The Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival (Reel Asian), Canada’s largest pan-Asian film festival, is pleased to announce that Montréal, ma belle directed by Xiaodan He has won the RBC Best Canadian Film Award at the 2025 Festival. Also, I Am A Flower directed by Ariel Victor Arthanto was awarded the Wattpad WEBTOON Studios Best Short Film Award. The Reel Asian Awards will be celebrated with an Awards brunch on Sunday, November 9, bringing together filmmakers, jury, and industry partners in attendance. The Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival has begun and runs until November 15 and online from November 10 – 23, 2025. For more details, visit reelasian.com.

“As we approach Reel Asian’s 30th year, we’re inspired by the incredible quality and creativity of the submissions we continue to receive,” said Deanna Wong, Executive Director of Reel Asian. “The unprecedented number of entries reflect the festival’s continued growth and impact on Asian cinema globally. Congratulations to all the award winners whose artistry continues to raise the bar.”

The 2025 Features Jury includes Elizabeth Wijaya, Assistant Professor in the Department of Visual Studies and the Cinema Studies Institute at the University of Toronto and producer of Mongrel (Directors’ Fortnight, Caméra d’Or Special Mention, Cannes 2024), Viet and Nam (Un Certain Regard, Cannes 2024) and Taste (Special Jury Award, Berlinale 2021); Lucius Dechausay, Executive in Charge of Production at CBC Documentaries and an award-winning director, producer, and editor; and filmmaker Zarrar Kahn, whose debut feature, In Flames, won the John Dunning Best Debut Feature at the Canadian Screen Awards and represented Pakistan at the 2024 Academy Awards®.

The 2024 Shorts Jury includes writer, programmer and cultural worker Winnie Wang; director, producer, editor, and Diaspora Film Festival programmer Ksan Lee (Miracle on Jongno Street); and 2021 Reel Asian’s So You Think You Can Pitch? winner and award-winning filmmaker Nedda Sarshar (Unibrow).

Reel Asian continues its commitment to supporting diverse voices with the annual Fire Horse Award, recognising an Asian Canadian in the media arts or screen-based industries who have dedicated their energy and talents to breaking down barriers, uplifting Asian Canadian communities, and sparking cultural change. Past Award recipients include Keith Lock, Mary Stephen, Paul Wong and Ali Kazimi. Reel Asian is currently accepting nominations for next year’s Fire Horse Award recipient. More details can be found here.

The 29th Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival will wrap up its in-person events with the annual So You Think You Can Pitch? Live Finale on Saturday, November 15, hosted by Rakhee Morzaria (Run the Burbs, Dinner with Friends). Five emerging filmmaking teams will go head-to-head, presenting their short film ideas to a panel of distinguished jurors for a prize package to help bring their project to life. This exciting finale celebrates the innovative and creative stories that define the future of Asian Canadian cinema.

The festival will continue to screen select films online until November 23, extending access to audiences across Canada.

Full list of Reel Asian award winners for the 29th edition:

RBC Best Canadian Feature Film Award
MONTRÉAL, MA BELLE by Xiaodan He

Xiaodan He’s sophomore offering is a deeply-felt portrait of womanhood, family and identity. Joan Chen is nothing short of a revelation as Feng, a character imbued with delicate power. The film is a window into contemporary Montreal, capturing the romance of the city and the rich intersectionality of its citizens. Xiaodan He crafts a tender poem of a film, that aches with a beating passion — for love, for family, and for being true to oneself. The jury is compelled to award the RBC Best Canadian Feature Film Award to Montréal, ma belle.

Dipchand LLP Best Feature Film Award
FUCKTOYS by Annapurna Sriram

This glistening film uses confident and inventive film language to create a hilarious and luscious, alternate but familiar world that is tender and cruel, and irreverent yet deeply critical. It builds beautifully messy vignettes that shine a light on people who are usually made invisible. It pushes cinema forward, reminding the audience of how storytelling can transform and challenge perspectives. The film is a wild, rollicking ride from start to finish, with stellar performances, production design, costumes and cinematography. The multi-hyphenate director establishes themselves as a revolutionary voice, while paying homage to the trailblazing artists who came before them — part John Waters, part Gregg Araki, part something that feels intangibly fresh and exciting. The jury awards Best Feature to Annapurna Sriram’s Fucktoys.

Osler Best First Feature Award
AKASHI by Mayumi Yoshida

In this beautifully crafted film, our protagonist Kana struggles with her sense of duty, place and worthiness of love after leaving those who cared for her to chase her own dreams. She can rest assured that because of her art she holds a fond place in the hearts of the jurors.

With its picturesque cinematography, graceful characterisation and mature storytelling, the jury is happy to award the intimate yet ambitious Akashi with the Osler Award for Best First Feature.

Reel Asian–DOC Institute Best Documentary Award
THERE ARE NO WORDS by Min Sook Lee

At once brave, beautiful, and heartbreaking, there are no answers in this investigation of transgenerational silences intertwined with personal and political histories of migration, violence, and family secrets. This haunting film is a moving ode to living on in the face of grief and difficult inheritances. The jury awards the Reel Asian–DOC Institute Best Documentary Award

Air Canada Short Film or Video Award
KARUPY by Kalainithan Kalaichelvan

MOTEL GRAND-PRÉ by Calvin Liu

HAIR! by Sara Jade Alfaro-Dehghani

BUGSICK by Silverfish Pictures

WE WERE THE SCENERY by Christopher Radcliff

The jury put a great deal of thought into the selection of the five films for this year’s Air Canada Short Film or Video Award. The final selection represents the diversity of talent, vision and form behind all films selected at the festival. From a matriarch’s rebellious stance at a family gathering to an intimate portrayal of a family-run business in eastern Quebec to a ritualistic hair removal merging culture and sisterhood to a sad bug’s healing process after a breakup to a refugee couples venture into film, this selection brings an experience that delivers the heart and truth of the human experience, and the bravery needed to deliver it.

Wattpad WEBTOON Studios Best Short Film Award
I AM A FLOWER by Ariel Victor Arthanto

This film presents a profound story of self-affirmation and the embracement of others, showing a compelling narrative of both conflict and reconciliation. Above all, this film serves as a crucial political message calling for respect for diversity in an era of rising far-right extremism. For recreating these essential virtues with such bold and lucid strokes, we proudly present the Wattpad WEBTOON Studios Best Short Film Award to director Ariel Victor Arthanto for I am a Flower.

SAMANSA Short Film Award
THERE WILL COME SOFT RAINS by Elham Ehsas

This year’s SAMANSA Short Film Award recognises There Will Come Soft Rains as the winner for its tender yet unwavering depiction of the looming threat of climate change that haunts both the living and even the dead; the great lengths our protagonist takes to protect her beloved father from rising sea levels and ensure posterity is a powerful testament to love amidst a sinking world.

Directors Guild of Canada–Ontario and WIFT+ Toronto Film Award
SAME TIME NEXT YEAR? by Anushay Sheikh

In their debut fiction work, Anushay Sheikh brilliantly crafts a world shared by two former lovers through words that are spoken and unspoken, gazes that are returned and unreturned, and touches that must be deferred to an uncertain future. Within the affordances and limitations of the short film format, Sheikh shows great promise as a director who locates cultural specificity, conveys emotional depth, and above all, understands that what is on screen is equally important as what is left off-screen. For these reasons, we are pleased to grant Same Time Next Year? the DGC Ontario & WIFT+ Toronto Film Award.

Armstrong Acting Studios Outstanding Performer in a Canadian Short Film
SUMATHY BALARAM for Karupy

It is the jury’s pleasure to name the Armstrong Acting Studios Outstanding Performer in a Canadian Short Film Award to Sumathy Balaram for her portrayal of the main character, Karupy. The jury was beyond impressed by her subtle and restrained performance that conveyed the rage simmering beneath her character’s stoicism. Her remarkable chemistry with the ensemble, as well as the commanding presence she brings to solitary moments on screen, make her performance unforgettable. As the manipulative matriarch at the story’s core, Balaram delivers a portrayal that is somehow chilling, hilarious and deeply human—an extraordinary achievement that left us in awe.

Michael Fukushima AnimAsian Award
THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOVE by Jin

It is not easy to recreate personal stories through film. Yet, this short film fiercely reconstructs inner struggles and competing identities – all with a hand drawn touch. In doing so, the director freely expresses the vitality of their identities and affirms the complexities of selfhood. We highly commend the director’s artistic courage by presenting this year’s Michael Fukushima AnimAsian Award to director Jin for Thank You For Your Love.

Canadian Society of Cinematographers Best Cinematography Award
Winner of Best Cinematography: Calvin Liu for MOTEL GRAND PRÉ

With evocative, emotional and patient cinematography, Motel Grand-Pré’s images served the narrative in every way, making it the jury’s unanimous choice for this award. This short documentary is told with immersive compositions and lighting that support its subject matter with remarkable restraint. Liu perfectly pairs his imagery with the storyline to set a mood and tell a story without being self-conscious. An inspiring film, from a strong auteur-driven voice – Liu is a filmmaker to keep an eye on!

Special Mention: Rita Tse for SERENE HUES

A visually stunning, experimental film that provoked discussion and questioned the definition of cinematography. The analog techniques used and unexpected images created were visually transcendent, resulting in a captivating and meditative final piece that defies typical boundaries of cinematic expression.

So You Think You Can Pitch? Awards:

The 2025 Pitch Jury will announce the winner of the Silver Prize Award and Gold Prize Award during the live event on November 15 from 7:00pm ET. The Pitch Jury includes producer Eman Pathan, filmmaker Meelad Moaphi and filmmaker Yung Chang.

Audience Choice Film Awards

The winners of the Blue Ant Media Audience Choice Feature Award and the Audience Choice Short Film Award, sponsored by BFL Canada and Sutton Entertainment will be determined on Sunday November 23.

Click here for a list of 2025 Reel Asian Award Winners and for more information on the Festival, visit reelasian.com.

Reel Asian celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026 and is generously supported by Telefilm Canada, Canada Media Fund, Canada Council for the Arts, Toronto Arts Council, Ontario Arts Council, Province of Ontario, and Government of Canada.

About Reel Asian
The Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival (Reel Asian) is a unique showcase of contemporary Asian cinema and work from the Asian diaspora. As Canada’s largest pan-Asian film festival, Reel Asian® provides a public forum for Asian media artists and their work, and fuels the growing appreciation for Asian cinema in Canada. This year’s festival runs November 5–15, 2025 all over downtown Toronto and online across Canada, Nov 10–23, showcasing special projects featuring prominent artists, content creators, up-and-coming filmmakers and will also include the “Reel Ideas” program for creative minds in the industry to connect online. Works presented at Reel Asian include films, videos, and presentations by artists in Canada, the U.S., Asia and all over the world. Reel Asian celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026.

PREDATOR: BADLANDS feasts at the Box Office with a $37 million opening from 3,725 theatres for 20th Century Studios. It gets 85% on the Tomatometer as well, and is the second-highest debut for the Franchise, following the $38 million 2004’s mashup ALIEN vs. PREDATOR made, but this as its standalone in the Franchise, can be counted as a Franchise best. Elle Fanning stars. Our Dave Baldwin‘s review here.

Second goes to REGRETTING YOU, taking $7.3 million for Paramount Pictures, en route to $38.7 million domestically.

In third is THE BLACK PHONE 2 with $5.2 million, a tally of $70 million for Universal Pictures.

Faith-based film SARAH’S OIL debuts in fourth with $4.4 million for Amazon MGM Studios.

Rounding things out is historical drama NUREMBERG starring Russell Crowe and Rami Malek, with $3.8 million for Mongrel Media/Sony Pictures Classics. This gets 68% on the Tomatometer.

Marking a bold and self-assured return to pop, multiplatinum global superstar Hilary Duff releases her highly anticipated new single “Mature” via Atlantic Records – her first new music in a decade. Co-written by Duff, her husband, and GRAMMY®-winning songwriter/producer Matthew Koma (Britney Spears, Pink), and hitmaker Madison Love (Halsey, Ava Max), the sardonic, shimmering track arrives as a piece of autofiction inspired by romantic misadventures in her formative years.

“‘Mature’ is a little conversation that my present self is having with my younger self,” says Hilary. “The two of us are reflecting on a past experience and sending love to each other. It’s a chuckle, a wink, and a sense of being grateful that we are sure footed in where we landed.”

Set against bright pop production and layered with Duff’s signature wit and vulnerability, “Mature” is accompanied by an evocative music video directed by Lauren Dunn (Olivia Rodrigo, Dove Cameron, Saweetie), premiering today on Hilary’s YouTube channel [watch HERE].

“Mature” follows the recent announcement of Duff’s upcoming docuseries, which will chronicle her long-awaited musical return and personal journey, offering an unfiltered vignette into Hilary’s world. Embracing the ups, downs, and everything in between, fans will ride shotgun as she balances raising a family, recording new music, live show rehearsals, and preparing to perform on stage for the first time in over a decade.

Directed and executive produced by GRAMMY®-nominated and Emmy Award-winning director Sam Wrench [Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter] through Next of Kin Content, an EverWonder Studio company, the series will feature a fascinating fusion of vérité footage, stylized interviews, performances, and videos from her personal archive.

ABOUT HILARY DUFF

One of the defining stars of her generation, multiplatinum global icon Hilary Duff is returning to the pop world with her boldest and most self-assured project yet. After rising to fame as the titular star of the Disney Channel blockbuster, “Lizzie McGuire,” Duff first kicked off her music career with 2003’s 4X platinum Metamorphosis (featuring the Top 40-charting “So Yesterday” and “Come Clean”), then released her platinum-selling 2004 self-titled LP and 2007 autobiographical dance-pop collection Dignity. With those three albums alone selling a collective 15 million copies worldwide, she also established herself as a producer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and New York Times-bestselling author, all while continuing to deliver standout performances in TV and film, including her award-nominated turn on Darren Star’s “Younger.”

Recently signed to Atlantic Records, Duff is now launching a thrilling new chapter and sharing her first new music since 2015’s Breathe In. Breathe Out. (a No. 5 debut on the Billboard 200, made with an extensive lineup of producers/co-writers, including Tove Lo and Ed Sheeran).

Canada’s next generation of filmmakers is stepping into the spotlight, and they’re bringing the stories of iconic Canadian trailblazers to life.

The Canada’s Walk of Fame’s 2025 Future Storytellers program, presented by founding partner NBCUniversal, alongside Seeing Red Media and Cineplex, features four short films, each focusing on a Canadian icon and Inductee: Tantoo Cardinal, Dr. Samantha Nutt, Alan Frew, and Rick Mercer. Created by emerging filmmakers from Humber Polytechnic and Sheridan College, these three-minute films blend creativity, heart and originality, showing that the future of Canadian film is as bold and brilliant as the legends it honours.

The shorts drop online Friday, November 7, 2025 on the newly designed canadaswalkoffame.com, with a special Future Storytellers Screening Event planned for March 2026. Highlight reels will also appear on Cineplex screens nationwide in early 2026 as part of pre-show entertainment.

The 2025 Canada’s Walk of Fame Future Storytellers Filmmakers and Inductees:

ARUSHI SABHARWAL (Humber Polytechnic)

Subject: Tantoo Cardinal, 2023 Inductee, Actor and Advocate

Coming to Canada as an international student in 2023, Sabharwal is an aspiring filmmaker and storyteller currently working as a freelance creative professional and developing an independent animated short film. Born in a North Indian household, her journey with storytelling began as an act of creative self-expression and survival.

“The Future Storytellers program is an incredible opportunity for student filmmakers aspiring to step into the industry and gain hands-on professional experience,” says Sabharwal. “This opportunity not only helped me gain exposure to what the film industry looks like in Canada but also gave me the confidence to share and work on my story and ideas. Working with Tantoo Cardinal – an amazing actor and activist – was one of the most impactful experiences of my life. She expressed all her answers, thoughts, and experiences with so much passion, emotion, and truth. To see her in person being as authentic as that was necessary and inspiring for me, especially as a woman with stories to tell herself. As she said, ‘honour yourself. Because how you think and feel and what you want to do is valuable.’”

LAILA VAGA (Sheridan College)

Subject: Dr. Samantha Nutt, 2025 Inductee, Humanitarian and War Child Canada/War Child USA Founder

Laila Vaga is a 22-year-old Director, Producer, and 1st Assistant Director based in the Greater Toronto Area, and a graduate of Sheridan College’s Bachelor of Film and Television program. As a filmmaker and storyteller, her mission is to create work that gives a voice to those who do not have one.

“Being part of the Future Storytellers Program was an incredible and rewarding experience,” says Vaga. “I’m appreciative of the opportunity to tell Samantha Nutt’s story through this vignette while strengthening my creative skills as a Director. Interviewing Samantha Nutt was an incredibly insightful, emotional, and deeply moving experience for me. She is someone who has made a profound difference in the world and brings hope for the future. Her lessons on idealism and resilience strongly align with the values I hope to reflect in my own creative work as I continue my journey as a Director.”

EDDY YANG (Humber Polytechnic)

Subject: Alan Frew, 2023 Inductee, Glass Tiger Frontman

Eddy Yang is a 26-year-old filmmaker based in Toronto, originally from Shenyang, China. After immigrating to Vancouver at age 12, he went on to study Film Theory at McGill University, where his passion for filmmaking began.

“The Future Storytellers program gave me the opportunity to direct my first film after graduation,” says Yang. “I was generously provided with the resources I needed to let my creative juices flow. Being able to collaborate with peers and compensate them for their work — after we had all grown in our respective fields — was a truly cherished experience. For the first time, I felt capable of commanding a set toward a unified vision without nervousness. That confidence came from the trust we built as professionals. Working with Mr. Frew was incredibly inspiring. I resonated deeply with the hopeful, forward-looking tone of his songs, and while reading his memoir The Action Sandwich, I came to understand that this hope comes from his resilience in facing hardship. It’s a powerful story — one I identify with both as an immigrant and as a creative — and one that I believe will give others strength. He trusted me to carry out my directorial vision, unimpeded by my age or experience. I am grateful for his trust and for being an inspirational artist.”

MELISSA CASTILLO (Humber Polytechnic / Toronto Metropolitan University)

Subject: Rick Mercer, 2023 Inductee, Comedian, Television Personality, and Author

Melissa Castillo is a Master of Digital Media candidate at Toronto Metropolitan University and a graduate of Humber College’s Film and Multiplatform Storytelling program. Originally from the Philippines, she has worked as a video editor on projects focused on climate change, women’s empowerment, and equity in sports.

“Future Storytellers was one of those experiences that really made everything click for me,” says Castillo. “It pushed me to step out of just ‘editing the footage’ and actually own the creative direction of a piece. Working with Rick Mercer was honestly one of the highlights of this whole experience. He wasn’t just there to be interviewed; he helped us make the piece. He showed us how they used to do it back when he was filming, and it really helped us get the vibe we were going for. He’s quick, sharp, and grounded — it felt like we were all building something together.”

Shot at Toronto’s Astrolab Studios in July 2025, each film tells the story of its Inductee through the unique lens of a filmmaker from an underrepresented community – delivering a fresh take on Canadian excellence.

“Every year, Future Storytellers shows us just how transformative art can be,” says Griffin Sokal, Director of Marketing at Canada’s Walk of Fame. “This program gives young filmmakers a chance to tell deeply human stories — and this year’s subjects, Tantoo Cardinal, Dr. Samantha Nutt, Alan Frew, and Rick Mercer, each represent different ways of moving the world forward. Watching these filmmakers interpret those legacies through their own creative voices has been incredible.”

“Film is all about bringing stories to life and experiencing them together,” says Sara Moore, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Cineplex. “It is an honour to showcase these new voices in film and their compelling storytelling with audiences across the country.”

About the Future Storytellers Program

Future Storytellers amplifies diverse and emerging voices in Canadian film by pairing student filmmakers with Canada’s Walk of Fame Inductees and Honourees. With presenting partnership from NBCUniversal, Seeing Red Media and Cineplex, participants receive mentorship, professional production support, and national exposure through Canada’s Walk of Fame’s digital platforms, annual celebration events, and in pre-show at Cineplex theatres across the country.

Since its launch in 2022, the Future Storytellers program has produced 17 short films, connecting student filmmakers with Canada’s Walk of Fame Inductees and Honourees to tell stories that inspire audiences nationwide. In 2024 alone, the program generated 249 pieces of media coverage with a total reach of over 68 million across national and regional outlets. This growing visibility reflects how Future Storytellers continues to engage audiences while fostering creative mentorship and showcasing the next generation of filmmaking talent.

Canada’s Walk of Fame Socials
Instagram: @CWOFame | Twitter: @CWOFame | YouTube: @canadaswalkoffame | Facebook: @CWOFame
Emerging Musician Program Instagram: @emerging.musician
Hashtags: #CanadaThrives

About Canada’s Walk of Fame
Canada’s Walk of Fame is an award-winning national not-for-profit charitable organization that inspires Canadians by proudly shining a light on the journeys of Canada’s most extraordinary achievers. Canada’s Walk of Fame recognizes the significant impact of Canadian accomplishments and provides the foremost national platform to celebrate achievement in the fields of Arts & Entertainment, Sports & Athletics, Entrepreneurship & Philanthropy, Humanitarianism, and Science, Technology & Innovation. Current honours and programs include the Allan Slaight Music Impact Honour, RBC Emerging Musician Program in partnership with Stingray, Future Storytellers, the Community Hero and National Hero Programs, the Hometown Stars initiative, including charitable donations to our Inductees’ causes, and the nationally televised broadcast designated by the CRTC as a program of national interest. Canada’s Walk of Fame has over 230 inductions to date, with stars having a permanent place of tribute on the streets of Toronto’s Entertainment District. For a complete list of Inductees and Honourees along with more information on Canada’s Walk of Fame, visit: www.canadaswalkoffame.com.

Canada’s Walk of Fame was established in 1998 by founders Bill Ballard, Dusty Cohl and Peter Soumalias, with Dianne Schwalm and in partnership with Gary Slaight.

Canada’s Walk of Fame gratefully acknowledges the support of its 2025 Partners: Seeing Red, Cineplex Entertainment, The Slaight Family Foundation, RBC, Air Canada, MLSE, NBCUniversal, Stingray, VIA Rail Canada, The Printing House, and Roots.

The trailer for “LEGO Marvel Avengers: Strange Tails” are available meow for download. The two-part animated series debuts exclusively on Disney+ on November 14, 2025.

Hawkeye and The Avengers have made saving the world look easy. But now they face their wildest threat yet: SOCIAL MEDIA. To save the world, a new team must be recruited to help our heroes contend with an influencer bent on cataclysmic destruction!

Featuring the voices of Troy Baker as “Hawkeye,” Alia Shawkat as “Meryet,” James Mathis III as “Black Panther,” Mick Wingert as “Iron Man,” Roger Craig Smith as “Steve Rogers,” Laura Bailey as “Black Widow” and Jason Alexander as “Magneto,” the series is directed by Ken Cunningham, written by Eugene Son & Henry Gilroy, and executive produced by Jason Cosler, Harrison Wilcox, Jill Wilfert, Keith Malone, Son and Gilroy.

Today, Jade LeMac releases her anticipated EP It’s Always at Night via Warner Music Canada / East West Records. The Vancouver-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist paints a melodic world that embraces all the vulnerable layers many choose to hide throughout the EP. Jade’s signature combination of emotive lyrics and tender vocals shine throughout the six tracks. Listen here.

The EP was built on her guitar, alongside her poetic riffs that are amplified by her longtime production partner JVP to bring an even bigger pop sound to the new music. With this project, Jade dives into themes of being in love and finding yourself through it all, opening herself to listeners and empowering herself through her vulnerability. Jade explains, “It’s Always At Night is a story about a person who’s in love with love. There are songs for so many emotions – heartbreak, desire, love, and lust. Each song is its own story about the different ways I’ve felt while being in love with someone. She continues on the theme of the EP saying “As soon as the sun goes down and it’s nighttime, I’m alone in my bedroom. I feel my emotions one hundred times harder, and the thoughts just flow into my head,” she says. “The title It’s Always At Night reflects the various emotions of each song that are more accentuated at night.” The EP features “Pink Balloon”, “Sleeping with The Lights On,” alongside the single “Running Home” that continues to grow, cracking the Top 50 on Pop Radio in the U.S. and Top 40 in Canada. Today, the EP drops alongside a lyric video for the airy earworm “Intertwined” –

Jade is preparing to embark on headline tours across Canada and Australia in the new year. 2025 saw her take the stage in the U.S. and Canada, followed by festival slots at Lollapalooza, Osheaga and most recently as direct support for Maren Morris on her North American fall tour. Ahead of the tour, it was just announced that she will be playing the pre-show in New York City for iHeartRadio Z100 Jingle Ball on December 12th. The line up includes Ed Sheeran, Alex Warren, Ravyn Lenae and more. She recently stopped by Audiotree for a live performance, giving fans a taste of what to expect on the upcoming tour dates. Tickets are on sale here.

Jade is a rapidly rising star who has received praise from the likes of LA Weekly, OnesToWatch, Rolling Stone and Wonderland Magazine, and has received a GLAAD Award nomination for Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist. She has built a devoted and ever-growing fanbase by being true to herself as a Queer Vietnamese Canadian, and reshaping the definition of pop stardom. Her breakout hit “Constellations,” landed a sync in Tubi’s 2024 movie, Sidelined: The QB and Me, and continues to grow, leaving fans eagerly anticipating new music. With It’s Always At Night, Jade positions herself as one of the most exciting pop-artists to watch.

UPCOMING TOUR DATES
01/17 – Victoria, BC – Capital Ballroom

01/18 – Vancouver, BC – Hollywood Theatre
01/20 – Calgary, AB – Commonwealth Bar & Stage
01/21 – Edmonton, AB – Midway Music Hall

01/22 – Saskatoon, SK – Louis’ Pub

01/24 – Winnipeg, MB – The Park Theatre
01/28 – Ottawa, ON – Algonquin Commons Theatre

01/29 – Montreal, QC – Beanfield Theatre
01/31 – Toronto, ON – The Opera House

02/08 – Melbourne, VIC – Corner Hotel

02/10 – Sydney, NSW – The Factory Theatre

02/11 – Brisbane, AU – The Brightside Outdoors

Track list

Running Home
Heaven’s Sake
Sleeping with the Lights On
Intertwined
Sweet Dreams
Pink Balloon

ABOUT JADE

Jade LeMac has a magnifying glass on pop music’s soul. With the strength of her pen, the Vancouver-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist paints a melodic world that embraces all the vulnerable layers many choose to hide. Jade’s signature combination of emotive lyrics and tender vocals, along with her advocacy for the queer community, has propelled her as one of the most intriguing artists of pop’s new generation. Her honesty drives her new EP, It’s Always At Night (out via Warner Music Canada / East West Records). In 2021, Jade released her breakout single “Constellations,” that quickly blew up landing syncs in Tubi’s 2024 movie, Sidelined: The QB and Me, and Netflix’s My Life with The Walter Boys. The single has since been certified Gold in the US and Platinum in Canada. In 2023, released the Constellations EP, followed by 2024’s Confessions EP, continuing to experiment with her songwriting and singing techniques. Building a strong fanbase on TikTok, the artist hasn’t shied away from embracing her Queer and Vietnamese identity and sharing her personal life with fans. Her genuine nature has been recognized by critics and peers alike. In 2022, she was featured in GLAAD’s 20 Under 20 and earned an Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist nomination at the 2024 GLAAD Media Awards. She’s also received copious critical acclaim from outlets like Earmilk, Wonderland, Teen Vogue, Ones To Watch, Flaunt, Pop Dust, and more. In 2025, Jade’s musicality shone on festival stages like Lollapalooza, (even opening for ROLE MODEL’s talked about after-party that saw Olivia Rodrigo as a special guest), and Osheaga, and touring alongside Maren Morris with more exciting opportunities to come. As Jade continues to excel with It’s Always At Night, representation and sonic exploration will remain at the forefront of her music.

Steakhouses are definitely having a moment in the dining scene right now! Black + Blue offers this plus so much more.

From the city’s best Prime Rib to an elevated 45-minute lunch, Black + Blue Toronto is giving you seven delicious reasons to dine out — every day of the week.

The restaurant’s new “7 Days a Week” dining series offers something for every craving — from indulgent tableside moments to weekend brunch classics, all delivered with Black + Blue’s signature flair for fine dining and fun.

Here’s what’s on the menu:

Wellington Monday
A refined three-course menu featuring a Tableside Warm Mushroom Salad, perfectly prepared Wellington, and dessert to finish.

Lunch 45 (Tuesday to Friday)
Elevated lunch dishes for $25, crafted to get you in and out in 45 minutes — ideal for downtown power lunches.

Happy Wednesdays & Thursdays
Happy Hour daily from 2:30–5:30 PM featuring $1.50 oysters, steak tartare bites, lobster rolls, calamari, and steakhouse nachos, plus $5–$15 drinks.

Burger Friday
A perfect combo for $25 with premium topping upgrades like avocado, maple-smoked bacon, and sautéed mushrooms — or go big with The Ultimate Burger ($32).

Saturday & Sunday Brunch
Weekend brunch classics return with lobster omelettes, banoffee pancakes, and tableside Caesar and mimosa carts.

Prime Rib Sunday
Starting at 3 PM, indulge in a three-course Prime Rib Dinner — featuring Caesar salad, 10 oz slow-roasted Northern Gold Prime Rib, Yorkshire pudding, and Signature Butter Cake.

Whether it’s a business lunch, a cozy date night, or weekend indulgence, Black + Blue brings something exceptional to every day of the week.

Reserve now.

The PTP Pink Awards 2025 sparkled tonight at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel with a vibrant celebration of 2SLGBTQIA+ excellence, bringing together Changemakers, advocates, and allies from across the country.

The room buzzed with a veritable who’s who from the queer community including the five Pink Awards Champions Bilal Baig, Carole Pope, Devery Jacobs, Douglas Elliott, and Harper Steele; Pink Carpet host Shannon Burns, style expert and presenter Myles Sexton; Canada’s Drag Race Season 6 participants Eboni La’Belle, Star Doll, and Van Goth; Daniel MacIvor: Vanessa Dunn of Vag Halen; actors Kathleen Munroe, Qasim Khan and Sergio Di Zio; producer Julie Bristow and actor Wendy Crewson; and musical icon Sam Smith and Legacy Award winner Beverly Glenn-Copeland.

The evening of solidarity was punctuated with several powerful moments, culminating to the presentation of the Legacy Award in which Sam Smith declared Beverly Glenn-Copeland “a true statesman of the queer community, a calming force for our times, a singer and songwriter whose voice is capable of taking me to places I have always dreamt of being transported to.” Beverly Glenn-Copeland and his wife Elizabeth Copeland in turn provided one of the most touching performances of the evening with their song Harbour (Song for Elizabeth).

Guests were also treated to captivating performances by Canada’s premier male choral ensembles Forte Gay Men’s Chorus, singer-songwriter and CTV’s The Launch winner T. Thomason, the legendary pop/country/fierce femme band Shania Twink, with an explosive special appearance by agent provocateur and Pink Award Champion, Carole Pope.

PTP’s Executive Director and CEO, David Walberg best expressed the sentiment of the evening when he stated, “Our origins insist that we must tell our own stories, that we must celebrate our wins and lift up our own everyday heroes. That’s what we’ve been doing since 1971 – for more than 50 years – and that’s what we are doing here, with all of you, tonight. The very fact that we are here tonight, at this event, coming from different facets across our community and our allies, represents a meaningful expression of solidarity.”

Co-hosted by Emily Hampshire and Hollywood Jade, the gala honoured this year’s Champions for their extraordinary contributions to queer visibility and progress. Each champion selected an organization to be recognized as a 2025 Changemaker, with every recipient receiving a minimum $5,000 donation plus proceeds from ticket sales and the event’s Silent Auction, which featured exclusive items such as a Taylor Swift–autographed acoustic guitar, a Tuscany retreat, a boudoir session by Jie Su Studios, signed Raptors merch, and a glam experience from P1M.

The 2025 Changemakers recognized were:

Paprika Festival, championed by Bilal Baig – Amplifying queer voices through paid training and mentorship in the performing arts.

Native Youth Sexual Health Network, championed by Devery Jacobs – Empowering Indigenous youth to lead initiatives on sexual health and cultural reclamation.

CANFAR (Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research), championed by Carole Pope – Advancing HIV/AIDS research, education, and awareness.

Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance (W2SA), championed by Douglas Elliott – Advocating for the well-being, visibility, and rights of Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQQIA+ people across the Wabanaki Territories.

Friends of Ruby, championed by Harper Steele – Supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ youth through free counselling, housing, and social services.

Following the ceremony, attendees continued the celebration at the official Pink Awards After Party at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, produced in association with Precious Cargo by Common Froot and sponsored by Durex. Proceeds from both the gala and after-party support the charities championed by the honourees.

The Pink Awards 2025 were proudly presented with the support of DECIEM: The Abnormal Beauty Company, BMO, and The Fairmont Royal York, whose shared commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and community empowerment embodies the spirit of the event.

About Pink Triangle Press:

Pink Triangle Press (PTP) is Canada’s leading not-for-profit 2SLGBTQIA+ media and content organization. Founded in 1971, PTP produces 2SLGBTQIA+ journalism at Xtra Magazine and through a variety of content distribution channels in Canada and abroad. The Press also operates travel site Pink Ticket Travel, a gay adult dating website, and has produced a number of television projects. The organization began as a gay liberation newspaper, The Body Politic, named by Masthead Magazine as one of “Canada’s 20 most influential magazines of all time.”

(Photo credit: Lilac Media Group)

After the wildly successful stop of the Mobile Closet at TIFF 50, Criterion and TIFF are helping Canadian film lovers find their perfect holiday gift with a curated selection of over 100 Criterion titles, spanning new releases and beloved classics. The holiday selection features the Wes Anderson Archive, Godzilla: The Showa Era-Films, and World of Wong Kar Wai box sets; new releases including A History of Violence (TIFF ’05) by Canada’s own David Cronenberg; Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut; Best Animated Feature Oscar winner Flow (TIFF ’24); and many more.

The pop-up and online store will also feature exclusive Criterion merchandise, including the coveted hats, totes, and sweatshirts.

Perfect for movie lovers and collectors alike, this limited-time collaboration invites audiences to give the gift of cinema this holiday season, in-store and online at http://shop.tiff.net/criterion, from November 18 to December 31, 2025 with online pre-orders available now.

Blue Fox Entertainment Canada is the exclusive distributor of the Criterion Collection in Canada.

About Criterion

Since 1984, the Criterion Collection has been dedicated to publishing important classic and contemporary films from around the world in editions that offer the highest technical quality and award-winning original supplements. No matter the medium—from laserdisc to 4K, Blu-ray and DVD to streaming on the Criterion Channel—Criterion has maintained its pioneering commitment to presenting each film as its maker would want it to be seen, in state-of-the-art restorations with special features designed to encourage repeated watching and to deepen the viewer’s appreciation of the art of film.

www.criterion.com | @criterioncollection

About TIFF

TIFF is a not-for-profit cultural organization with a mission to transform the way people see the world through film. A global leader in film and entertainment, TIFF initiatives include the annual Toronto International Film Festival® in September; TIFF Lightbox, which features five cinemas, along with learning and entertainment facilities; the Donald Shebib TIFF Film Circuit, an innovative national-distribution program; and TIFF: The Market, launching in 2026. The organization generates an estimated annual economic impact of $240 million CAD. TIFF Lightbox is generously supported by contributors including the Province of Ontario, the Government of Canada, the City of Toronto, the Reitman family (Ivan Reitman, Agi Mandel, and Susan Michaels), the Daniels Corporation, and RBC. For more information, visit tiff.net.

About Blue Fox Entertainment Canada

Blue Fox Entertainment Canada launched ahead of the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival and is overseen by industry veterans Dave Hudakoc and Ian Goggins. In early 2025, the company acquired Unobstructed View Entertainment, a boutique distributor specializing in bringing Canadian viewers the very best of DVDs, collectible Blu-rays, and 4K restorations. Blue Fox Entertainment Canada also oversees Canadian distribution for the Los Angeles–based Blue Fox Entertainment, along with a number of other partners. For more information, visit www.bluefoxentertainment.com and www.unobstructedview.com.

TITLES INCLUDING:

8½ (1963)

ANORA (2024)

BLOOD SIMPLE (1984)

BLUE VELVET (1986)

BRAZIL (1985)

THE BREAKFAST CLUB (1985)

CHUNGKING EXPRESS (1994)

CURE (1997)

EYES WIDE SHUT (1999)

FLOW (2024)

GODZILLA VS. BIOLLANTE (1989)

HIGH AND LOW (1963)

A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE (2005)

HOUSE (1977)

IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE (2000)

ISLE OF DOGS (2018)

KILLER OF SHEEP (1978)

LE SAMOURAÏ (1967)

MEMORIES OF MURDER (2003)

NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD (1968)

NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN (2007)

PAPER MOON (1973)

PARASITE (2019)

PUNCH-DRUNK LOVE (2002)

REPO MAN (1984)

SEVEN SAMURAI (1954)

SORCERER (1977)

THIS IS SPINAL TAP (1984)

TRAINSPOTTING (1996)

TWIN PEAKS: FIRE WALK WITH ME (1992)

WALL•E (2008)

BOX SETS:

THE ADVENTURES OF ANTOINE DOINEL

THE BEFORE TRILOGY

BRUCE LEE: HIS GREATEST HITS

CC40

THE COMPLETE FILMS OF AGNÈS VARDA

GODZILLA: THE SHOWA-ERA FILMS, 1954–1975

INGMAR BERGMAN’S CINEMA

WORLD OF WONG KAR WAI

THE WES ANDERSON ARCHIVE: TEN FILMS, TWENTY-FIVE YEARS

Today we get a new Trailer for OH. WHAT. FUN. Prime Video Canada release December 3, 2025.

The film includes a brand new original song “Shake The Snow Globe (from “Oh. What. Fun.”) (Amazon Music Original) from GRAMMY® Award-winning artist Gwen Stefani, just in time to add to your holiday playlist! Fans can now stream the song on Amazon Music, and Amazon Music Unlimited subscribers can also check out its music video, directed by Mike Ho, released exclusively on the Amazon Music app.

Acclaimed filmmaker Michael Showalter (The Big Sick, The Idea of You and The Eyes of Tammy Faye) flips the script on traditional holiday movies by focusing on the family matriarch’s journey, with a relatable premise that will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed during the holidays.

–OH. WHAT. FUN. features a star-studded ensemble cast as one loving, dysfunctional (yet very relatable) family, including Michelle Pfeiffer, Felicity Jones, Chloë Grace Moretz, Denis Leary, Dominic Sessa, Danielle Brooks, Devery Jacobs, Havana Rose Liu, Maude Apatow, with Jason Schwartzman, Eva Longoria and Joan Chen.

-The film includes a brand new original song “Shake The Snow Globe (from “Oh. What. Fun.”) (Amazon Music Original) from GRAMMY® Award-winning artist Gwen Stefani, just in time to add to your holiday playlist! Fans can now stream the song on Amazon Music, and Amazon Music Unlimited subscribers can also check out its music video, directed by Mike Ho, released exclusively on the Amazon Music app.

–Gwen Stefani Quote: “This is the first time I’ve ever been asked to write a song for a specific moment in a film. It made me nervous, excited, and inspired to take on the challenge of creating a Christmas song that feels up tempo, nostalgic and reflects the sentiment of the movie, Oh. What. Fun..”

–OH. WHAT. FUN. is a film that the entire family can enjoy together, with its diverse and stellar cast. It provides the perfect blend of comedy and emotional depth giving it multi-generational appeal!

-Acclaimed filmmaker Michael Showalter (The Big Sick, The Idea of You and The Eyes of Tammy Faye) flips the script on traditional holiday movies by focusing on the family matriarch’s journey, with a relatable premise that will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed during the holidays.

Directed by | Michael Showalter

Screenplay by | Chandler Baker & Michael Showalter

Based on the Story by | Chandler Baker

Produced by | Jane Rosenthal, Berry Welsh p.g.a., Michael Showalter, Jordana Mollick p.g.a., Kate Churchill p.g.a.

Starring | Michelle Pfeiffer, Felicity Jones, Chloë Grace Moretz, Denis Leary, Dominic Sessa, Danielle Brooks, Devery Jacobs, Havana Rose Liu, Maude Apatow, with Jason Schwartzman with Eva Longoria and Joan Chen

Synopsis | Claire Clauster (Michelle Pfeiffer) is the glue that holds her chaotic, lovable family together every holiday season. From perfectly frosted cookies to meticulously wrapped gifts, no one decks the halls quite like Claire. But this year, after planning a special outing for her family, they make a crucial mistake and leave her home alone. Fed up and feeling underappreciated, she sets off on an impromptu adventure of her own. As her family scrambles to find her, Claire discovers the unexpected magic of a Christmas gone off-script. With a dazzling ensemble cast including Felicity Jones, Chloë Grace Moretz, Denis Leary, Dominic Sessa, Danielle Brooks, Devery Jacobs, Havana Rose Liu, Maude Apatow, Jason Schwartzman, Eva Longoria and Joan Chen, and directed by Michael Showalter, Oh. What. Fun. is a spirited holiday comedy that honors and celebrates every overworked holiday host.