Honouring some of the most significant Females in Canadian Film, Telefilm Canada and Maison Birks honoured ten Women Actors and Directors at their Flagship Toronto Store today at the first ever Diamond Tribute to the Year’s Women in Film.  The Event was timed while all eyes are on Toronto during the Toronto International Film Festival.

Selected by a Panel of Journalists who cover the Arts, Cultural and Entertainment fields, an immensely-talented group of Canadian Women were awarded for their achievement and talent, recognition from peers and visibility they have brought Canada.  Drawing a huge crowd to Bay x Bloor despite the threat of rain, Fans were ready in a designated FanZone allowing them an opportunity to connect with the Who’s Who of Film and Television in Canada.

This year’s Honourees include:

Directors: Louise Archambault, Deepa Mehta, Alanis Obomsawin, Sarah Polley and Chloé Robichaud

Actresses: Évelyne Brochu, Geneviève Bujold, Sarah Gadon, Jessica Paré and Alison Pill

The Event being fully at capacity, Archambault, Mehta, Obomsawin, Robinchaud and Brochu were all in attendance today. Gadon‘s Mother accepted her Award in her absence.

Among those in attendance this year were several familiar Canadian faces including the likes of Kelly Rowan, Anthony Lemke, Katie Boland, Aaron Abrams, Kristin Booth, Rob Stewart, Cynthia Preston, Atom Egoyan, Paul Haggis, Liane Balaban, Michael Seater and several more.  TIFF Rising Stars, Cara Gee and Johnathan Sousa also came out to celebrate.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

As we enter the Halfway Point of TIFF ’13, the Starpower still is v. much alive in Toronto and I even got the chance to see a Movie amidst all my Star Chronicling, seeing Oscar-buzzed August: Osage Country this morning.  Even then, I still spotted a certain Celebrity there!

Dermot Mulroney arrives at the Press Conference for August: Osage County and was kind to stop quickly for Fans after its start time was delayed.

Juliette Lewis was kindest of all, stopping for Fans before and following the August: Osage Country Press Conference earlier today, working the perimeter of the Barricades to cheers for Fans.  Her performance in the Family-Drama will floor you as the fun-loving, hungry Sister to Julia Roberts and Daughter of Meryl Streep.

Ewan McGregor arrived at the Venue for August: Osage County‘s Press Conference by foot and was amazing to stop for Fans after several pleas afterward. Despite not being confirmed as of last week, the Scotsman let his Fans know he’d be visiting Toronto on his Twitter account a few days ago.

Academy Award-winning Actress Emma Thompson always has maintained her sincerity and graciousness to Fans. We spotted her arriving in Toronto tonight and although few noticed, our flags were raised right away.  Thompson appears at TIFF ’13 with The Love Punch opposite Pierce Brosnan and later this year she stars in Saving Mr. Banks, as the Author of Mary Poppins, P.L. Travers.

It’s Bond himself.  While seeing August: Osage Country earlier this morning at VISA Screening Room, I looked down my row and noticed a familiar face – Pierce Brosnan!  The Actor who appears in The Love Punch opposite Emma Thompson, was ushered-out discreetly after the Screening, where I snapped him leaving the Venue.  I later spotted him at La Bettola di Terroni having Lunch.

Anyone who’s ever lined a Red Carpet at TIFF will know that Academy Award-Nominee Jessica Chastain is amazing.  She always takes the time to pose for Fans and sign Autographs and is extremely classy about it.  Although we missed her last year, she definitely is back and everyone’s taking notice as one of the Best-Dressed Starlets to visit our City at the Festival.  Tonight she went to see Al Pacino at Massey Hall and likely will work the Party Circuit tonight afterward.

Few have floored me at TIFF ’13 like Daniel Radcliffe. The British Star, best known for his work as Harry Potter, has consistently been kind to Fans this visit to Toronto and tonight he premiered his third and final Film of the Festival, Kill Your Darlings. We will definitely miss him indeed when he’s gone.

Although we had no idea he still was in-town after debuting his Only Lovers Left Alive earlier in the Festival, Tom Hiddleston waved goodbye to Fans before flying-out.  Fret not though Toronto, as the handsome Actor best known to Fans as Loki in Thor, will be back later this year, recently replacing Benedict Cumberbatch in Guillermo del Toro‘s Crimson Peak.

We’re almost half-way through TIFF ’13 and the Star Sightings just don’t stop.  Among the Talent we saw today include Marquee  names, and several more were seen at the popular InStyle Magazine Party held annually at the Windsor Arms Hotel.

Michael C. Hall at TIFF ’13 with Kill Your Darlings.

Saoirse Ronan at TIFF ’13 for Mary Queen of Scots.

Daniel Radcliffe at TIFF ’13 with The F Word, Kill Your Darlings and Horns.

Nicolas Cage runs the Red Carpet for Joe at Princess of Wales Theatre, zipping furiously through line of Autograph Seekers in record time.

Sandra Bullock greets hoards of Fans while promoting Gravity.  She was absolutely wonderful and in charge of the situation.

James Hetfield of Metallica promoting new Documentary, Through the Never.

Acting Legend Tom Wilkinson who stars in Belle at TIFF ’13.

David Arquette surprises at the InStyle Magazine Party, donning earrings with his Daughter Coco‘s name.

Jennifer Morrison at the InStyle Magazine Party.

Jared Harris at the InStyle Magazine Party.

Abigail Breslin at the InStyle Magazine Party.

Jessica Chastain at the InStyle Magazine Party.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

*Photos taken with Samsung Galaxy S4 and Olympus E-PL5

It was an extremely hectic day of Star-gazing and Star-chasing around the City today on Day Four of TIFF ’13.  Please pardon my extreme exhaustion as tonight’s Post will be simply a Photo Dump, with more details to come once I’ve caught-up on my rest.  Tired is an understatement (!), but I’m driven to give my Readers and Followers my absolute best.  The day was capped-off late with a Red Carpet Afterparty for Ron Howard‘s Rush, at the Thompson Hotel.  Without further a do here they are!

Steve Coogan at the Princess of Wales Theatre Premiere of hotly-buzzed Drama, Philomena, directed by Stephen Frears. Unfortunately Dame Judi Dench was absent:

British Thespian Richard E. Grant  attending the Philomena Premiere earlier today. Even Movie Stars have to go through protocol just like us, to get into TIFF Screenings as you can see!  The Actor is here for his Film, Dom Hemingway.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus signing Autographs at the Press Conference for her new Rom-Com, Enough Said, also known as James Gandolfini‘s last Film:

The handsome Taylor Kitsch looking impeccable in gray, heading to the Premiere of his Film The Grand Seduction, by Canadian Filmmaker Don McKellar:

I must admit the biggest Winner at TIFF ’13 thus far are definitely Toni Collette‘s amazing Bangs. Love ’em and I am glad she’s had a change of heart of late, now taking Photos with Fans unlike in prior years! The Actress is here for Enough Said.

Kim Cattrall just about surprised us all today picking-up her Buddy Don McKellar at his Hotel before they head off together to the Premiere of his latest, The Grand Seduction.

Academy Award Nominee Demián Bichir at the Pre-Party for his Film Dom Hemingway, which premiered tonight at Princess of Wales Theatre. Those who aren’t familiar with him, he starred recently in the hilarious Comedy, The HEAT.

Few Actresses have been as Fan-inaccessible at TIFF ’13 as Emilia Clarke, known best for her work on HBO’s Game of Thrones. The Actress avoided Fans tonight at the Pre-Party for the Film and Afterparty also. We can at least agree that she looks stunning in Mustard Yellow!

Although Twilight Director Bill Condon was here just a few days ago for the Festival, it was only a matter of time before a Dreamgirl showed up! Anika Noni Rose was amazing to Fans earlier today in Yorkville who spotted her as she head out to her Premiere for Half of a Yellow Sun!

Model Madeleina Ghenea might be known for her ties to Gerard Butler in Tabloids of late but she too is building a name for herself as an Actress, starring in Dom Hemingway at TIFF ’13.

Dakota Fanning easily was one of the People I must looked forward to seeing at TIFF ’13 and my how she’s grown! The Actress looked beautiful in a two-piece shimmery Ensemble. I may have even gotten a Photo with her at the Ryerson Theatre Premiere of Night Moves!

Jesse Eisenberg was amazing with Fans at the Ryerson Theatre Red Carpet Premiere of Night Moves. The Actor was in Toronto not too long ago visiting Girlfriend Mia Wasikowska who filmed here this Summer.

Liam Hemsworth certainly wasn’t expected to come out to the TIFF ’13 Premiere of Ron Howard’s Rush, but the Actor flew to Toronto yesterday to support his older Brother Chris tonight (sans Miley Cyrus unfortunately). Here he is at the Afterparty of the Film:

Chris Hemsworth and Wife Elsa Pataky arrived together at tonight’s Rush Premiere at Roy Thomson Hall and Afterparty, both looking impeccable.

Olivia Wilde and Jason Sudeikis are just perfect for one another and their chemistry was full on display as they gazed into each other’s eyes at the Red Carpet for the Rush Official Afterparty.

Harry Potter Star Tom Felton, in-town for his Film Therese, also showed-up to one of the hottest Tickets in Toronto tonight, the Premiere for Rush.

Rush Star Daniel Bruhl and the real Niki Lauda, Formula 1 Champion, even showed-up and walked tonight’s Red Carpet together!

 

And of course the Afterparty for Rush wouldn’t be complete with a mention of the legendary Ron Howard!

Just as I am about to doze off over my Laptop… Stay tuned for more tomorrow!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

*Photos shot on Samsung Galaxy S4 and Olympus E-PL5

A bit of a slower day today on the Photo front, Wongsters!  It rained and rained and rained and finally after subsiding a bit I think we’re good to go again.  We did spot some pretty exciting names though today, thus far!

Kate Winslet is just too perfect.  Love her and it tears me apart that my first time seeing her today was under less than ideal circumstances. The Academy Award Winner arrived at her Press Conference for Labor Day (premiering tonight at Ryerson Theatre), throwing over a quick wave to Fans before being rushed in.  On her way out she rolled down her window quickly and threw a hand wave. Mesmerized.

Josh Brolin, who stars opposite Winslet in Labor Day under more ideal circumstances would’ve given more to Fans, but I managed to get this Snap of him waving goodbye through a sea of Umbrellas to Fans after completing a Press Conference for the Oscar-buzzed Drama by Director Jason Reitman.

By total chance, I crossed paths with the lovely Jennifer Garner as she was downtown doing a bit of shopping.  Mrs. Ben Affleck was seen without the Mr. and it is said she enjoyed a Salad for lunch today in advance of her Red Carpet Premiere for HIV-Drama Dallas Buyers Club in which she stars opposite Matthew McConaughey.

Although not here for TIFF ’13 specifically, they sure timed it well. Brothers Donnie and Paul Wahlberg arrived in Toronto today to promote their upcoming upscale Burger Restaurant, WAHLBURGERS, meeting Fans at the Soho-Metropolitan Hotel today.  After running out of Burgers quickly, the rest of the Fans were given Gift Cards for future purchase of a Burger when the first Canadian location opens in 2014!

Funnyman Tom Arnold made a surprise appearance at the Roy Thomson Hall Premiere of Mike Myers‘ Documentary, Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon today and he was spotted out and about partying this evening, much to my surprise. The former Husband of Roseanne Barr was even awesome enough to stop to pose for Pics!

Jack Huston is definitely an emerging Talent to come into TIFF ’13 with a significant amount of buzz. The Nephew of Danny Huston and Anjelica Huston stars in Kill Your Darlings, which premieres tomorrow night at Roy Thomson Hall. He has been seen most recently on HBO‘s Boardwalk Empire.

Perhaps one of the biggest surprises we’ve seen at TIFF was ’90s Megastar Crooner Michael Bolton out partying tonight with his Buddy, Toronto Director Paul Haggis (second below), who presents his latest work Third Person, a Romantic-Drama starring Olivia Wilde and Liam Neeson Monday night at VISA Screening Room! Both Bolton and Haggis were extremely gracious to stop and pose for Fans.

Maroon 5 Frontman debuted his first Feature Film, Can a Song Save Your Life tonight at the Princess of Wales Theatre. The handsome Singer was spotted at the uber-trendy Patria following his Premiere before calling it an early night. He soon will begin mentoring duties on the fourth Season of NBC‘s The Voice, premiering late September.

Still going strong, Director-Actress Couple Eli Roth and Lorenza Izzo are back at TIFF again this year with Green Inferno, premiering at the Festival’s Midnight Madness Program tonight. The two were spotted heading together to their Premiere. They certainly are not Strangers to Toronto having filmed Netflix‘s Hemlock Grove here last year.

Dane DeHaan‘s star is rising rather fast and in addition to starring in Kill Your Darlings alongside Daniel Radcliffe, he stars this time as Harry …Osborn in Amazing Spider-Man 2. The Actor was here last TIFF with The Place Beyond the Pines.

The stunning Freida Pinto is in Toronto partaking in the TIFF ’13 festivities and word is, she is raising awareness for an Indian Film Festival in development in the City. Definitely one of the few Actresses I know who can pull-off orange so effortlessly.

Actor/Director John Turturro and French Actress/Singer Vanessa Paradis (formerly Partner of Johnny Depp) were seen partying together in support of their TIFF ’13 Film, Fading Gigolo. Both were awesome to stop and interact with Fans tonight.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

*Photos taken on Samsung Galaxy S4 and Olympus E-PL5.

Mr. Will Wong and eOne Live are thrilled to give Readers a chance to win Passes to the Red Carpet Premiere of Denis Villeneuve‘s ENEMY!

The Premiere takes place Sunday, September 8, 2013 at 6:00 PM at Ryerson Theatre.  Talent will be in attendance including Sarah Gadon, Jake Gyllenhaal and Director Denis Villeneuve.

Official Synopsis here.

Those of you hoping to see it at TIFF ’13 have two chances:
Sunday September 8 – Ryerson Theatre at 6:00 PM
Monday September 9 – TIFF Bell Lightbox 1 at10:30 PM

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. Share on Facebook or Re-Tweet the below to double your chances!

http://mrwillwong.com/enemy @MRWILLW wants us to #win Red Carpet Premiere Passes to the #TIFF13 Premiere of #ENEMY starring #JakeGyllenhaal!

Don’t forget to check-out the newly-launched eOne Live Website!

Good luck.

(Photo credit: eOne Films)

We definitely didn’t sleep much last night and now we’re up and at it again!

After spotting him out and about last night, Colin Hanks was up and at ’em early this morning doing a Photo Call for his TIFF ’13 Film, Parkland in which he stars as one of the Doctors responsible for trying to save President John F. Kennedy.  Not much Fan love though today as he was quick to throw a handwave and go.  Saving it for the Red Carpet tonight perhaps?

Canadian Actor Ben Cotton was all smiles walking over to his Photo Call for Family Drama Cinemanovels, debuting tonight at Scotiabank Theatre.

Jennifer Beals certainly hasn’t aged one bit since her Flashdance days. She stars in Cinemanovels, which premieres tonight and was gracious to stop to sign some Autographs for Fans, wishing them a great day.

Canadian Beauty Lauren Lee Smith stopped to chat with Fans before arriving at a Photo Call for Cinemanovels, premiering tonight at TIFF ’13, sporting an amazing new Haircut.

Double Academy Award-Nominee Jacki Weaver just might get another nomination for her intense performance in Parkland, starring as the Mother of JFK‘s Killer, Lee Harvey Oswald. Here she is arriving at her Photo Call.

Zac Efron without fail always draws screams wherever he goes and such was the case as he surprised at a Photo Call for Parkland, premiering tonight at TIFF ’13.  Efron plays a Doctor in charge of saving the late JFK‘s life and he was great to stop to sign some Autographs for Fans after promising to do so after a rushed arrival.

Funnywoman Kristen Wiig always brings a smile to our faces, and did just that today arriving at the Premiere for her latest Film Loveship Hateship at the Princess of Wales Theatre.  What a Beauty!  Too bad she missed half of the Fans who lined-up hours to meet her when signing Autographs.

Sami Gayle might seem an unfamiliar face, but the Blue Bloods Star surely appears to be developing quite a Fan Base judging by the cheers and screams for her as she arrived on the Red Carpet for the Premiere of Loveship Hateship.  She was lovely to make time for many of her Fans, crossing the road amidst Street Car Traffic to greet them.

It’s only Day One of the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival and already our City is lit bright on Star Power alone.  Although all eyes are on the Opening Night Gala, of Bill Condon‘s The Fifth Estate over at Roy Thomson Hall, several Stars were spotted out today, a taste of the excitement to come over the course of the next eleven days.

Benedict Cumberbatch undoubtedly has thrust himself into the Spotlight as Hollywood’s Next “It” Boy and with three Films at TIFF ’13, he has commanded attention from all. The Star of Box Office Hit Star Trek Into Darkness, was spotted at a Cocktail Party prior to heading to his Premiere at Roy Thomson Hall.  Although not many Fans got their coveted Photos with him nor Autographs signed, citing fatigue, Cumberbatch was ever dapper in a Tuxedo and in good spirits at the star-studded Afterparty for The Fifth Estate.

TIFF‘s relationship with Filmmaker Guillermo Del Toro has been noted and although the Pacific Rim Director really is in town to prep upcoming Series, The Strain, he is known to partake in TIFF Festivities. Don’t be surprised if he’s sitting next to you at a Screening this weekend!

Canadian Actress Cara Gee recently was named one of TIFF‘s Rising Stars for 2013 starring in  Empire of Dirt. The stunning Beauty was seen mingling tonight at The Fifth Estate‘s Afterparty with EE BAFTA Rising Star Award-winning Actress Juno Temple (seen second below) who left her with some supportive parting words. The always delightful Temple stars in Horns opposite Daniel Radcliffe, premiering later tonight.

We spotted Daniel Brühl arriving in Toronto just yesterday and although he was a little Fan-shy then, he delivered upon his promise at the Roy Thomson Hall Red Carpet Premiere for The Fifth Estate and also again at the Afterparty for the Film. He will continue to be in the City for the next week, promoting also Ron Howard‘s Rush in which he stars as Formula 1 Driver Niki Lauda.

An absolute vision of beauty, Swedish Actress Alicia Vikander stunned in an elegant green floral print dress at the Premiere for The Fifth Estate in which she plays the important role of Anke, Wife of WikiLeaks Spokesperson Daniel Berg (Brühl). In addition to being amazing to Fans, she also will be starring in eagerly-awaited Fantasy Seventh Son next, making her one to look out for.

Dutch Actress Carice van Houten has gained a Cult Following thanks to her work as Melisandre on HBO‘s Game of Thrones. Her star continues to rise on an international level, starring in The Fifth Estate as Birgitta Jónsdóttir and she was delightful with Fans. After the Afterparty for the Film she was the only Cast member amazing enough to greet Fans from the Patio of the Venue.

Downton Abbey Fans will rejoice that handsome Star Dan Stevens (Dan Crawley) is at TIFF ’13 after all for The Fifth Estate!  The British Star was amazingly nice to stop for Fans both at the Airport today, arriving just hours before his Red Carper Premiere and again at the Event itself!

We wouldn’t be in Toronto without a shout-out to our amazing Homegrown Talent. World-famous DJ and Producer Deadmau5 was spotted out and about tonight at The Fifth Estate Afterparty with his new Girlfriend, Actress/Singer Sophie Tweed-Simmons (Daughter of Gene). The latter of course got to ride “Shotgun” in his new Ferrari 458 Italia as the zoomed off into the night.

They don’t come any classier than the brilliant Tom Hiddleston and he couldn’t have been any more kind to his Fans thus far in his TIFF ’13 visit for Only Lovers Left Alive. The British Star known best for his work in The Avengers/Thor as Loki, graciously zipped his way through the large crowd of Fans at Ryerson Theatre tonight, signing as many Autographs as fast as he could. Our Snap I will reveal at a later date, I being one of the few to get one!

It’s been a couple years since we’ve seen Anton Yelchin at TIFF, but he remains a true Gentleman and also a name just below the radar still. The Actor who filmed Charlie Bartlett here in Toronto back in 2007, stars alongside Hiddleston in Vampire-Thriller Only Lovers Left Alive as one of the few Human Characters, Ian. As always, he was outstanding to his Supporters at the Premiere.

Although we met her this Summer in Toronto filming David Cronenberg‘s Maps to the Stars, Rising Star Mia Wasikowska always is a pleasure to see and she is fully supporting her three Films at the Festival this year: The Double, Tracks and of course Only Lovers Left Alive. She was a vision in red at the Ryerson Theatre Red Carpet but unfortunately several Fans were left disappointed as she zipped by into the theatre. Better luck next time?

An unexpected name tonight at The Fifth Estate Afterparty was Colin Hanks, who was a late confirmation for Historical-Drama Parkland. The Son of Tom who was recently in the City filming No Stranger Than Love, has a shot at being back at TIFF ’14 with that Romantic-Comedy. Although opting to be low-key, he still obliged for Fans looking for a Photo, taking the Selfie himself.

Tom Welling, known best for playing Clark Kent on Smallville also was a surprise at the Afterparty for The Fifth Estate, here to present Parkland tomorrow night at Roy Thomson Hall. Set on the day President John F. Kennedy died, he plays his Right-Hand Man, Roy Kellerman.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

*Photos taken on the Samsung Galaxy S4 and Olympus E-PL5

The Stars began to descend upon Toronto for the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival today and although some of the Actors to arrive don’t see their Movies for a few days, they just couldn’t resist enjoying our City a bit more than work permits!

Daniel Brühl is definitely a name to look out for TIFF ’13 with two Marquee Titles at the Festival this year including Opening Night Gala The Fifth Estate, premiering tonight at two venues.  Unfortunately there have been no sightings yet of his brilliant Co-Star Benedict Cumberbatch still. This weekend he also will be here to present Ron Howard‘s RUSH, in which he stars as Formula 1 Driver Niki Lauda. The Actor was low-key, signing a couple Autographs, telling Fans he’ll greet them over the course of the week during TIFF Festivities.

Rising Star Paul Dano is a major force at TIFF ’13 also, here to present Thriller Prisoners in which he stars alongside Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal as a Suspect involved in the disappearance of two young Girls.  He also will be promoting Oscar Contender 12 Years a Slave from Director Steve McQueen, boasting an equally stellar Cast of Michael Fassbender, Brad Pitt, Sarah Paulson and Chiwetel Ejiofor.  Dano was seen with the aid of cane and sans Girlfriend Actress Zoe Kazan, who also will be here this weekend for Romantic-Comedy, The F Word in which she stars opposite Daniel Radcliffe.

Although he’s not here for TIFF ’13 per say, Hugh Dancy and his Wife Claire Danes certainly are no strangers to the Festival, having visited many a time in the past for it.  Dancy is back in Toronto (Baby Cyrus in tow) to prep for the forthcoming second season of Hannibal.  I spotted Co-Star Mads Mikkelsen earlier today working out in my Building even!

One of the Films premiering at TIFF ’13 with the most buzz certainly is Blue is the Warmest Colour, which won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival this past May.  The Lesbian-theme French Drama stars an impeccably-talented Duo of Léa Seydoux and Adèle Exarchopoulos.  Although both resisted Fans a bit, eventually they gave way taking Photos and signing Autographs.  The Duo premiere their Film at TIFF tonight.

Ahh, my favourite Snap thus far!  I love Jake Gyllenhaal and it always is a pleasure seeing him.  The Actor, who stars in two Films at the Festival, Prisoners and Toronto-filmed Enemy, arrived in Toronto from New York City a couple days early and will be hard at work through the weekend in support of both Thrillers.  The former is gaining lots of Oscar buzz already after a strong showing at the Telluride Film Festival.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Fans of The Lying Game were left hanging when the popular ABC Family Series got cancelled in July.  That isn’t stopping its Star Blair Redford from moving on.  The handsome Actor known best for his work on Soap Operas The Young and the Restless and Passions, is in Toronto working on a secret Project.  Spotted arriving in Toronto a couple Fans probed him about his reason for visiting the City and he’d only reveal he’s working on a new Series.

The 30-year-old Actor was amazingly nice to stop for Fans, signing Autographs, surprised at the warm reception.

As soon as we get any clues what he’s up to, we’ll let you know!

Snap below:

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/ABC Family)