Well, this certainly won’t sell-out! Amazing news, Toronto! The Queen of Cinema herself, MERYL STREEP after canceling on us at TIFF ’13 for the Premiere of August: Osage County, leaving thousands of Fans disappointed and having to settle for a little known Star named Julia Roberts – I kid.  She will be in our City on Saturday, October 17, 2015!

The Royal Conservatory of Music has announced the Streep will be appearing at Koerner Hall as part of their 2015-2016 season which in recent years has seen the likes of The Bacon Brothers and Idina Menzel grace its stage. The three-time Oscar Winner will be reading from Philip Roth’s Novel Everyman. Joining the three-time Academy Award Winner will be The Takács Quartet as they perform pieces such as Schubert’s Death and the Maiden together with Streep‘s readings.

We’ve only had the privilege of seeing Streep from afar years ago when she appeared at the Royal Ontario Museum.  Hopefully we’ll get better Snaps this time around.  THE QUEEN OF LIFE.

Visit for more information here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

I absolutely love my new Bowtie, a promo piece designed by Ira Sachs, Director of LOVE IS STRANGE, and his Husband Boris Torres. It was inspired by iconic New York City Gay Bar, Julius.

In case you haven’t seen it yet, LOVE IS STRANGE is an important Love Story on Same-Sex Marriage stars Alfred Molina and John Lithgow, out now on Home Video!

Synopsis:
From celebrated independent filmmaker Ira Sachs (Keep the Lights On), LOVE IS STRANGE follows Ben (John Lithgow) and George (Alfred Molina), who finally tie the knot after nearly four decades together among family and friends. But when George loses his job soon after, the couple must sell their apartment and temporarily live apart until they can find an affordable new home. The film also stars Cheyenne Jackson (Behind the Candelabra), Manny Perez (“Rescue Me”), Darren Burrows (“Northern Exposure”), Academy Award® winner Marisa Tomei (Best Supporting Actress, My Cousin Vinny, 1993) and Charlie Tahan (Blue Jasmine).

Purchase a tie for $25 at http://www.thetiebar.com/jtf, founded by Modern Family‘s Jesse Tyler Ferguson. Proceeds go to marriage equality education.

Ties are available in three styles:
· The Sachs-Torres is inspired by the iconic gay bar, Julius in New York City’s West Village, in which a poignant scene from the film is set. It features interlocking, stylized “J”s with a light blue base and various shades of pink, expressing a collaboration between Ira and his husband Boris Torres.

· Inspired by his character Ben and his love for art, The John Lithgow features bold, abstract combinations of colors similar to the styles of Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning.

· Inspired by his character George, a music teacher, The Alfred Molina features Frédéric Chopin, whose music scores the film, finished in the colorful style of an Andy Warhol piece.

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jan 20, 2015 at 5:39pm PST

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Canada release LOVE IS STRANGE, now on DVD, Blu-ray and On-Demand.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Sony Pictures)

The 2014 Sovereign Award Nominees have been announced and we’re thrilled to see many of our Friends get recognition at the Awards, honouring the finest in Canadian Thoroughbred Racing on Friday, April 10, 2015.

Make no mistake – Horse of the Year honours truly is a one-horse Race with Canada’s star Filly and Queen’s Plate Champion LEXIE LOU a horseshoe-in for the win, although Finalists in that coveted category only will be revealed the night of the Awards.

Expected to win Two-Year-Old Male by a margin is Conquest Tsunami, who had a marvelous campaign for his Illinois-based Owners Conquest Stables LLC, before finding some success in the U.S..   Champion Three-Year-Old Male is a competitive division in a year where the spotlight was shared by several Boys including Breeders’ Stakes Winner Ami’s Holiday and Prince of Wales Stakes Winner, Coltimus Prime. Mark Casse is expected to be a definitive choice in the Trainer category, winning 93 races and $7.7 million in purse earnings at Woodbine. Patrick Husbands, a regular rider for Team Casse also is a clear-cut choice in the Jockey category with 170 wins in 2014 at the Toronto Oval.

Here are the Nominees in all categories:

Champion Two-Year-Old Filly
Brooklynsway
Conquest Harlanate
London Tower
Mississippi Delta

Champion Two-Year-Old Male
Conquest Tsunami
Conquest Typhoon
Decision Day
Phil’s Cocktail

Champion Three-Year-Old Female
Executive Allure
Lexie Lou
Paladin Bay
Sweater Weather

Champion Three-Year-Old Male
Ami’s Holiday
Coltimus Prime
Florida Won
Heart to Heart

Champion Older Female
Hillaby
Silent Star
Spring in the Air
Strut the Course

Champion Older Male
Calgary Cat
Lukes Alley
Sharp Sensation
Sky Captain

Champion Female Turf Horse
Deceptive Vision
Executive Allure
Lexie Lou
Royal Fury

Champion Male Turf Horse
Dynamic Sky
Excaper
Heart to Heart
Sharp Sensation

Champion Female Sprinter
Cactus Kris
Executive Allure
Hillaby
Spring in the Air

Champion Male Sprinter
Calgary Cat
Excaper
Phil’s Dream
Sharp Sensation

Outstanding Broodmare
Cruising Kris
Eye of the Sphynx
Star Guest
Uproar

Outstanding Breeder
Adena Springs
Paradox Farm Inc.
Sam-Son Farm
William Sorokolit

Outstanding Owner
Gary Barber
Conquest Stables, LLC
John C. Oxley
Sam-Son Farm

Outstanding Trainer
Josie Carroll
Mark Casse
Brian Lynch
Greg Tracy

Outstanding Apprentice Jockey
Damario Bynoe
Sheena Ryan
Ericka Smilovsky
Nick Webb

Outstanding Jockey
Luis Contreras
Eurico Da Silva
Patrick Husbands
Rico Walcott

Nominees in Media Categories also will be announced late February and we wish all our Friends the best of luck!

Maybe one day we’ll be good enough to get a nod!

The 2015 Thoroughbred Season at Woodbine Racetrack begins Saturday, April 11, 2015 and we can’t wait for this winter to be over so that we can reunite with our Fave!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Iconic ’80s New Wave Band SPANDAU BALLET haven’t made much new Music in a while, but their presence still v. much is felt on airwaves around the World.  Their 1983 Single True would go-on to become a Hit internationally, earning them honours at the prestigious BRIT Awards.  Although success wouldn’t quite surpass this stateside, the Band still would achieve great success in Europe with eight Top 10 Albums in the U.K.

Band Members Tony Hadley (Lead Vocals) and Martin Kemp (Bassist) were in Toronto today promoting their upcoming Soul Boys of the Western World Tour, which despite being postponed, hits Toronto’s Massey Hall on Monday, April 27, 2015.  This Reunion has the original five Members back at it and is timed together with the release of their Documentary of the same name.  Directed by George Hencken, the Film recounts how the Band formed, fell apart and also regained their friendships once again.

By absolute fluke, we made it right in the nick of time late in the day for a Snap together with the absolutely lovely Hadley, just as about he head to New York with Kemp. It was an absolute dream – I’d never have guessed as a Kid I’d one day get to meet someone whose voice I adored so much on the Radio! The Duo had a huge day, making the rounds about Toronto with Television, Print and Radio Press lined-up. The Band will appear on The TODAY Show bright and early for a performance in New York.

See their Interview on CITY‘s Breakfast Television:

See their The Morning Show (National Edition) Interview:

See our Snap:

Hustled in from Milton and got there right in time to meet #TonyHadley of 80s #NewWave Icons, #SpandauBallet who will be back at Massey Hall this Spring and releasing Documentary, #SoulBoysoftheWesternWorld (cc: @spandauballet)

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jan 19, 2015 at 1:29pm PST

The Toronto Sun‘s Jane Stevenson indicates that Spandau Ballet also will be releasing new Music soon!

Learn more about SOUL BOYS OF THE WESTERN WORLD the Movie here.
Find out how you can get tickets to Spandau Ballet‘s upcoming Tour here!

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/EMI Music/Lynn Goldsmith/Jane Stevenson)

THIS VALENTINE’S DAY, THE WORLDWIDE PHENOMENON COMES TO LIFE.  UNIVERSAL PICTURES PROUDLY PRESENTS FIFTY SHADES OF GREY. ARE YOU CURIOUS? 

Universal Pictures Canada and Mr. Will want to take some extremely lucky Readers in Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, Edmonton, Calgary, Montreal and Winnipeg to the most hotly-anticipated Movie of 2015.  Temperatures are – pardon the pun – bound to rise this February and we want Willionaire$ to feel the heat first! Screenings take place Wednesday, February 11, 2015.

Official Synopis:

Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson), 21, is studying at Washington State University. She takes a writing assignment for the school paper to interview Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan), a 27-year-old successful and wealthy entrepreneur. Although she finds him intimidating, she’s instantly attracted to Christian.

He later shows up at the hardware store where she works part time and buys cable ties, masking tape and rope. They begin a relationship, but beforehand, he asks her to sign a non-disclosure agreement forbidding her to discuss anything that they do together. She learns he’s into BDSM and he then asks her to sign a second contract consenting to dominance and submission and tells her their relationship will not be romantic.

Official Artwork:

See the exclusive 60-second Canadian Trailer:

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook and indicate your City. Also in the comments, tell me what your ideal romantic Valentine’s Date includes. You may Re-Tweet the below or click “share” on this Post from Facebook from there for an extra chance:

http://mrwillwong.com/fiftyshadesofgrey @MRWILLW wants us to #win Passes to see #50ShadesofGrey! In theatres Valentine’s Day.

Good luck, Willionaire$!

Universal Pictures Canada release FIFTY SHADES OF GREY on Friday, February 13, 2015.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)

Unbelievable!   Expectations were high for AMERICAN SNIPER, but who would’ve known that it would pull-in $88 million in its debut from 3,555 theatres  for Warner Bros. this weekend?  The Clint Eastwood Drama starring Bradley Cooper opened – pardon the pun – with a bang, with $30.5 million debut Friday, setting an all-time record for a January release.  This also has the distinction of being Eastwood‘s highest-grossing opening for a Film also. Critics were fairly impressed with a 72% on the Tomatometer, while Audiences gave it a superb A+ CinemaScore.  Undoubtedly its Best Picture nod earlier this week helped solidify the buzz for Moviegoers.

THE WEDDING RINGER starring a Duo of Funnymen in Kevin Hart and Chris Rock debuts in second with a solid $20.6 million for Sony Pictures from 3,003 theatres. Critics weren’t impressed with a 33% on the Tomatometer, but Audiences loved it with an A-CinemaScore, which should bode well for spreading word of mouth in coming weeks.

PADDINGTON opens in third this weekend for eOne Films/The Weinstein Co. with a good $19.3 million from 3,303 theatres. Get this, Critics gave it a brilliant 98% on the Tomatometer, and an on-par A CinemaScore was received from Audiences for this Adaptation of the internationally-adored Children’s Franchise. Ben Whishaw and Nicole Kidman star in the Film.

TAKEN 3 after opening on-top last weekend, slips to fourth spot with $15.3 million for 20th Century Fox. In two weeks it has pulled-in a spiffy $66 million domestically.

SELMA might not have received a lot of Oscar love, but Audiences certainly are perceptive to all the buzz surrounding the Best Picture Nominee, placing fifth with $10.3 million for Paramount Pictures in its fourth week out, expanding to 2,235 theatres this weekend.

THE IMITATION GAME crosses the $50 million-mark domestically in its eighth week out, also expanding to 1,611 theatres for The Weinstein Co./Elevation Pictures.  The Best Picture Nominee places seventh this weekend with $7.3 million.

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB rounds-out the Top Ten with $3.9 million in its fourth week out.  It now has made $106.5 million domestically for 20th Century Fox.

After making our day with his Day of Positivity, the World’s fave sea-dwelling invertebrate SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS made a rare appearance in Toronto today.  Looking rather fit on this Promotional Tour, our beloved yellow Friend was all smiles coming to meet me and Contributor Justin Waldman for a hug!  Although he was busy doing the rounds, we were so incredibly lucky to catch-up quickly.  When you are that buff, you really don’t need a winter jacket in this weather as you can see.

See the Trailer for SpongeBob‘s Blockbuster:

Fun, right?

Justin, SpongeBob and Mr. Will:

Another Snap with SpongeBob:

So awesome catching-up with an old friend #SpongeBob! His new Movie #SpongeBobSquarePants: #SpongeOutofWater is in theatres 2/6/15! (cc: @paramountcanada) #SpongeBobMovie

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jan 16, 2015 at 10:55am PST

Paramount Pictures Canada release THE SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER on Friday, February 6, 2015.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Paramount Pictures)

We were literally on the floor laughing when we saw the first Trailer for GET HARD, but this brand new version has us obsessed. While Kevin Hart is set to make a splash this weekend with his new Comedy The Wedding Ringer, this new Trailer comes right in time as he continues his ascent as America’s new King of Comedy.

Official Synopsis:
When millionaire hedge fund manager James (Will Ferrell) is nailed for fraud and bound for a stretch in San Quentin, the judge gives him 30 days to get his affairs in order. Desperate, he turns to Darnell (Kevin Hart) to prep him for a life behind bars. But despite James’ one-percenter assumptions, Darnell is a hard-working small business owner who has never received a parking ticket, let alone been to prison.

Together, the two men do whatever it takes for James to “get hard” and, in the process, discover how wrong they were about a lot of things – including each other.

See the hilarity:

Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release Friday, March 27, 2015.

(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros.)

As you well know, the 2015 GREAT DIGITAL FILM FESTIVAL is soon set to take place at participating Cineplex Theatres across Canada. Cineplex, Front Row Centre Events and Mr. Will want you to witness again the magic of your Faves, but in Digital for the first time.  We’re giving away Single Tickets (a value of $6.99 each) to the Festival which takes place between January 30 – February 5, 2015!

The 2015 Great Digital Film Festival Lineup includes:

• An all-day screening of the X-Men franchise: X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014), X-Men: First Class (2011), X-Men: The Last Stand (2006), X2: X-Men United (2003), X-Men (2000);
• 25th anniversary screenings of Darkman (1990) and Dick Tracy (1990);
• Blade Runner: The Final Cut (2007);
• Kill Bill Vol 1 (2003) and Kill Bill Vol 2 (2004);
• Alien (1979);
• Aliens (1986);
• Hellboy (2004);
• Pan’s Labyrinth (2006);
• The Monster Squad (1987);
• The Rocketeer (1991).

Watch a Sizzle Reel for this year’s Festival:

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook NOW!

Don’t forget to chime-in on the conversation on Twitter, tweeting questions about your Festival Faves to @RICHARDCROUSE, @CINEPLEXMOVIES and @FRCEVENTS, using the #GDFF2015 Hashtag!

For a complete schedule and participating theatres, visit the official Festival Website here!

(Photo/credit: Lionsgate Films/Cineplex)

After significant wins at the 72nd annual Golden Globe Awards this past weekend, BIRDMAN and THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL lead the way at the upcoming 87th annual Academy Awards, as announced earlier this morning in Los Angeles by Chris Pine, J.J. Abrams and Alfonso Cuarón. The two Films received nine nominations each and will be going head-to-head for top honours in Best Picture, Cinematography, Writing (Original Screenplay) and Directing.  The latter received no nominations in the Acting categories.

Following closely with eight nominations is Winner of the People’s Choice Award (on numerous occasions a Pre-cursor to Oscar success)  at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival, THE IMITATION GAME. Meanwhile, BOYHOOD which won Best Motion Picture, Drama at the Golden Globes would go-on to garner six nominations today tying with AMERICAN SNIPER, which has had the quietest Awards Campaign thus far as it  proceeds in a gradual roll-out to theatres. All three of these Films are up for Best Picture.

THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING, WHIPLASH and INTERSTELLAR received five nominations apiece also, with the former two up for Best Picture and the latter receiving recognition almost exclusively in technical categories.

The Best Actor category is perhaps the most competitive with Golden Globe Winners Michael Keaton (Birdman) and Eddie Redmayne (The Theory of Everything) up against Steve Carell (Foxcatcher), Bradley Cooper (American Sniper) and Benedict Cumberbatch (The Imitation Game).  Many are seeing the omissions of David Oyelowo (Selma) and Jake Gyllenhaal (Nightcrawler) as major snubs, after being present much of this Awards Season for their riveting performances respectively. Bradley Cooper now has the distinction of being the first Actor in a decade to receive three consecutive (Silver Linings Playbook, American Hustle and now American Sniper) Oscar nominations; the last to do so was his former Partner, Renee Zellweger.

Julianne Moore leads a strong group in the Best Actress category after a win at the Golden Globes for Still Alice.  Her other strong Best Actress performance in Maps to the Stars did not get recognition this morning, but this could well be a blessing in eliminating split votes against herself. Reese Witherspoon (Wild) also is seen as a strong Contender, alongside Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl) and Felicity Jones (The Theory of Everything) – the latter whose Campaign has varied between Supporting Actress and Lead Actress. A surprise was Oscar Winner Marion Cotillard‘s appearance on the list for her work in French Drama Two Days, One Night. Amy Adams, who was awarded Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Comedy for Big Eyes on Sunday unfortunately will not be a Contender.

J.K. Simmons is seen as a definitive choice for Best Supporting Actor with his performance as a sadistic Conductor in Whiplash. Two-time Nominee Mark Ruffalo (Foxcatcher), three-time Nominee Edward Norton (Birdman),  four-time Nominee Ethan Hawke (Boyhood) and Oscar Winner Robert Duvall (The Judge) round-out the Group.

After being quiet this Awards Season, many are thrilled that Lauren Dern gets recognized for her work in Wild for Best Supporting Actress.  She is now a two-time Nominee after getting her first nod in 1992’s Rambling Rose.  Dern will be up against Golden Globe Winner Patricia Arquette (Boyhood), Keira Knightley (The Imitation Game), Emma Stone (Birdman) and three-time Oscar Winner Meryl Streep (Into the Woods).  Some are seeing Jessica Chastain‘s omission in A Most Violent Year also a snub.

For a complete list of Nominees, visit the official Oscars Website.

The  87th annual Academy Awards air on ABC Sunday, February 22, 2015 at 7:00 PM EST.

(Photo credit: ABC)