Now celebrating its tenth year on-air, the new Season of OUT THERE WITH MELISSA DIMARCO premieres this weekend! Melissa is a dear Friend of ours and her quirky sense of humour, magnetic personality and sharp sense as an Interviewer have made for a successful, lasting Career in a Business which often sees quick highs and lows for many.
The Season Premiere is a star-studded one and this Season the Series features Interviews with the likes of Julia Roberts, Bradley Cooper, George Clooney and many, many more! The Series is based off of real-life experiences for Melissa and has built a loyal following both north and south of the Border.
OUT THERE WITH MELISSA DIMARCO premieres Saturday, April 26, 2014 at 7:00 PM EST on Biography and 7:30 PM EST on CITY. Don’t forget to tune-in!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
The 86th annual Oscars Luncheon aka took place earlier today in Beverly Hills in advance of the Academy Awards next month. Can we agree the Class of 2014 is an elegant bunch?
Is that Bradley Cooper two over from Tom Hanks? Is that Meryl at the top of the class as expected? What is Julie Delpy staring at? Doesn’t Cate Blanchett look super-thrilled? Where’s Jennifer Lawrence? 🙁 I assure you Amy Adams definitely isn’t wearing Valentino!
The 86th annual Academy Awards take place Sunday, March 2, 2014 and air on ABC.
(Photo credit: Getty Images)
Taking place at Los Angeles’ Nokia Theatre, the Stars electrified the Red Carpet tonight at the 71st annual Golden Globe Awards. Honouring the year’s best in Film and Television, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association selected their most deserving, unveiled at the Ceremony, seen by many as a Precursor to the Oscars.
Hosted by Amy Poehler and Tina Fey a second time, the Funnywomen brought-out big laughs from the Celebrity-filled Audience including pokes at George Clooney on his habit of dating younger Women to Matt Damon jokingly being called a “Garbage Man” amidst the high caliber Talent which filled the room. An aloof Julia Louis-Dreyfus, nominated for Best Lead Actress in a Motion Picture Comedy, played-up her new-found Movie Star status, donning sunglasses as the Camera panned her with Reese Witherspoon playfully trying to take a Selfie with her. Poehler after several nominations, finally won her first Golden Globe tonight for Best Lead Actress in a TV Series Comedy with Parks and Recreation.
American Hustle walked away the big Winner tonight winning three Awards, including Best Motion Picture Comedy, Best Lead Actress in Motion Picture Comedy (Amy Adams) and Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture (Jennifer Lawrence). The ’70s-set Dramedy directed by David O. Russell, who received a Nomination in the same Category last year with Silver Linings Playbook, is garnering commercial success in addition to acclaim, exceeding the $100-million mark in North America.
12 Years a Slave, directed by Steve McQueen, regarded as a Frontrunner for Best Picture at the Oscars next month, was awarded one single win for Best Motion Picture Drama. The Film which received the coveted People’s Choice Award at TIFF ’13 in September.
Breaking Bad, Behind the Candelabra and Brooklyn Nine-Nine in the Television Categories each took home two Golden Globes apiece, winning Best Actor with Bryan Cranston, Michael Douglas and Andy Samberg respectively. Each Series also won Best Series in each Category: Best Television Series Drama, Best Television Mini-Series or Movie and Best Television Series Comedy.
Auteur Filmmaker Woody Allen was given lifetime achievement distinction with a Cecil B. DeMille Award despite being in absentia. Accepting on his behalf was his Annie Hall Muse Diane Keaton whose heartfelt Speech was highlighted by song and laughter.
Red was a highlight on the Red Carpet tonight with some of the Evening’s best looks coming from eventual Winner Amy Adams in a two-toned red Valentino Number and Country-Pop Sensation Taylor Swift stunning in a cherry-red and black Dress by Carolina Herrera. Also, Newcomer Lupita Nyong’o of 12 Years a Slave dazzled in a red caped Piece by Ralph Lauren. Another Fresh Face, The Wolf of Wall Street Star Margot Robbie wowed in a white Gucci dress and surprisingly was overlooked for her work in the acclaimed Martin Scorcese Film.
Toronto’s Tatiana Maslany despite being nominated for Best Lead Actress in a TV Series Drama with Orphan Black, still represented our City proudly despite losing-out to a deserving Robin Wright of Netflix‘s House of Cards. Fans avidly supported Maslany online with the Hashtag #TATIANAPOCALYPSE.
Complete List of Winners below:
BEST MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
“12 Years a Slave”
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
Matthew McConaughey, “Dallas Buyers Club”
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
Cate Blanchett, “Blue Jasmine”
BEST MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
“American Hustle”
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
Leonardo DiCaprio, “The Wolf of Wall Street”
BEST TELEVISION SERIES – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
“Brooklyn Nine-Nine”
BEST DIRECTOR – MOTION PICTURE
Alfonso Cuaron, “Gravity”
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
Amy Poehler, “Parks & Recreation”
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
“Frozen”
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Michael Douglas, “Behind the Candelabra”
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
“The Great Beauty”
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
Andy Samberg, “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”
BEST SCREENPLAY – MOTION PICTURE
Spike Jonze, “Her”
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE
Jared Leto, “Dallas Buyers Club”
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA
Robin Wright, “House Of Cards”
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
Amy Adams, “American Hustle”
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Jon Voight, “Ray Donovan”
BEST ORIGINAL SONG – MOTION PICTURE
“Ordinary Love,” “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom”
Music by: Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, Larry Mullen, Jr., Brian Burton
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE – MOTION PICTURE
Alex Ebert, “All Is Lost”
BEST TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA
“Breaking Bad”
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA
Bryan Cranston, “Breaking Bad”
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Elisabeth Moss, “Top of the Lake”
BEST MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
“Behind The Candelabra”
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Jacqueline Bisset, “Dancing on the Edge”
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE
Jennifer Lawrence “American Hustle”
Mr. Will and some of the 2014 Golden Globe Winners:
The Academy Awards air on CBS Sunday, March 2, 2014.
(Photo credit: Getty Images/Mr. Will Wong)
I really don’t know how Moviegoers are going to choose, but Christmas Day 2013 is shaping-up to be perhaps the busiest yet with Oscar Contender vs. Oscar Contender vs. Oscar Contender pitted against one another. Check-out the above latest Character Posters for David O. Russell‘s (Silver Linings Playbook, The Fighter) American Hustle, which evaded us at TIFF ’13, but cannot hide much longer with its release soon before us!
The authenticity is killing me.
The Drama is about a former Con Artist and his Partner-in-Crime, who are enlisted by a Federal Agent to turn the tables against other Criminals and corrupt Politicians, namely the Mayor of Camden, New Jersey. American Hustle stars Bradley Cooper, Jeremy Renner, Christian Bale, Amy Adams and Jennifer Lawrence.
Trailer below:
Sony Pictures/Columbia Pictures releases AMERICAN HUSTLE on Christmas Day.
(Photo/video credit: Columbia Pictures)
Although there’s been no confirmation of this premiering at TIFF ’13, we’re still holding hope that David O. Russell‘s (The Fighter, Silver Linings Playbook) upcoming ’70s-era Crime-Drama, American Hustle, will get a bow in Toronto here in September.
The Film is based on the True Story for the ABSCAM Operation in which a Con Artist and his Girlfriend are enlisted by Federal Agent to turn the tables on other Con Artists, Politicians and Mobsters.
This brand new Trailer looks and feels absolutely authentic to the Era. You must see it:
I love the idea of Amy Adams getting arrested and having a meltdown. I think I actually am in love with this Movie already!
eOne Films releases American Hustle on Christmas Day.
(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)
Funnyman Ken Jeong has arrived! The Actor/Comedian/Doctor was up and at ’em early doing Press today in support of the Grand Finale to The Wolfpack Trilogy, The Hangover Part III. Having left an imprint on our collective Social Conscience with his performance as Leslie Chow in the Box Office record-breaking, Golden Globe-winning Franchise, Jeong has a hectic day ahead. In addition to visiting KISS 92.5 earlier today, appearing on The Roz & Mocha Show, he also head down near the Waters, appearing at The Edge on The Dean Blundell Show also.
Fans will have a chance to see their beloved Mr. Chow at MuchMusic‘s New.Music.Live at 6:00 PM, followed by an appearance at the Red Carpet Advance Screening of The Hangover Part III, to be held at Scotiabank Theatre. Other Celebrity arrivals are expected, so keep your eyes peeled and your flashes ready.
Billy and I had the pleasure of getting a Snap together – Sombrero included – with Chow at KISS 92.5 Studios and he was an absolute delight, a few Fans giddy at the rare sight of him being in our City. “I appreciate all of this”, he tells me graciously, making time for Photos despite a beyond-packed morning. Fans will revel in the fact that Jeong has an expanded role in the Film, as Mr. Chow unleashes his fury on anyone who gets in his way of Fortune!
See a brief Video Clip of him with Fans below:
See our Snap:
Warner Bros. Canada releases The Hangover Part III on Thursday, May 23, 2013.
I will be sitting down with Jeong later today. Stay tuned for our Chat!
UPDATE: Just how awesome is this?
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
I’ve just returned from my Trip to New York City, capturing the 2013 Met Gala and after being told my Concierge I’d have to borrow a Cart to transport a large package I received, I didn’t know what exactly our Friends at Warner Bros. had in store! After a bit of effort rummaging through some packaging foam, what surfaced was an amazing The Hangover Part III Gift Basket, complete with a T-Shirt, Nachos, Salsa, Sombrero, Goblets and get this, a Giraffe Pinata! Even Billy watched in awe as I opened the Parcel!
See it below:
We’ve also caught wind that one of the Actors from the Franchise just may be coming to Toronto shortly to promote this final installment of The Wolfpack Trilogy! Reuniting Ed Helms, Bradley Cooper and Zach Galifianakis, Director/Writer Todd Phillips is sure to bring forward the laughs again as The Wolfpack venture to Las Vegas, only to find themselves in trouble once again.
In case you’ve missed it, here’s the official Trailer:
Warner Bros. releases The Hangover Part III on Friday, May 26, 2013!
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Pretty steamy! Haagen-Dazs has enlisted to services of Academy Award Nominee Bradley Cooper in their latest Ad Campaign and the results will make you melt. The TV Spot sees Cooper and Model Jana Perez exchanging glances, striking an instant connection. Just as they’re about to get to it, alas it is the unmistakable power of Ice Cream which prevails. Women will love this, but not so sure it’ll be effective in gaining sales from their Male Demographic. LOL
Really well done, yes?
Watch the TV Spot below:
It’s been a while since I’ve had a good Chat with my Readers and Followers, so I reached-out to everyone on Facebook and Twitter for their most burning questions and replied with as much insight as possible. Enjoy and thank you for your continued loyalty and support, Wongsters!
xMr. Will
@Cindyandtheboys asks, “What was your motivation to get you started on what you do?”.
Hey Cindy! I’ve been a Stargazer for many years and my love for Film and Pop Music is unparalleled. I used to be the Kid who rushed to MuchMusic after class waiting by the window for Gwen Stefani to come out and sign an Autograph and I have been attending TIFF as long as my Bank Account permitted.
By 2009, I had amassed so many Photos of my Celebrity Adventures that I created my Blog as an Outlet to combine my passions for Photography, Film, Music and Writing together in one and kicked it off around TIFF. It would’ve been a severe waste having them sit dormant on my Computer or just on Facebook. From there, I developed a passion getting Photos with my personal Heroes and Heroines because it gives me something to immortalize the experience by and well, it’s fun!
Word-of-mouth spread locally fairly quickly about my Blog. Some loved the idea, calling it one of the few true Celebrity Blogs to come out of Canada and some thought it nothing special. Before I knew it, I was booking time off work to interview Bradley Cooper and Channing Tatum, and was on TV talking about Stars and even profiled on the National Post. Last year, CBC listed me as one of the three most key People in the City to follow during TIFF. So that’s that. I love what I do as tiring as it is juggling three or four things on-the-go constantly and have no plans to stop because most of the time it doesn’t feel like work.
@MRDISCO3 asks, “What do you top your burgers with?”.
Hey Paresh! Good question. I’ve been off meat for three months now. Pitching-in my part to reduce my own Carbon Footprint as a Citizen of the Earth. Meatless Mondays, People. Google it and do it!
But to answer your question, if I could create my own Veggie Burger it would have: Jalapeños, Lettuce, Tomato, Sriracha Hot Sauce, Honey Mustard, Avocado/Guacamole, Sautéed Mushrooms and some crumbled Blue Cheese. It would be like a foot tall, really. Maybe I’d throw a fried Egg on for added Protein too. Is that too decadent? Is it?!? I also recently accidentally discovered Salsa on Fries and it is incredible!
@CTRice asks, “What was the first screening you ever saw?”.
Hi Tristan (Scene Creek, everybody!!!), I could never forget my first Screening. It was back in April 1996, Jane Eyre at Alliance-Atlantis Cumberland 4. My Cousin Nancy had won passes and we were going to trek Downtown from Scarborough for a Movie and some amazing Ice Cream at Mövenpick (Richtree Markets) after.
I remember getting into a huge misunderstanding with my Dad that day right in front of my Cousin who came over for Dinner about something terribly mundane. My Dad offered to wash dishes so I could hurry to the Movie and I asked, “Really!?” maybe perhaps a little too excited, which he interpreted as sarcasm but really it wasn’t! I basically got a lashing verbally for no reason and remember sobbing all the way to the theatre because I was embarrassed and two, I was looking forward to my first Screening for days and felt my night was ruined. By the time I got home, things were fine again.
It wasn’t a v. exciting Adaptation of Jane Eyre to be honest and obviously I’ve been to many more enjoyable Screenings ever since. It’s a miracle I wasn’t scarred from wanting to go to the Movies ever again!
@Typo_eh and Kathi on Facebook ask, “Who was your worst Celebrity experience?”.
Hi Siobhán!! Hi Kathi!! Are you guys psychically-linked or something?! Well, other than being shouted at by Ashley Judd after asking her nice and civil for a Photo, which then spilled over into a debacle on Twitter, I’d say the worst experience ever was Lady Gaga. A couple years ago I was being harassed daily by someone over E-mail and on my Blog. I had Tracking Reports pulled and he would view the same page over and over 20-30 times some nights in the wee hours of the morning. This Reader thought he’d do himself a favour and entertain himself by emailing Lady Gaga‘s Management a slanderous E-mail with my Photo, claiming that I was violent and dangerous, essentially getting me blacklisted when she visited Toronto.
Not realizing this, being the huge Fan I was, I asked her for a Photo upon exiting her Hotel amidst the hoards of Fans and Autograph Seekers. I cannot say that I enjoyed being shoved against a Topiary by her Security Guard Ed and once I recovered, he forcefully shoved me a second time as several eye witnesses watched. Of course, nobody genuinely cared as they were there to see Lady Gaga, admiring their Photos with her and their Autographs. It was particularly heart-breaking because I love her Music so much and at that point I had gone to every single Toronto Show she ever had, owning all her Singles and CDs. I had T-Shirts and Posters. I was gaga for Gaga.
This Jerk who has been chasing Celebrities for years, tried the same tactic multiple times, including a Jessica & Ashlee Simpson appearance at The Bay, which I actually was invited to in order to snap Photos in the Pit for my Blog. I was escorted out by Security once they matched a sent Photo with my face. Of course, another Blogger who absolutely despises me, caught wind of this and went to town, spreading word quickly that I was ejected from the Venue. Hmm.
I knew this was really getting serious when the Head of Security at a major American Network in New York City called me to clue me onto an E-mail he received from him regarding two Actors from the Network who were filming a TV Movie in Toronto. Of course, he knew right away that this Person’s intentions were malicious from the E-mail and just wanted to give me a heads-up out of the goodness of his heart. Multiple Publicists also reached out to me around that time regarding similar type E-mails, which thankfully they knew better than to believe.
Eventually, I got one step ahead of the game when a certain British Boy Band came to town. Their Security Guard noticed me, pulling me aside to show me one of these slanderous E-mails on his Phone. Low and behold, the Jerk showed-up also, hoping to get a Photo and like an episode of Cheaters, I outed him in front of everybody including the Band, who chimed-in, giving me hi-fives and encouragement. He was a mess and left in tears.
The messed-up thing is that after that occurrence, I’d receive messages from this Jerk threatening to inflict harm on himself because of my actions and he’d gone about posting my Home Address on Twitter. Essentially, I was being stalked and didn’t even know it. I and others know well that this Person is not mentally stable, so I feel bad even writing about this and bringing it up, but at this point I really don’t care anymore. And such a Drama needs to be heard because I get so many Tweets and messages from others who wish they were me because apparently my life is so perfect!
He’s left me alone ever since, but the damage has been done and I’m sure someone who didn’t know me better might have a skewed perception of me from what they’ve heard. Looking back though, I don’t know why I didn’t do more about it. I’ve moved on and hopefully he has found some sense of balance.
@CTRice asks, “Has a Celebrity ever denied to take a photo with you?”.
Impossible! LOL Just kidding, of course! I’ve been turned down before and it’s inevitable it will happen and I respect that, but I’d say one of the harsher Declines came from Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Once I was one-on-one with him and he chuckled at me and walked off after I asked nicely for a Photo. Hence, when I hear stories from those who have had positive experiences with him and what a great Guy he is, my eyes just roll.
Or how about running into Claire Danes at the Grocery Store only for her to react as if I had SARS or something when asking her for a Snap? She quite literally jumped three feet back. I saw her in the neighbourhood a few times after that and didn’t bother her again. That was fun. Some are nice when the Cameras are on, some value their Privacy more than others.
Of course, it’s the few who got away that I remember most when in reality a vast majority of Celebrities I’ve met have been more than nice and accommodating. Once, Nicole Kidman came over to take a Snap with me during TIFF and then some super-annoying Girl got in the way, getting her Photo and then Nicole was pulled away by her Handler. That hurt. And do you believe the Girl eventually found my Blog and had the audacity to ask me to remove the Photo I snapped of her and Nicole? Go away.
Last year Penélope Cruz said “yes” to the Photo but then suddenly changed her mind when her Publicist said she had to go. That hurt equally bad on a Nicolean level. I also met Julia Roberts once candidly and although she said “no” to the Photo she was still nice to chat and be kind, offering to sign an Autograph instead which still was gracious. She wrote “TO WILL, PEACE, JULIA“. That was “pretty” epic.
@apluswagvantage asks, “You despised the Celebrity’s Album/Movie/TV Show/Persona. How are you gracious when interviewing him/her?”.
Hi Charles! I generally don’t approach a Celebrity for a Photo unless I have some admiration for their Work, so that takes care of the forced graciousness thing, I guess! 🙂 Autographs are something I used to love collecting, but now I do it more for my Readers and help them experience a part of the magic when they can’t physically be there with me. The Photo-with means much more to me.
I have however been a part of Press Tours where the Talent promoting the Film literally are in the Movie for like one scene and it’s like pulling teeth to concoct something profound and throught-provoking to ask. That horrific feeling that you’re going to say something foolish… your palms get sweaty and your throat gets dry. At that point, you just have to take the reins and broaden the scope and somehow find something to connect and relate to about the Film. That’s happened more than a couple times!
Sari on Facebook asks, “Who was the nicest Celeb that you have met?”.
So many, Sari! Adele, Katy Perry, Linda Hamilton, Hugh Jackman, Jessica Chastain, Nia Vardalos, Colin Farrell, Colin Firth, Michael Fassbender, Bradley Cooper, Channing Tatum, Michael Bublé, Abbie Cornish all go beyond and above the Call of Duty and consistently do it time and again! I even brought a tear to Adele’s eye letting her know how much her Music meant to me once. So personable!
I understand that the scale of Celebrity “niceness” often depends on how their day’s going, but these named individuals consistently wow me every time and I’m sure there are several more I’m neglecting.
Terri on Facebook asks, “Seems to me that in recent months you have achieved some of your childhood dreams….What dreams of Celebs or Events have still eluded you and what bigger dreams Mr. Will are you hoping to reach for?”.
Hey Terri! There is so much to accomplish still. The end goal is to continue building a groundbreaking Fan-centric Website and go-to source for Celebrities and Entertainment in Toronto. I am continually trying to expand my scope further and build new Partnerships for my Readers, getting them a taste of all that good stuff first! I aspire to do this full-time and slowly am getting there. One day we’ll perhaps have a more national presence even!
I’d love to attend the Oscars and Grammys one day as basically I live for those two, and I am kinda obsessed with the Golden Globes too! I’ve still never visited L.A. One day. My dream Interviews would be Natalie Portman, Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway or Kate Winslet. I’ve met Mariah Carey before, but would really want to reflect on her Career with her over some Champagne. That would be perfect.
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The Avengers won top honours tonight at 2013 MTV Movie Awards held at Los Angeles’ Sony Pictures Studios, nabbing coveted Movie of the Year, in addition to Best Fight and Best Villain with British Actor Tom Hiddleston. The Blockbuster uniting various Marvel Superheroes, grossing over $1.5 billion worldwide has a Sequel on the way, scheduled for May 1, 2015.
Silver Linings Playbook not only won Jennifer Lawrence her first Oscar, but she always was awarded Best Actress as was her Co-Star Bradley Cooper, who earned Best Actor. Both currently are reuniting with Director David O. Russell on his latest as-yet-untitled Film, along with Christian Bale and Jeremy Renner with production taking place in Boston.
Although a Sequel is still in the works, the Cast of Sleeper Hit Pitch Perfect reunited on-stage at the beginning of the Show tonight, eventually going on to win Best Musical Moment. Star Rebel Wilson filled hosting duties tonight and dared to shock with some controversially over-the-top outfits including a double-nipple number.
In an odd turn of events, Funnywoman Aubrey Plaza crashed Will Ferrell‘s Acceptance Speech, wrestling his Comedic Genius Award out of his hand. It was learned that she later was ejected from the Venue for her behaviour, although it is said she purely behaved so as a Publicity Stunt for her upcoming Film The To-Do List. Point taken.
Fan Favourite The Twilight Saga of course didn’t walk away empty despite the Franchise having ended. Its Star Taylor Lautner was awarded Best Shirtless Scene.
For a complete list of Winners which also included Emma Watson and Jamie Foxx, click here.
(Photo credit: Reuters)
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