and repeated for Best Actor in a Comedy Series (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee). The latter is based on the internationally-adored Children’s Book Series Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery and it scored for Best Drama Series and Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Program or Series (R.H. Thompson).
Hochelaga, Land of Souls would take home four Canadian Screen Awards for Visual Effects, Art Direction, Cinematography and Overall Sound.
Angelina Jolie-produced Animated Feature The Breadwinner nabbed Adapted Screenplay, Music, Original Score, Sound Editing and Original Song.
Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World would win for Feature Length Documentary and Editing in Feature Length Documentary.
The Gala was a star-studded affair graced by the likes of Presenters: Kawa Ada, Shamier Anderson, Jann Arden, Adrienne Arsenault, Andrea Bang, Amanda Brugel, Billy Campbell, Nicholas Campbell, Saara Chaudry, Kim Coates, Wendy Crewson, Gerry Dee, Caroline Dhavernas, Sadaf Foroughi, Sarain Fox, Sarah Gadon, Marc-André Grondin, Allan Hawco, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, Daniel Levy, Eugene Levy, Tatiana Maslany, Lisa Meeches, Amybeth McNulty, Natasha Negovanlis, Catherine O’Hara, Charles Officer, Amanda Parris, Jasmeet “JusReign” Raina, Catherine Reitman, Maxim Roy and Aurora Browne, Meredith MacNeill, Carolyn Taylor and Jennifer Whalen.
In addition to honouring the most notable Canadian productions of the past year, the Gala paid tribute to longstanding excellence. Media personality Peter Mansbridge, known as the face of CBC‘s The National, received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Adrienne Arsenault. Rick Mercer received an Icon Award from adored Singer/Songwriter Jann Arden for his work on now-concluded The Mercer Report. Actor/Director Clark Johnson was awarded the Earle Grey Award, presented by his sisters Molly and Taborah.
In addition to critical merit, popularity too was awarded at the Broadcast Gala. The Golden Screen Award for TV Drama went to CBC‘s Murdoch Mysteries, while the Golden Screen Award for TV Reality Show was handed to CTV‘s The Amazing Race Canada. The Cineplex Golden Screen Award for Feature Film was given to De père en flic 2.
The Cogeco Fund Audience Choice Award, decided upon by fans online went to star of Webseries Carmilla, Elise Bauman, whom last year saw her Co-Star Natasha Negovanlis win the same award.
Earlier in the week, awards were handed for Excellence in Non-Fiction Storytelling, Excellence in Creative Fiction Storytelling and Excellence in Digital and Storytelling. Also, fans got to meet up-close some of their favourite stars of the Canadian productions at Family Fan Day, including the likes of Jerry O’Connell, Allan Hawco, Amybeth McNulty, Daniel Maslany, Elise Bauman, Natasha Negovanlis, Viviane Hicks, the Cast of Kim’s Convenience and many more.
See more Photos of the night. Hover cursor left and right to navigate slideshows.
For a complete list of winners, click here.
Saara Chaudry (The Breadwinner), Billy Campbell (Cardinal), Allan Hawco (Caught), #AFTERMETOO, Caroline Dhavernas (Mary Kills People) Natasha Negovanlis (Carmilla), Elise Bauman (Carmilla) and more in the Highlight Reel below:
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Amanda Gilmore)
#SPOTTED: SARAH GADON IN TORONTO FOR “INDIGNATION”
Sarah Gadon is no stranger to Toronto. The star on the rise who continues to build momentum in Hollywood while based in the City, did the rounds to promote her new Drama, INDIGNATION.
Gadon made an appearance last night in support of the Film surprising Fans at a Toronto screening! The Drama centers on Marcus (Logan Lerman), who leaves New Jersey to attend college in Ohio. He experiences a sexual awakening meeting Olivia (Sarah Gadon) and confronts the school’s dean (Tracy Letts) over the role of religion in academic life.
In addition to CITY’s Breakfast Television, she appeared on Global’s The Morning Show sporting a no-fuss look in navy.
See a Snap:
See the Trailer:
Elevation Pictures release INDIGNATION Friday, August 5, 2016.
(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures/Mr. Will Wong)
#GIVEAWAY: ENTER TO WIN ADVANCE PASSES TO SEE “INDIGNATION”
Elevation Pictures and Mr. Will want to take Readers to an Advance Screening of INDIGNATION! Screenings take place on Wednesday, August 3, 2016 in the following cities:
Toronto- August 3rd, 7pm
Varsity Cinema (55 Bloor St W, Toronto)
Vancouver- August 3rd, 7pm
Cineplex 5th Ave. (2110 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6J 3H6)
Calgary- August 3rd, 7pm
Cineplex Crowfoot Crossing (91 Crowfoot Terrace NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2L5)
Edmonton- August 3rd, 7pm
Cineplex North Edmonton (14231 137 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5L )
Victoria – August 3rd, 7pm
Cineplex Odeon Victoria (780 Yates St, Victoria, BC V8W 1L4)
Winnipeg – August 3rd, 7pm
Scotiabank Theatre Winnipeg Polo Park (817 St James St, Winnipeg, MB R3G 3L3)
Halifax- August 3rd, 7pm
Cineplex Park Lane (5657 Spring Garden Rd, Halifax, NS B3J 3R4)
Ottawa- August 3rd, 7pm
Scotiabank Theatre Ottawa Gloucester (2385 City Park Dr, Gloucester, ON K1J 1G1)
Synopsis:
In 1951, Marcus, a working-class Jewish student from New Jersey, attends a small Ohio college, where he struggles with sexual repression and cultural disaffection, amid the ongoing Korean War.
INDIGNATION stars Logan Lerman, Sarah Gadon and Tracy Letts.
Trailer:
Artwork:
To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate for us your city.
G’luck Willionaire$!
Elevation Pictures release INDIGNATION on Friday, August 5, 2016.
(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)
#SPOTTED: “ORPHAN BLACK”, “POMPEII” + “MOMMY” LEAD THE WAY AT 2015 CANADIAN SCREEN AWARDS
Canadian Screen Week capped-off in a huge way tonight with the third annual Canadian Screen Awards taking place at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. The Ceremony honouring the finest in Canadian Film and Television, is meant to recognize and celebrate the Hotbed of talent in our Country and also, on an international scale.
Hosted by SCTV Alumni Andrea Martin, the laughter kept coming with her referencing everything from the fresh Internet debate of the White vs. Blue Dress, to a hilarious introduction which saw her falling out of her SUV, full of censored pixilation, which later would be turned into a YouTube Video complete with Autotune. She revealed before the Press Room that her jokes tonight with a result of a collaboration between friends Steve Martin, Martin Short and a couple Writers from Late Show with David Letterman.
128 Screen Awards were handed-out this week, with 45 being handed tonight during the live Broadcast, airing first in the Atlantic region. Among the top Winners tonight was ORPHAN BLACK, which for a second consecutive year won Best Dramatic Series, along with its Star Tatiana Maslany nabbing again Best Performance by an Actress in a Continuing Leading Dramatic Role. Maslany arrived dressed in Canadian Designers Greta Constantine, with her Boyfriend, Downton Abbey Star, Tom Cullen.
French-language Drama MOMMY – fresh off a César Award in France – from Quebec Filmmaker/Actor Xavier Dolan would go on to win major accolades tonight including Best Motion Picture, Achievement in Cinematography, Achievement in Direction, Achievement in Editing, Achievement in Make-Up, Original Screenplay, Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Antoine Olivier Pilon), Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role (Anne Dorval) and Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role (Suzanne Clément).
POMPEII also would go-on to score big, winning Achievement in Art Direction, Achievement in Direction, Achievement in Costume Design, Achievement in Visual Effects, Achievement in Sound Editing and Achievement in Visual Effects. It earlier was awarded the Cineplex Golden Reel Award as top-grossing Canadian Film. Mega-Producer Don Carmody accepted the Award tonight, while one of its Stars, Kiefer Sutherland walked the Red Carpet, making a return to his Hometown.
Several would dazzle the Red Carpet tonight including recent Oscar Winner Julianne Moore, smart in a Pantsuit, graciously accepting a warm round of applause as she came to present. The Actress was nominated for her work in David Cronenberg‘s acclaimed MAPS TO THE STARS, which eventually saw her Co-Star John Cusack go-on to win for Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role. Others who dazzled included Meaghan Rath of BEING HUMAN, Sarah Gadon of MAPS TO THE STARS, Julia Voth of PACKAGE DEAL, Patrick J. Adams of SUITS, a pregnant A.J. Cook of CRIMINAL MINDS and a tearful Missy Peregrym who commended ROOKIE BLUE Fans for being “fierce”; the latter Series won Golden Screen Award for Best Dramatic Television Series.
For a complete list of Winners, click here.
See our Snaps from tonight’s Red Carpet Festivities!
Andrea Martin
2015 Canadian Screen Award Presenters
Class Photo! #CDNSCREEN15 Presenters! #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Tom Cullen + Tatiana Maslany
The Team behind ORPHAN BLACK
Congrats to the Team behind #OrphanBlack winning Best Drama Series! #CDNSCREEN15 #TatianaMaslany #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Xavier Dolan + Nancy Grant of MOMMY
Congrats to #XavierDolan and #NancyGrant who win Best Picture at #CDNSCREEN15 for #MOMMY. #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Tatiana Maslany winning for ORPHAN BLACK
#TatianaMaslany wins Best Actress in a Drama Series for #OrphanBlack a second year! #CDNSCREEN15 #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Jared Keeso wins for 19-2
#JAREDKEESO wins Best Actor in a Dramatic TV Series for #192. From Listowel, ON to the #CDNSCREEN15 Awards! #NineteenTwo #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Anne Dorval wins for MOMMY
#ANNEDORVAL wins Best Actress in a Motion Picture, #MOMMY. #CDNSCREEN15 #spoileralert #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Missy Peregrym accepts for ROOKIE BLUE
“Our fans are fierce”, says a teary #MissyPeregrym, accepting Best Dramatic Series at #CDNSCREEN15. #spoileralert #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Vinay Virmani + Manpreet Ral winning Best Original Song for DR. CABBIE
Our buddy @VinayVirmani + Manjeet Ral winning Best Original Song at #CDNSCREEN15 for #DrCabbie.
A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Don McKellar winning for SENSITIVE SKIN
#DonMcKellar hamming it up after his Best Actor in a TV Series Comedy at #CDNSCREEN15, for #SensitiveSkin. A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
A.J. Cook
#CriminalMinds Star #AJCook at #CDNSCREEN15! Do you believe she’s pregnant? #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Kevin Durand
#KevinDurand, star of #Vikings and #TheStrain at #CDNSCREEN15. #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Meaghan Rath
#MeaghanRath of #BeingHuman at #CDNSCREEN15. #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Megan Follows
#MeganFollows (#AnneofGreenGables) at #CDNSCREEN15 for #Reign. #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Bruce Greenwood + Susan Devlin
#BruceGreenwood of #ElephantSong, at #CDNSCREEN15 with his lovely Mrs. #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Ken Taylor (on whom Oscar-winning Best Picture ARGO was based) + Co-Producer Elena Semikina
The real #KenTaylor on whom which #ARGO is based upon + #OurManinTehran Co-Producer #ElenaSemikina. #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Patrick J. Adams
Star of #SUITS, #PatrickJAdams at #CDNSCREEN15. #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Sarah Gadon
IMHO, best-dressed, #SarahGadon at #CDNSCREEN15. #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Diego Klattenhoff
Kiefer Sutherland
#KieferSutherland at #CDNSCREEN15 for #Pompeii. #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Atom Egoyan
#AtomEgoyan at #CDNSCREEN15 for #TheCaptive. #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Julia Voth
Stunning #JuliaVoth, nominated for #PackageDeal. #CDNSCREEN15 #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Dan Levy, Annie Murphy + Eugene Levy of SCHITT’S CREEK
#DanLevy, #AnnieMurphy + #EugeneLevy of #SchittsCreek at #CDNSCREEN15! #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
The Cast of TU DORS NICOLE
The Cast of Best Picture Nominee #TuDorsNicole at #CDNSCREEN15: #MarcAndreGrondin, #CatherineStLaurent, #JulianneCote and more. #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
The Director + Cast of MOMMY:
The Cast of #MOMMY, Best Picture Nominee at #CDNSCREEN15 including: #XavierDolan, #AnneDorval, #AntoineOlivierPilon + #SuzanneClement. #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Missy Peregrym + Gregory Smith
#ROOKIEBLUE’s #MissyPeregrym + #GregorySmith at #CDNSCREEN15. #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Enrico Colantoni
Adorable #EnricoColantoni of #Remedy at #CDNSCREEN15. #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Michael Murphy
#MichaelMurphy, nominated for #FALL at #CDNSCREEN15. #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Julianne Moore
#JulianneMoore smart in a suit at #CDNSCREEN15! Will she win Best Actress for #MapstotheStars? #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#GIVEAWAY: ENTER TO WIN PASSES TO SEE “DRACULA UNTOLD” IN TORONTO, MONTREAL, VANCOUVER, CALGARY, EDMONTON, OTTAWA + WINNIPEG!
Universal Pictures Canada and Mr. Will want to give Readers in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa and Winnipeg a chance to win Passes to see DRACULA UNTOLD first! Screenings take place Wednesday, October 8, 2014.
Official Synopsis:
Luke Evans (Fast & Furious 6, Immortals) stars in Dracula Untold, the origin story of the man who became Dracula. Gary Shore directs and Michael De Luca produces the epic action-adventure that co-stars Sarah Gadon, Dominic Cooper, Diarmaid Murtagh and Samantha Barks.
Watch the Trailer below:
Official Artwork:
To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook and tell me in the comments section after watching the Trailer why you think Dracula turns to darkness!
Share this Post on Facebook with your Friends or Re-Tweet the below to double your chances:
http://www.mrwillwong.com/draculauntold @MRWILLW wants us to #win Passes across #Canada to see #DRACULAUNTOLD. Out 10/10!
Good luck, Willionaire$!
Universal Pictures Canada release DRACULA UNTOLD on Friday, October 10, 2014.
(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)
#TIFF14: AL PACINO AT THE THIRD ANNUAL TIFF GALA
Now in its 39th year, TIFF ’14 kicked-off with an Opening Night Gala at none other than TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX. Ringing-in the celebrations was Acting Icon Al Pacino who did a Q&A with George Stroumboulopoulos, discussing everything from his childhood to what he looks for in a project now. The Godfather Star says without ever a doubt he always knew he would be a Movie Star, encouraged by a Grade School Teacher who noted to his Grandmother his talent at a young age. “I feel like I am doing Films I feel are reflective of where I am in my life.”, states Pacino.
The New York-born-Los Angeles Transplant is at TIFF ’14 with two new Films, The Humbling and Manglehorn. Arriving on the Red Carpet tonight with his Girlfriend Lucia Sola, Pacino admits the former is subject close to him. The Film is about a suicidal Actor and a younger Woman’s sexual relationship. “Manglehorn challenged me to do something different”, he says about the other Drama which seems him starring as a Locksmith in a small town, never quite getting over the love of his life.
The Star got candid about his childhood and relationship with his estranged Father whom had married five times. Although he didn’t get to know his Father Sal well as a Child, he recalls distinctly understanding what it felt like for the first time feeling his Father’s spirit covering him after his death. He remembers feeling so moved that he had been stopped in his tracks.
In addition, an Auction was held for the charitable Organization afterward, one prize including a shadowing opportunity with TIFF‘s Chief Executive Officer Piers Handling. Among those ringing-in the festivities tonight were a Who’s-Who of Canadian Talent including Sandra Oh (Grey’s Anatomy), Sarah Gadon (Maps to the Stars), Gabriel Macht (Suits), Don McKellar (Sensitive Skin), Colm Feore (The Borgias), Eric Johnson (Rookie Blue), Gregory Smith (Rookie Blue) and Newlyweds Zachary Levi (Chuck) and Missy Peregrym (Rookie Blue); Peregrym looked dazzling head-to-toe in Intermix.
TIFF ’14 has finally arrived, running Thursday, September 4, 2014 through Sunday September 14, 2014!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
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