As TIFF ’13 Festivities are nearing an end, I had the incredible honour of being invited to what is regarded as the most sought-after Gifting Lounge of the entire Festival, George Stromboulopoulous’ Made in Canada Lounge. Now in its fifth year, the Lounge situated in the CBC Building this year decidedly has taken-on an all-Canadian theme. Not only was I floored by the Goodies in store, attending Celebrities loved them some of these locally-made products. As I was guided through the Lounge, my jaw was in an endless state of dropped as name after name was rattled-off to me, processing what these Stars took a liking to.

Celebrity Guests this year at the Made in Canada Lounge included the likes of Ryan Kwanten, Taylor Schilling, Idris Elba, Tom Wilkinson, Taylor Kitsch, Paul Dano, Jesse Eisenberg, Zoe Kazan, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Joel Edgerton, Alan Cumming and many others. Several even partook in signing their Autographs on Hockey Sticks, proudly placed on display and later to generate funds for Charity.

Among the biggest Winners at the Lounge this year were: AWAKE‘s delicious and super-caffeinated Chocolates, the uber-refreshing Limonana Beverage, Neals Brothers Foods‘ Bacon Maple Chips (which I am consuming at a rapid rate as I type this post), OMG’s (like Clodhoppers, if not more scintillating), the Montreal Canadiens‘ (Stromboulopoulous‘ favourite NHL Team) exclusive “TIFF“-inscribed Jersey, Smells Like Canada‘s Saskatoon Wheat-scented Candle, Sweets from the Earth‘s Cashew Cookies (personal favourite), Pehr‘s Tea Towels, Leaves of Trees’ super-moisturizing Argan Oil, Cococo Chocolatiers’ Habanero Rosemary Infusion Chocolate Bar (meant to be paired with Dinner), Oliberte Shoes, Daneson’s Toothpicks and several, several, more.

It also is said that “STROMBO” T-Shirts by Lancaster are becoming a bit of a Celebrity-obsession south of the Border also with Game of Thrones Star Nikolaj Coster-Waldau recently being papped in one.

I went, I visited and I didn’t want to leave.

For a complete list of the Canadian Businesses which were featured at George Stromboulopoulos’ Made in Canada Lounge, click here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Both having had their starts on The X Factor – although on different continents – British Pop Sensation Cher Lloyd and emerging American Girl Group Fifth Harmony drew a near-capacity crowd at The Phoenix Concert Hall tonight in Toronto.

The Show opened with a solid Set by Fifth Harmony, which consists of: Ally Brooke, Camila Cabello, Dinah Jane Hansen, Lauren Jauregui and Normani Kordei. After forming just last year, the Quintet are on the verge of releasing their debut Disc, the Better Together EP.  Their Set saw them perform a mix of Covers including Lorde‘s Royals and originals like Miss Movin’ On and Me & My Girls.  All solid.  Their harmonic blendings live are just as good as it sounds on recording.  It is rare that in a Girl Group, each of the Vocalists are as strong as the other. At one point they even invited Fans on-stage to dance with them!

Upon exiting the Venue back to their buses, there was a mass chaos of their young Female Fans forgoing their ability to re-enter the Venue, all crowding about to get a chance to meet their Idols and some were lucky to get their Snaps with them!   Fifth Harmony‘s Better Together EP gets a releases on October 22, 2013 via Sony Music Canada.  Check-out Me & My Girls right here.

Cher Lloyd, known best in North America for her Hits Want U Back and Oath, is set to release her new Single I Wish ft. T.I.  Although a bit mixed with some of her newer material headed a darker, edgier direction, Fans rejoiced when Lloyd delivered some of her more familiar Tracks. Before long, she had the entire Audience throwing their arms in the air.

As an Artist she has improved vastly vocally in a short amount of time, although one thing she suffers from is a lack of coherency in her Style as it varies from Rap, to tender Ballads and Dance-Pop.  No one however can deny that talent, magnetic stage presence and voice, however.

Lloyd‘s new Disc is slated for an October release via Sony Music Canada. In the meantime, check-out her new Single I Wish right here.

See her perform a superb Cover of La Roux‘s In for the Kill below:

See some additional Snaps below, including some I got with Ally and Camila of Fifth Harmony below!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Mr. Will Wong & Fox Searchlight Canada are thrilled to give Toronto Readers a chance to see the hilarious Romantic-Comedy BAGGAGE CLAIM first!  The Screening takes place on Wednesday, September 25, 2013 at Cineplex Yonge & Dundas, 7:00 PM.

Official Synopsis:

Determined to get engaged before her youngest sister’s wedding, flight attendant Montana Moore (Paula Patton) finds herself with only 30 days to find Mr. Right. Using her airline connections to “accidentally” meet up with eligible ex-boyfriends and scour for potential candidates, she racks up more than 30,000 miles and countless comedic encounters, all the while searching for the perfect Guy.

The stellar Cast includes: Paula Patton, Derek Luke, Taye Diggs, Jill Scott, Boris Kodjoe, Tremaine Neverson, Adam Brody, Jenifer Lewis, Ned Beatty, Lauren London, Tia Mowry, La La Anthony, Christina Milian, Affion Crockett, Terrence J, Rickey Smiley, Thomas Miles and Djimon Hounsou.

Watch the Trailer below:

To enter to win a Double Pass, please click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. You can double your chances simply by sharing this Post with your Friends or Re-Tweeting the below:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/baggageclaim @MRWILLW wants us to #win a Double Pass to see the hilarious #BAGGAGECLAIM starring #PAULAPATTON in Toronto.

Good luck.

Fox Searchlight Canada releases BAGGAGE CLAIM in Toronto on Friday, September 27, 2013.

(Photo credit: Fox Searchlight)

This part of the TIFF always is a bit of a Downer as two days’ time all the Starpower will have exited the City and then comes the agonizing year-long wait till it all returns. Day Eight of TIFF ‘13 was generally subdued with several confirmed Talent cancelling their Toronto visits including the likes of Ed Harris, Rebecca Hall, Alan Rickman and Richard Madden.

Still, we managed to capture some of the brightest of Stars still remaining in our City including.

Annette Bening at the World Premiere of Romantic-Drama, The Face of Love, at VISA Screening Room. Bening was gracious to sign some Autographs upon arrival and exit and one lucky Fan was able to get a Photo with her even! The multiple Academy Award Nominee had to brave her Press Day alone as her Co-Star Ed Harris wasn’t able to attend today.

True Blood Star Ryan Kwanten stars in The Right Kind of Wrong, which sees him falling in love with a Bride-to-Be to another Man. The Film received the Gala treatment tonight at Roy Thomson Hall and the Aussie was spotted tonight at Blowfish following the Premiere of the Film.

SCTV Alumni Catherine O’Hara was in great spirits following the celebrations for her Film The Right Kind of Wrong, channelling Coco Chanel with her latest look. Despite zipping past the Press Line at her Premiere, O’Hara was certainly not shy with Fans, generously taking time with them upon returning to her Hotel.

After a week’s stay in the City, Rising Star Daniel Brühl flew out of Toronto earlier today after aggressively promoting Oscar Contenders Rush and The Fifth Estate during his TIFF ’13 visit. The Actor after a bit of nudging from Fans was nice enough to greet them upon exiting his Hotel.

It’s always a delight seeing Emma Thompson and we couldn’t resist another Photo with her all glammed-up tonight. The Oscar Winner was spotted chugging some Grey Goose Vodka straight from the bottle with her The Love Punch Co-Star Pierce Brosnan on the Red Carpet at Roy Thomson Hall!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

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

With the pace of TIFF ’13 slowing down now to just a brisk walk, I admit I’ve slacked a little today on the Celeb Front and enjoyed catching-up on rest on my own personal matters – primarily sleep.  That being said, I could not miss Taylor Schilling.  The Actress, best known for her work on hit Netflix Original Series, Orange is the New Black, is in town for the Drama Stay in which she stars as a Woman who is in hiding with her Lover (played by Aidan Quinn) after he experiences a personal tragedy.  She then discovers that she is pregnant.

Schilling is everything I thought she would be – personable, sweet and kind to her Fans, taking her time to greet everyone who waited in the impending Thunderstorm, over at Isabel Bader Theatre. eOne Films releases Stay in Canada.

See a Snap below:

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.