#TIFF18: INTRODUCING OUR OFFICIAL 2018 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL PARTNERS

With TIFF ’18 being just a week away, we’re super-excited to present to you some of our official partners of the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival! We live for TIFF and are thrilled as a team to be accredited to the Festival and also bring you as always unparalleled intimate access to the stars and Films of the Festival!

We’re thrilled to give our Readers a chance to be just as stoked as us and we give you a chance to win our TIFF SURVIVAL PRIZE PACK, which is bigger and better than ever!

We’d like to thank the following parnters:

DUFFLET PASTRIES – Toronto’s reigning Queen of Cake® still is going strong with an uptown and down location. When there’s a celebration, it’s always been about Dufflet Pastries’ cakes and pastries for us. TIFF is no exception. There are two locations: 787 Queen Street West and 2638 Yonge Street. Did you know the Queen Street West location offers High Tea on Sundays? Learn more at http://dufflet.com.

ESTIA is just one of several TIFF hotspots owned by popular restauranteur, hotelier and night club owner Charles Khabouth. Known for its acclaimed Mediterranean cuisine, Estia situated at 90 Avenue Road, is a must-try this TIFF. More at http://estiatoronto.com.

WESLODGE owned also by Charles Khabouth, for years has been a hotspot for the stars during the Festival. Known for its classic cocktails and Canadian fare, this vintage tavern at 480 King Street West, has and will continue to host several stars TIFF ’18.  We hear the Fried Chicken is superb! More at http://weslodge.com.

STARBUCKS CANADA – TIFF is about the coming of fall and nothing says autumn comfort like Starbucks‘ signature PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE, now back in stores! We have fond memories of warming-up in many a cold line-up at TIFF with this fan favourite and can’t wait to get reacquainted this TIFF! More at http://starbucks.ca.

BLACKBERRY CANADA – We can’t wait to show you all the celebrity selfies and up-close star sightings at TIFF ’18. This year our official smartphone will be the super-sleek and functional Blackberry Key2. Learn all about this reborn icon at https://blackberrymobile.com/ca/product/blackberry-key2.

BRITBOX CANADA – We can’t wait for a bit of downtime post-TIFF and what better way to relax than to catch-up with some of our favourite British programming from BBC and iTV? Britbox Canada is brought to us by BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of the BBC, and ITV, bringing home iconic favorites, exclusive premieres, and current series and soaps. Learn more about their latest programming options: https://www.britbox.com/ca/collection/premieres.

ACURA CANADA – Mobility is so important for us during TIFF and once again we’ll be partnering with Acura Canada and driving the 2018 Acura ILX. Acura Canada will be front and center at TIFF this year as a major sponsor and we’re thrilled to experience some of that starpower! Sleek, compact and stylish, we’ll be travelling in style in this beauty! More here: https://www.acura.ca/ilx.

KANDLE ARTISTIQUE – Purveyor of luxurious candles, you now can make your own candles at their gorgeous Yorkville location at 88 Avenue Road in Toronto. More here.

NIKON CANADA – We can’t wait to show you our photos, taken on none other than the state-of-the-art Nikon D850, shooting at 45.7 megapixels, with 4k and 8K video options! More here.

H&M CANADA – We love H&M and are thrilled to be donning H&M and H&M only at TIFF ’18. Can’t wait to show you some pieces from their Fall/Winter 2018 Collection. More at http://hm.com.

CHATIME CANADA – We’ll never get sick of Bubble Tea and to us there’s only Chatime! With various locations across Canada we can’t wait for too to discover the refreshment! Our fave midday beverage? Grapefruit Green Tea (half-sweet, less ice) is our perfect afternoon pick-me-up! Discover your new favourite. More here: http://chatime.com

CP24 – For the past 10 years, we’ve been a contributor at this popular news network and can’t wait to reunite this TIFF ’18 to deliver you the scoop and sightings, plus all the buzz on the hottest Films at TIFF! Don’t forget to tune in as we kick it all off tomorrow, Wednesday, September 5 in the 12 o’clock hour on Live at Noon with George Lagogianes!

Now for the fun stuff! We want to give Readers to win our TIFF ’18 Survival Pack which is bigger and more delicious than ever! Contents include:

One free six-month Britbox Canada membership

$25 Starbucks Canada Gift Card

A Dufflet Pastries Gift Card for one cake

A $200 Estia Gift Card

H&M Canada VIP Card

Two Chatime Canada Vouchers

One Kandle Artistique Candle

 

Stay tuned to our Social Media throughout TIFF ’18 as we give away

A $200 Weslodge Gift Card

Chatime Canada Drink Vouchers

Starbucks Canada Gift Cards

Britbox Canada Six-Month Memberships

 

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook. Click “share” on this Post or Re-Tweet this Tweet from @mrwillw for an extra chance!

 

Don’t forget to join us on our TIFF ’18 adventures and be following on Social Media for real-time updates! You won’t regret it!

Twitter: @mrwillw

Instagram: @mrwillwong

Facebook: http://facebook.com/mrwillwongblog

 

Don’t forget to be following Team Mr. Will also:

Dave Baldwin: @davemabaldwin

Amanda Gilmore: @gilmoreamanda

George Kozera: @partyg

Siobhan Rich: @typo_eh

Justin Waldman: @dubsreviews

Jonathan Godfrey: @skot_somers

 

 

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#TIFF16: MR. WILL’S OFFICIAL PARTNERS OF THE 2016 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

TIFFmas is about to arrive and before the insanity begins, we’re proud to announce our official Partners for TIFF ’16! We couldn’t do it without them and YOU! MRWILLWONG.COM has been a part of this City’s colourful wallpaper for seven years now, our unique take on the Festival balancing the celebrity spotlight with a strong focus on the Films which have the Festival abuzz. Contributing again this year on our Team on Reviews are George Kozera,  Siobhán Rich, David Baldwin and Justin Waldman!

We hope that once again you’ll be making MR. WILL WONG your go-to source for everything TIFF during the Festival!

CP24 will be featuring us and our TIFF content once again this year after many successful years together!  Be sure to tune-in for our sightings and thoughts on this year’s highly-buzzed Films of the Festival!

ACURA CANADA gives us the all-important mobility needed during TIFF ’16 and does it in style. The 2017 Acura ILX is style and sophistication personified.  Above this, it’s fuel-efficient! We’re thrilled to pilot this gorgeous ride this Festival!

NIKON CANADA returns as one of our official sponsors and in addition to relying heavily on our NIKON D3300 with 20-500 mm lens for those gorgeous close-ups of the stars in town, we need that wu-1a adapter to ensure you get to see these Snaps right away, enabling us to upload straight from camera to Smartphone for you all to see!

H&M CANADA has been our main go-to for our fun, versatile fashions for years and once again we will be sporting all H&M this year. TIFF ’16 is the time to be noticed and H&M does just that.

SUBWAY CANADA is the perfect go-to when we’re hungry and we need that Sandwish fulfilled fast! Check back soon as we’ll be launching another $100 SUBWAY®  Gift Card Giveaway in October!

HOTEL NOVOTEL TORONTO CENTRE has been our base for several years now. Once again TIFF ’16 we’ll be calling it home, benefiting from a quick commute to and from the star-filled action in Entertainment District. Above this, there are several amenities including in-and-out privilege parking, a gym, a pool, that amazing breakfast buffet at Café Nicole. Best of all, they’re pet-friendly (we’ve gotta have Billy with us!) and we love their cushy beds!

SAMSUNG CANADA makes TIFF ’16 and our year-round connectivity possible with the Samsung S7, which equipped with a spacious 32 gb of memory, phenomenal low-light camera, accessibility to every Social Media app under the moon and above that, being waterproof, is the only Smartphone for us!

STARBUCKS CANADA partners with us for the first-time ever this year and we are beyond thrilled about this!  Fall means one thing and one thing only, the arrival of the PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE! We dream year-round of the PSL with its warming comfort. Did you know that beginning Tuesday, September 6, 2016, Starbucks Canada will launch its Fall menu including a Chile Mocha Latte and the return of the Salted Caramel Latte? These will be our official beverages of TIFF ’16!

What’s that? You want to win a Starbucks Gift Card so you too can enjoy a PSL?  Canadian Readers simply can click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook to enter!

If you aren’t already, remember to follows us on Social Media:

Instagram: mrwillwong
Twitter: mrwillw
Facebook: mrwillwongblog
Snapchat: mrwillwong

See you at TIFF!

Mr. Willxbilly

#TIFF15: MR. WILL’S 2015 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS!

We’re sad and in ways glad to see TIFF ’15 ending and although we love the excitement, it’s nice to get back to normal again. We worked ourselves into the ground and got quite ill, but we’re fighting it. We believe in transparency and admit this wasn’t the most exciting Festival in memory, but we had fun and look forward to TIFF ’16.  With rain drowning-out a lot of the fun on the Festival’s three busiest days, fans were forced to make the most out of the situation and in these times we see truly who the champs of Hollywood truly are!

Whether it be Tom Hardy or George Clooney braving the wet for fans, few can argue that it’s absolutely worth the labour and effort for that one moment of connection.

Let’s look back at my highlights of TIFF ’15!

 

To say this was a chore is an understatement. I love Brie Larson and if she doesn’t know that by now then it’s time to invest in a billboard.  This Selfie took nine tries dating back to 2013. Prior to TIFF ’15, many were asking who she was. Now that the festival is over, people are googling.  She is amazing in Room, but I’ve enjoyed her work long before that.  Expect her to be in the thick of the Best Actress race this Awards Season. Worth it? Totally.

My #TIFF15 made. The one star I absolutely had to get a Selfie with, #BrieLarson. Please go see #RoomTheMovie. Riveting. Heartbreaking. Joyous. Emotional. Our faces touched and she gave me a genuine moment of thanks. I am willing to put my last dollar that this will be a force Awards season. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 15, 2015 at 3:39pm PDT

Tom Hardy. Easily one of the Kings of TIFF ’15. It’s amazing seeing fame hasn’t changed this striking Actor who endured rain to greet every single fan at both his Press Conference and Premiere for Legend. Marry us, Tom! We’ll gladly share.

Happy to see the #bae, #TomHardy. Nicest man of #TIFF15. #TIFF #TIFF40 #LEGENDMovie #TorontoFilmFestival A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 13, 2015 at 3:31pm PDT

Kristen Stewart. This Twilight beauty is just a vision in Chanel. She didn’t connect with fans much this year, but we won’t forget seeing how beautiful she looked at the Equals Premiere.

#KristenStewart stunning on #TIFF15 carpet for #EqualsMovie. #TIFF #Tiff40 #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 13, 2015 at 1:30pm PDT

   

Analeigh Tipton. I’ve been singing her praises for years and all it is gonna take for this former America’s Next Top Model contestant to get that one breakout role and I’m confident you too will fall in love with the statuesque stunner. She was here for a supporting role in Ryan Reynolds‘ Film Mississippi Grind.

The talented and lovely #AnaleighTipton, at #TIFF15 with #MississippiGrind. One of my favourite young actresses. She promised me a #selfie three years ago and did it! Do you believe she once was a contestant on #ANTM? #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 16, 2015 at 3:06pm PDT

Jacob Tremblay. This Vancouver-born actor is just remarkable in Room and I can’t wait for you all to see his breakthrough performance. My fave Photo-with a Celeb this year.

This boy is a remarkable actor. Thanks for the photo @iamjaketremblay! #RoomTheMovie #TIFF40 #TIFF15 #TorontoFilmFestival #TIFF #JacobTremblay #NikonD3300

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 15, 2015 at 3:33pm PDT

Whatever Shia LaBeouf is on, we want some of it. The actor was just a charm, more fan-friendly than ever at his Man Down Premiere. We like the new Shia and hope he’s here to stay.

#ShiaLaBeouf at #TIFF15 for #ManDown. #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival #TIFF #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 15, 2015 at 3:27pm PDT

Dakota Johnson. This photo is 50 Shades of YASSSS! My last encounter with this now A-Lister in New York wasn’t great, but she lit it up at the Press Conference for Black Mass for which she is being lauded for her scene-stealing performance. She saw the struggle of me trying to get a Selfie despite being there since 6:40 AM and she contorted her head over in an array of tilts to ensure I got the shot! Thanks to Andre for helping take this!

Awkward selfies with #DakotaJohnson, at #TIFF15 for #BlackMass. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival #FIFTYSHADESOFGREY #NikonD3300

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 14, 2015 at 11:45am PDT

Johnny Depp certainly draws a crowd and this is the closest I could manage at the Press Conference for Black Mass where he was more than kind. Event Security certainly made it tough on the Autograph Collectors, knocking and tossing their clipboards as they tried reaching down to King Johnny.

Arrived 6:50 AM and that’s the closest I could get to #JohnnyDepp. #BlackMass #TIFF15 #Tiff40 #Toronto #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 14, 2015 at 2:34pm PDT

Kevin Bacon. Can’t knock this champ. He met everyone and even accommodated me for a Selfie at the Black Mass Press Conference. Unsure why this pic is so pixelicious. Oh well, I tried! LOL

Strugglicious #selfie with #KevinBacon. At #TIFF15 with #BlackMass.

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 14, 2015 at 8:46am PDT

I love Luke Evans (Dracula Untold) and was so happy to see he’s everything I had hoped. This was snapped at a party for his Film, High-Rise.

Beyond thrilled to meet #LukeEvans! At #TIFF15 for #HighRiseMovie. #Tiff40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 13, 2015 at 10:30pm PDT

Tom Hiddleston. A bit sad that his films I Saw the Light and High-Rise didn’t get universal love critically, but we were still happy to see him and talk to him quickly. He was super-selective when he’d take Selfies with people, but was awesome signing autographs.

  Handsome #TomHiddleston at the post-party for #HighRiseMovie at Byblos. #TIFF15 #TIFF #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300   A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 13, 2015 at 10:28pm PDT

Toni Collette + Eddie Redmayne. They were in different Films but their paths crossed and I loved witnessing this moment of love between the two.

#EddieRedmayne hugging #ToniCollette. #TIFF #Tiff40 #TorontoFilmFestival #TIFF15 #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 13, 2015 at 10:53am PDT

Eddie Redmayne, King of TIFF ’15. Even Johnny Depp was at his The Danish Girl Premiere. True, Amber Heard (who has a supporting role) was the reason on the surface but we all know he went to check-out his Best Actor competition! LOL

  #EddieRedmayne at #TIFF15 for #TheDanishGirl. #TIFF #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300   A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 11:10pm PDT

Ben Foster. Lots of buzz for his performance as Lance Armstrong in The Program and I am elated he finally took a Selfie with me!

#BenFoster at #TIFF15 with #TheProgram. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival #LanceArmstrong #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 8:35pm PDT

Bryan Cranston. Everybody wanted a Selfie with this Breaking Bad legend and your jaws will drop after seeing him in Trumbo.

  #BryanCranston at the #EntertainmentWeekly #TIFF15 Party. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300   A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 4:15pm PDT

Emily Blunt. The English Actress continues the beginning of what will be an Oscar campaign. She is just great in Sicario, one of the more popular Films of the Festival. Here she was at a party for Entertainment Weekly. Not many got Selfies with her this visit though which is odd as she’s great normally.

#EmilyBlunt at the #EntertainmentWeekly #TIFF15 Party. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 4:12pm PDT

Jessica Chastain. That is all. She is the People’s Queen. So kind. I  admit I have almost have enough Selfies with her to make a calendar. Oh, you think I’m joking, don’t you?

#JessicaChastain at the #EntertainmentWeekly #TIFF15 Party. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 4:10pm PDT

Matt Damon for The Martian. Many are calling Ridley Scott‘s latest, lots of fun. This Selfie took six years to get.  

Oops! I did it again. #MattDamon at the #EntertainmentWeekly #TIFF15 Party. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 4:21pm PDT

Lightning strikes twice!!

Finally. After six years of trying, it happened. #MattDamon + me. #TIFF15 #TheMartian #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300   A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 11, 2015 at 12:49pm PDT

So much love and respect for Queen Julianne. This was probably my sixth time meeting her and she’s just been amazing every time. She once even sat down and chat with me for five minutes about acting advice. We hope she never stops coming to TIFF. She will break your heart again in Freeheld.  

With Queen #JulianneMoore. At #TIFF15 for #FreeheldMovie. #TIFF #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 11, 2015 at 9:49am PDT

On cloud nine about this one. I love Ellen Page so much and don’t believe it took this long to meet her. You can just tell she’s in a good place in her life right now and we’re happy for her. Freeheld. See it.

This one I’m extra-happy about! Finally a Selfie with #EllenPage, who slayed it in #FREEHELDMovie. #TIFF40 #TIFF15 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival #Xmen #NikonD3300   A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 10, 2015 at 7:32pm PDT

Sebastian Stan. This Captain America star was a huge hit with fans, excited to see him. He was here for The Martian.  

#SebastianStan at #TIFF15 for #TheMartian. #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival #TIFF #CaptainAmerica #WinterSoldier #BuckyBarnes #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 10, 2015 at 6:59pm PDT

Kate Mara. This girl deserves a round of applause. She really turnt it up TIFF ’15 with two Films, Man Down and The Martian.

#KateMara at #TIFF15 for #TheMartian. #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300   A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 10, 2015 at 6:20pm PDT My second time getting a and the man needs to up his Selfie Game. He is superb in . Nominee we’re thinking for sure.

Benicio del Toro. My second time getting a Selfie and the man needs to up his Selfie Game. LOL He is superb in Sicario. Best Actor Nominee we’re thinking for sure.  

#BenicioDelToro at #TIFF15 for #Sicario. #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 10, 2015 at 6:20pm PDT

TIFF is always about the surprise and I was thrilled to see Joshua Jackson come out to support Diane Kruger at her Premiere for Disorder. Power Couple.

#JoshuaJackson here to support #DianeKruger at #TIFF15 for #DisorderMovie. #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival #TIFF #NikonD3300   A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 17, 2015 at 6:50pm PDT

Morning from #DianeKruger and me. She is at #TIFF15 with #DisorderMovie. #TIFF #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 16, 2015 at 8:30am PDT

Salma Hayek. Here for Septembers of Shiraz. She kissed fans. No word of a lie.

#SalmaHayek at #TIFF15 for #SeptembersofShiraz. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 16, 2015 at 12:20pm PDT

Anya Taylor-Joy. This girl is going to do amazing things. I had no idea The Witch was made around Toronto and she is just stellar in this highly-buzzed horror. “I’m not good at this”, she said taking a Selfie with me. She’d better get used to it as it’s happening for her. Stunning. 

With the v. stunning #AnyaTaylorJoy, at #TIFF15 with #TheWitch. Rave reviews coming into #TIFF. #Tiff40 #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 18, 2015 at 3:12pm PDT

Jeremy Irons. I’ve loved this man for so long and went into panic mode when he rolled down his window for a Photo. This man never takes Selfies. He was here for The Man Who Knew Infinity.

With legendary #JeremyIrons, at #TIFF15 with #TheManWhoKnewInfinity. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TIFF15 #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 17, 2015 at 11:37am PDT

I adore Drew Barrymore. Nice seeing her again. Her tear-jerker Miss You Already is a must-see.  

#DrewBarrymore at #TIFF15 for #MissYouAlready. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 13, 2015 at 10:59am PDT

The biggest Rock Star at TIFF ’15, Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones at the Press Conference for Under the Influence, streaming on Netflix. Not much fan interaction, but cool seeing him.

Rock icon #KeithRichards at #TIFF15 with #UndertheInfluenceMovie. #TheRollingStones #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 17, 2015 at 11:54am PDT

Natalie Portman. Will never get a Selfie with her, but I still love her. So amazing getting to sit-in at her TIFF ’40 Soiree and listen to her reflect on her career. Black Swan to this day is a personal favourite and it was amazing seeing that Film’s Director Darren Aronofsky stop by!

It’s like time stood still for a moment between #NataliePortman and I. #TIFF15 #TIFFSoiree #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 9, 2015 at 4:53pm PDT. Huge fan of and her work in the Trilogy. She was in a foot cast for crying out loud. She tells me she broke her leg.. She is here for French Comedy.

Julie Delpy. Huge fan of Richard Linklater, Ethan Hawke and her work in the Before Sunrise Trilogy. She was in a foot cast for crying out loud. She tells me she broke her leg. LA CHAMP. She is here for French Comedy Lolo.

The formidable #JulieDelpy, at #TIFF15 with #Lolo. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival #LoloMovie #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 18, 2015 at 12:04pm PDT None of us had any idea was showing-up as Producer of , starring . He walked the entire carpet, greeting fans as it was about to rain. I got sick waiting in the cold dampness, but well worth it.

 

Nick Robinson. This Jurassic World star was here for Rob Reiner‘s latest, Being Charlie. Certainly one to look-out for this next while.

#NickRobinson of #JurassicWorld at #TIFF15 for #BeingCharlie. #TIFF40 #NikonD3300

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 14, 2015 at 11:43am PDT

Sandra + George. None of us had any idea George Clooney was showing-up as Producer of Our Brand is Crisis, starring Sandra Bullock. He walked the entire carpet, greeting fans as it was about to rain. I got sick waiting in the cold dampness, but well worth it.

#GeorgeClooney + #SandraBullock at the #OURBRANDISCRISIS Premiere, #TIFF15. #TIFF #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 11, 2015 at 4:05pm PDT

And now to thank our partners for TIFF ’15 whom we couldn’t have done it without. We did it bigger and better than ever this year! We won’t forget appearing on CBC’s Metro Morning, ITV’s Good Morning Britain, CTV News and CP24 and if you learned of us through these appearances, welcome and please stick around!  We go hard year-round,  not just TIFF!

Wrapping up #TIFF15 coverage at @CP24 with these two Media icons, Stephen LeDrew and @richardcrouse. A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 18, 2015 at 9:46am PDT

Here’s a few clips in case you missed them:A feature on the Toronto Star by Linda Barnard. Click here.CTV’S CANADA AM

CTV NEWS (Thanks Julie!)ITV’s Good Morning Britain

Thank you to the following. I couldn’t have done TIFF ’15 with their generosity and support!

Samsung Canada

My hero. Wouldn’t have been able to do #TIFF15 without the extended battery life and fast charge of the #GalaxyS6 by #Samsung. All blogging and social media (inc. editing) was done on the #SamsungGalaxyS6. A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 18, 2015 at 1:38pm PDT

Novotel Downtown Centre

Thank you @novotelnorthamerica Downtown Centre! We couldn’t have done #TIFF15 without your hospitality and convenience. It means so much that Billy had a cozy, pet-friendly home away from home, where I could check in on him quickly from all the action! #TIFF40 #Novotel A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 18, 2015 at 1:52pm PDT 

Ford Canada 

Thrilled to be reunited with the @fordcanada Focus Titanium #TIFF15! Luxurious lifesaver! #Ford #FordFocus #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 10, 2015 at 9:04am PDT

Nikon Canada

“Your pics are awesome!”. Trust me, it’s not me. It’s my #NikonD3300 with my #55200mm lens + #wu1a adapter, letting me upload from camera to you instantly! All #TIFF15 photos were taken on my #Nikon. A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 18, 2015 at 2:00pm PDT

H&M Canada 

Hanging in the #CTV Green Room waiting for the Prime Minister to finish his speech. Here to talk #TIFF15! Many greats have chilled here like Taylor Swift for example! Do you like my doughnut shirt? Just one of a bunch of cool things I’ll be wearing thanks to H&M Canada! #TIFF #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival #samsunggalaxys6   A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 10, 2015 at 7:12am PDT

 

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment + Tyrrells.You still have a chance to win this awesome v. English Prize Pack in celebration of TIFF ’15! Click here.

Your chance to #win a v. English Prize Pack, in celebration of #TIFF15! Link in Bio! #Giveaway #Contest #Toronto #TheSix #Tyrrells #Outlander #LambertandStamp #London #England #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 7, 2015 at 11:59am PDT

 

And you absolutely must check-out our wide selections of TIFF ’15. See which Films deserve the Awards Season buzz. Thank you to Jonathan Godfrey, Dave Baldwin, Justin Waldman and George Kozera for all their contributions! Click here to read them all. 

Our Contributors team-up to preview their top #TIFF15 Picks! Link in Bio! #TorontoFilmFestival #Toronto #TIFF #TIFF40 #TheSix #Review #Movie A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 9, 2015 at 7:41am PDT

 

So touched by this note from a Reader, Aahil! I do this all for you guys! Thank you for all your encouragement and support even if it’s in the form of a “like”.

I do it for the fans. #TIFF15 #TIFF40 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 16, 2015 at 3:39pm PDT

 

TIFF ’16, bb.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#TIFF15: OFFICIAL BRAND PARTNERS FOR 2015 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL | PRIZE PACK GIVEAWAY

In the blink of an eye, the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival has arrived and now in its 40th year, the Festival promises to be bigger than better the year.  Loaded with megawatts of star-power, we promise to be there every step of the way, giving you some of the most intimate access in the City to the Festival!

Before the TIFF 40/TIFF ’15 begins, we want to take a moment to thank our partners, many who are returning once again to show their support for the MR. WILL WONG brand!  This is our sixth year blogging and we certainly are showing no signs of stopping.  Star-spottings, Giveaways, Film Reviews and buzz. Our Team including Jonathan Godfrey, Justin Waldman, David Baldwin, George Kozera and myself have previewed some of the hottest titles at the Festival in advance so you’ll know which Films should be on your radars this Award season. We’ll be right in the thick of things with our unique perspective and you’ll be right in the know.

We’d like to thank:

CP24: For the seventh consecutive year, we are partnering with ultra-popular CP24 for up-to-the-minute celebrity sightings around the City! I’ll be in studio and catching-up with the station throughout the Festival, so be sure to tune-in!  In the past we’ve appeared also on affiliates like Virgin Radio 99.9 and CTV News, so don’t be surprised that literally we’re everywhere again this TIFF!

ITV & TOURISM TORONTO: For the first time ever we’re appearing on television in the U.K. and we’re thrilled to have worked together with iTV and Tourism Toronto to draw focus on the excitement our City has to offer during TIFF, with a feature spot on popular morning program GOOD MORNING BRITAIN.

TYRRELLS: Made from the aristocratic potatoes of England, Tyrrells rapidly is gaining a reputation as the perfect chip for entertaining! What makes them unique is their intense taste, crunch and the fact they contain just a sliver of skin for that real potato authenticity. Flavours include Lightly Sea Salted, Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar, Sweet Chili  & Red Pepper, Mature Cheddar & Chives, Sea Salt & Black Pepper, Worcestershire Sauce & Sundried Tomato and Vegetable Chips! Learn more here.   Your friends and family will know you went that extra mile if they know you serve Tyrrells!

FORD CANADA: We’re a huge fan of Ford  and once again they are on-board with us for TIFF 40/TIFF ’15!  We’ll be driving in style this Festival in a fuel-efficient Ford Focus, which meets out biggest need – compactness and fuel-efficiency – to a t. We won’t miss a step this Festival thanks to Ford Canada.  See our sweet ride in all its loaded glory here.

SONY PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT CANADA: This year we’re giving our Readers a chance to win a couple awesome new English-themed releases in celebration of the City to City Programme’s focus on London.  Although wildly-popular OUTLANDER Season 1, Volume 1 has already captivated fans, we’re giving you a chance to win also Volume 2 (out Tuesday, September 29, 2015) on DVD!  Documentary LAMBERT & STAMP (in stores now) also gives us an intimate look at one of England’s most beloved rock outfits, The Who.

H&M CANADA: We love H&M and estimate that 90% 100% of our wardrobe is in fact H&M. They aren’t afraid of taking risks, have a bit of fun and continue to offer amazing value to Canada’s fashion-conscious. We are excited for you to see some the fun fashions we picked-out from their Fall/Winter 2015 Collection on our Social Media channels, during the Festival!  We can’t wait for Katy Perry‘s holiday campaign! See some of their hottest new looks here!

HOTEL NOVOTEL TORONTO CENTRE: Billy and I dream of our cozy bed at Hotel Novotel Toronto Centre and can’t wait to enjoy what little sleep we intend to get at TIFF 40/TIFF ’15 this year.  The Hotel is minutes from the thick of it all and their amazing facilities include Wi-Fi, a gym, accessible parking, pool and amazing breakfast buffet at Cafe Nicole offer exceptional value for anyone visiting Toronto during the Festival.  Best of all, they’re pet-friendly (yay for Billy)!  It’s always reassuring knowing this as we often stress about our loved ones with those long hours during TIFF. Learn more here.

NIKON CANADA: We get tons of compliments on our photography and wouldn’t have been able to do it without the support of Nikon Canada and our amazing D3300 HDSLR. We’re gonna take you that extra bit closer with their generosity, helping stay connected with our latest Photo updates via a  WU-1a wireless mobile adapter and also a zoom lens. Can you handle that level of intimacy?  You’ll basically be right beside the likes of Natalie Portman, Johnny Depp and Matt Damon! More here.

SAMSUNG CANADA: Staying connected is important and there could only be one phone for the job, the Samsung Galaxy S6 with its spacious screen and quick-charge adapter.  We’re thrilled to use this TIFF 40/TIFF ’15 and most of our blogging and Social Media will be done through this amazing Smartphone!  More here.

But most of all you, thank you Willionaire$ for your making us a part of your day these past six years!  We are grateful and appreciative!

Your chance to #win a v. English Prize Pack, in celebration of #TIFF15! Link in Bio! #Giveaway #Contest #Toronto #TheSix #Tyrrells #Outlander #LambertandStamp #London #England #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 7, 2015 at 11:59am PDT

Now for a bit of fun, we’re giving one v. English Prize Pack including every flavour of Tyrrells Hand Crafted English Crisps, plus copies of LAMBERT & STAMP and OUTLANDER (Season 1, Volumes 1&2 on DVD)!  To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook!

Be following on Social Media:

Instagram: @MRWILLWONG

Twitter: @MRWILLW

Facebook: MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK

(Photo credit: Samsung Canada, Nikon Canada, Ford Canada, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Canada, H&M Canada, Tyrrells, Hotel Novotel Downtown Centre)

#TIFF14: MR. WILL THANKS FESTIVAL PARTNERS AND SUPPORTERS!

I live wholeheartedly for TIFF but before it all begins, I must take a moment to acknowledge and thank you generous Supporters who make it possible for me.  We’re doing it bigger and better than ever this year and can’t wait to have you along on one of the most fun Digital Journeys in the City between Wednesday, September 3, 2014 and Sunday, September 14, 2014!  We’ll be spotting Stars, interviewing a couple big names and reviewing (with the help of our amazing Contributors Justin Waldman, Jonathan Godfrey and David Baldwin) first all those Films which comprise the Awards Season Trail before everybody else!  We know how much you love those Giveaways too. We just might have a trick or two up our sleeves for you Willionaire$!

This year, we’d like to thank:

 

HOTEL NOVOTEL TORONTO CENTRE

Now that I’m in the ‘burbs temporarily, a downtown presence means so much to me  TIFF ’14 and this wonderful Hotel places me right where I need to be. I am so grateful for Hotel Novotel Toronto Centre for their generosity once again this year in providing accommodations for part of the Festival.  After a long day at it, the first thing I need most comfort and a desk on which to update my Site. After enjoying my stay so much last year, Billy and I cannot wait to crash on that amazingly soft bed once again!  I also am awful excited about that Breakfast Buffet at Cafe Nicole.  Hello, Bread Bar!  More here.

SAMSUNG CANADA

I’ll admit that I have never used a Tablet in my life so I look forward to trying one for the first time in style, the Galaxy Tab S from Samsung Canada. With its spacious screen, Super Amoled Display and Ultra Power Saving Mode, I’ll be counting on this Beauty to be my Communication Hub and perhaps even be blogging directly from it TIFF ’14!

For the first time also, I’ll be trying-out the Samsung Galaxy S5 as my main means of communication during the Festival.  I look forward to Tweeting, Facebooking and Instagramming with all of you from that 5.1″ screen and up to 13 hours of battery life, about all my exciting Star Spottings and which Films you should be seeing!  More here.

NIKON CANADA

For the first time TIFF ’14, I’ll be operating fully with an SLR Camera thanks to Nikon Canada and their amazing Nikon D3300 HDSLR!  I’ll be shooting in 24.2 megapixels and am rather excited about that wireless adapter for easy of uploading.  Just think all those amazing Selfies and Red Carpet Snaps I’ll be posting with this!  Can’t wait to see who we’ll spot and snap!  More here.

FORD CANADA

I am a strong Believer in driving Hybrid Vehicles, not only for obvious environmental benefits, but also their fuel efficiency.  I am so pumped – pardon the pun – to drive the 2015 Ford Fusion ENERGI SE this TIFF as I cruise along the Highway with my SiriusXM!  Those heated front seats surely will come in handy on those chilly TIFF nights and its compact size is perfect for those tight spots downtown. More here.

H&M CANADA

Anyone who peeks into my wardrobe would know it’s basically all H&M.  I adore H&M Canada and will be wearing them till the day I die.  Once again this, I’m so honoured to be sporting pieces from the Powerhouse Retailer’s Fall 2014 Men’s Collection.  My look has always been casual, fun, colourful and no-fuss, making H&M my perfect Companion.  More here.

CP24

Anyone who lives in Southern Ontario knows exactly what to tune into any which time of the day.  For the sixth consecutive year, I’ve been asked to contribute to CP24‘s TIFF ’14 coverage.  Tune-in at any point throughout the Festival to see me either in-studio or on-the-street, in addition to the many Snaps I’ll be taking!  Also at points during the Festival, I’ll be on Sister Station, CTV NEWS too!  More here.

IT LOUNGE 2014

One of the most coveted Celebrity Gift Lounges won’t be that far away for my Willionaire$ this year!  We are partnering with our friends at NKPR to give you a chance to win an exclusive IT Lounge Prize Pack/VIP Experience!  Always been curious what Celebs get access to in those ultra-exclusive Lounges when they visit for TIFF?  You’ll soon find out!  More here.

OUT THERE TIFF HOSPITALITY SUITE AND LOUNGE

We love Melissa DiMarco and once again this year we’re thrilled to give Readers a chance to enjoy her Oasis situated out of Intercontinental Hotel.  Don’t be surprised if you see a Star or four milling about!  A great opportunity to relax, grab a bite/drink and mingle with Industry types.

Stay tuned, we’ll certainly have some surprises here throughout TIFF ’14 and were happy to bring some of our Readers to Red Carpet Premieres up-close and personal with the likes of Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Scarlett Johansson and Jake Gyllenhaal.  Some even got to attend some glam Parties!

Make sure you and your Friends are following here:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mrwillwongblog

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/mrwillw

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/mrwillwong

And of course, Bookmark http://www.mrwillwong.com

 

Happy TIFF ’14, Willionaire$!

 

 

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

 

#TIFF13: THANK YOU TO ALL OFFICIAL MR. WILL TIFF ’13 PARTNERS!

TIFF ’13 certainly was one of our most star-filled Festivals yet and we wouldn’t have made it through without the generosity of our Partners.  A warm-hearted thank you goes to Hotel Novotel Toronto Centre, Honda Canada, Out There with Melissa DiMarco, Grosch Film Works Open House, eOne Live, Mongrel Media, Touchwood PR, Remstar Films, CP24, George Stroumboulopoulos’ Made in Canada Lounge, Olympus, Samsung Canada, Nella Bella and H&M Canada for their amazing generosity.

HOTEL NOVOTEL TORONTO CENTRE – with a classic European charm and situated right in the heart of Downtown Toronto (close to the action of the Film Festival!), I enjoyed my stay immensely in my Executive Suite.  The Staff were amazingly-attentive and friendly and the biggest plus of all is that they are Dog-friendly, alleviating a lot of my stresses as it enabled me  to check-in on Billy throughout the day.  Billy and I already miss our spacious suite, extremely-cozy bed, large-screen Television at our desk. We  hope certainly to visit again soon!  And did I mention the amazing Breakfast Buffet?  They understood fully my need for Caffeine, giving me my own Coffee Carafe! I soon discovered for myself why it is that  Café Nicole is known for having the “best bread in the City” and once you see for yourself their  Bread Counter, you too will know why!

HONDA CANADA – this was my first opportunity driving the 2013 Honda Accord Touring and it was amazing. I made full use of its Econ button and made it through the Festival on less than $30 in gas. Comfy leather seats, a USB port to charge my phone and listen to my MP3s through the superb sound system, plus lightning quick response places this Vehicle at the top of its class. The customizable temperature for Driver and Passenger also came in ultra-handy. And did I mention it’s quite a Looker too?  Stunning.

OLYMPUS – although I struggled with the Selfies on this slippery and fast, state-of-the art Camera, several were happy to help me snap my Photos with the Stars.  Of the Photos I did take on it, the resolution (16 MP) and clarity were astounding.  It was remarkably quick to get the Shot under every varied degree of lighting in which it was tested. I am proud of the Photos the Olympus PEN E-PL5 took for me during TIFF ’13 and it is a great median for those of us who demand more than the quality of a Point-and-Shoot, yet are turned off from the lack of discreteness of a full-on SLR.  Review some of my awesome Snaps here.

H&M CANADA – it definitely was chilly this TIFF on the whole, but I managed to be dressed for the weather in my Cardigans from H&M’s Fall 2013 Collection. I am proud to say that in one of my appearances on CP 24, super-popular Television Personality Stephen LeDrew took a moment to praise my style on- air and I definitely couldn’t have earned that without H&M!

MONGREL MEDIA – for the first time, my Readers were given a chance to get the VIP Experience including Passes to their Premieres and annual TIFF Party, thanks to one of Canada’s most important Film Distributors. John Curran‘s Tracks easily was one of my fave TIFF ’13 Films and I look forward to supporting some of their exciting new releases!

SPOKE AGENCY & eONE LIVE – having just launched in time for TIFF, eOne Live takes Film Fans on a digital experience behind the scenes at TIFF unlike any other. Where else can you snoop what Celebs took in their Tim Hortons’ Coffee? Thanks to eOne Live, Mr. Will Readers got into the Red Carpet Premiere of Enemy seeing Jake Gyllenhaal up-close and personal and also the well-received Documentary One Chance! We love eOne Films and are mega-excited about eOne Live!

TOUCHWOOD PR & REMSTAR FILMS – Mr. Will Readers went berserk for the chance to attend the Red Carpet Premiere of Don Jon with Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Scarlett Johansson and we owe them a huge thanks for the opportunity! We are thrilled to partner and spread the word about their exciting slate of Films including TIFF-premiered Oscar Contender Dallas Buyers Club!

NELLA BELLA – my one trusty Sidekick this TIFF was my amazing and spacious Stockholm Bag by Nella Bella. The Canadian-made, Vegan-material Bag endured super-long days, gruelling wear-and-tear, plus torrential rainfall, protecting my all my important gear.  It also saw its share of  Stars along the way! Stockholm, you’ve been promoted to my permanent Bag of Choice!

OUT THERE WITH MELISSA DiMARCO – we were extremely well-cared for by the Team behind this wonderful Entertainment Staple (now seen on FOX in the U.S.!) during TIFF ’13, an Oasys amidst the chaos. Thank you Team Out There for your hospitality and thanks for giving Mr. Will Readers a chance to be on the inside at your amazing Hospitality Suite!

SAMSUNG CANADA – A big part of the Mr. Will TIFF Experience is the Social Media aspect and if you spotted me at some point during the Festival, I probably was buried in my Smartphone Instagramming and Tweeting away. I wouldn’t have been able to survive the long 20-hour days with any less a Smartphone than the Samsung Galaxy S4.  When I didn’t have enough time to grab for my Camera, the S4 was there to get the Snap in amazing 13 MP-resolution! Its remarkable style, large touchscreen and super-fast processing speed make it the only possible go-to for days as draining as TIFF.  It certainly has the goods to back-up its self-proclamation as a “Life Companion”!

GROLSCH FILM WORKS OPEN HOUSE – Although I’m not a huge Beer Drinker, there is only one thing and one thing only htat I wanted after standing on-foot for hours on-end in the sun… some ice-cold Grolsch Lager – the official Beer of TIFF. Thank you Grolsch Film Works Open House for the refreshment and some relaxation away from the bustle!

GEORGE STROUMBOULOPOULOS’ MADE IN CANADA LOUNGE – It’s always been a dream of ours to visit a TIFF Gifting Lounge and this year we went straight to the top, getting an exclusive invite into Canadian Icon George Stroumboulopoulos’ highly-coveted Made in Canada Lounge where we got to enjoy some of the amazing homegrown products which several A-Listers like Joseph Gordon-Levitt took home.  We will never forget.  Thank you Best PR Boutique for the hospitality.

CP24 – Last but not least, thank you to the Team at CP24 for having me again this year, providing me an Outlet to share my TIFF Excitement with all of Southern Ontario!  I look forward to TIFF ’14 already!

From the bottom of my heart, thank you to all official Mr. Will Partners.

…until next TIFF!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#SPOTTED: JOSH DUHAMEL & JULIANNE HOUGH IN TORONTO FOR “SAFE HAVEN”

And they’ve arrived – safe and sound.  Mega-Hotties Josh Duhamel and Julianne Hough arrived quietly into Toronto last night,  up and at ’em early for a hectic Press Day for their Romantic Thriller, Safe Haven.  The Adaption of the best-selling Novel by Nicholas Sparks is set to open this Valentine’s Day via Entertainment One‘s Alliance Films in Canada.  The Film centers on Katie (Hough), a Woman who arrives in Southport, North Carolina, falling in love with Widower (Duhamel), which forces her to confront her dark, mysterious past.

Duhamel and Hough who looked a picture-perfect Duo together, appeared at KISS 92.5‘s Roz & Mocha Show (listen here) earlier today, before stopping-off at City‘s Breakfast Television (watch here), before completing a morning Trifecta capped-off at CP24 Breakfast (watch here).  The Actors will be doing an afternoon of Press out of their Hotel, before appearing on an action-packed New.Music.Live at MuchMusic, which also will see Warm Bodies Stars Nicholas Hoult and Teresa Palmer. A Star-filled Day in the City indeed.

I caught-up with the Stars as they arrived for their Breakfast Television appearance this morning and they both were gracious to Fans stopping to sign Autographs and snap Photos despite being in a crazy rush to their next destination.  The Festivities continue at Scotiabank Theatre tonight where the Canadian Premiere of Safe Haven takes place, as Duhamel and Hough walk the Red Carpet.  We’ll be there, so stay tuned for our Interview!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)