As Awards Season kicks into high gear, the 2018 Toronto Film Critics Association Awards were held tonight, honouring the year’s best in Cinema as decided by that esteemed Association. Taking place at the Four Seasons Hotel, the site of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association‘s InStyle Magazine Bash at TIFF, Film Critics and industry celebrated what was a stellar year both critically and commercially in Film, seeing a record $11.8 billion grossed at the Box Office in North America last year.
Honoured tonight were the best in Canadian and International Cinema with previous winner Jennifer Baichwal and Nicholas de Pencier’s ANTHROPOCENE: THE HUMAN EPOCH winning the Association’s Rogers Best Canadian Film Award. Given a hefty prize of $100k, the Duo decided spontaneously to split the money with runners-up MAISON DU BONHEUR Director Sofia Bohdanowicz and AVA Director Sadaf Forough, whom also received $5,000 from Rogers Communications.
Other winners announced tonight include Director Molly McGlynn who won the $10,000 Stella Artois Jay Scott Prize for an Emerging Artist for her debut, MARY GOES ROUND which premiered at TIFF ’18 to raves.
Native Canadian Trailblazer Tantoo Cardinal also was awarded the $50,000 Technicolor Clyde Gilmour Award for her achievements in Canadian Cinema, presented by fellow First Nations Actress Tanaya Beatty (The Twilight Saga). Cardinal chose to donate the funds to First Nations Filmmaker Darlene Naponse, who directed FALLS AROUND HER in which Cardinal stars.
Director Morgan Neville was given the $5,000 RBC Allan King Documentary Film Award for Mr. Rogers Pic, Won’t You Be My Neighbor?.
Genevieve Citron was named recipient of the inaugural TFCA Emerging Critic Award, a $1,000 prize.
Announced earlier were double Golden Globe-winning ROMA for Best Picture and Best Director (Alfonso Cuarón), plus Ethan Hawke for Best Actor in First Reformed and Olivia Colman for Best Actress in The Favourite. Regina King won Best Supporting Actress for her work in If Beale Street Could Talk, doubling-up with her Golden Globes success this past weekend and Steve Yeun won Best Supporting Actor for his work in Best Foreign-Language Film winner, BURNING.
More winners here.
TIFF Creative Director Cameron Bailey filled hosting duties this year and Presenters included Don McKellar, Traci Melchor, Rick Mercer and more.
It was our first time ever attending the TFCA Awards, courtesy of our friends at Hollywood Suite and GAB Communications, and we are so honoured to celebrated with our peers and idols.
See some Snaps:
Alfonso Cuarón
Jennifer Baichwal and Nicholas de Pencier
Tantoo Cardinal
Darlene Naponse
Rick Mercer
Don McKellar
Cameron Bailey
Molly McGlynn
Genevieve Citron
Traci Melchor
Richard Crouse
George Pimentel
Some faces of the TFCA including President Peter Howell and Vice President/Secretary Johanna Schneller
Our hardworking friends in the Film industry get a night out!
Our friends at GAB Communications and Hollywood Suite:
All photos taken on the NIKON D3400.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
eOne Films x Mr. Will want to take Readers to an Advance Screening of Luc Besson’s VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS! 3D Screenings take place as follows:
Toronto
Wed July 19
Yonge & Dundas
7:00 PM
Vancouver
Wed July 19
Scotiabank Vancouver
7:00 PM
Winnipeg
Wed July 19
Scotiabank Winnipeg
7:30 PM
Edmonton
Wed July 19
Scotiabank Edmonton
7:00 PM
Calgary
Wed July 19
Chinook
7:00 PM
Ottawa
Wed July 19
Scotiabank Ottawa
7:30 PM
Halifax
Wed July 19
Scotiabank Halifax
7:00 PM
Victoria
Wed July 19
Silvercity Victoria
7:00 PM
Synopsis:
VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS is the visually spectacular new adventure film from Luc Besson, the legendary director of The Professional, The Fifth Element and Lucy, based on the ground-breaking comic book series which inspired a generation of artists, writers and filmmakers. In the 28th century, Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne) are a team of special operatives charged with maintaining order throughout the human territories. Under assignment from the Minister of Defense, the two embark on a mission to the astonishing city of Alpha-an ever-expanding metropolis where species from all over the universe have converged over centuries to share knowledge, intelligence and cultures with each other. There is a mystery at the center of Alpha, a dark force which threatens the peaceful existence of the City of a Thousand Planets, and Valerian and Laureline must race to identify the marauding menace and safeguard not just Alpha, but the future of the universe.
Cast: Cara Delevingne, Dane Dehaan, Clive Owen, Rihanna, Ethan Hawke, John Goodman ,Herbie Hancock, Kris Wu and Rutger Hauer.
See the Trailer:
Artwork:
To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate your City. Re-Tweet this Tweet on Twitter: @mrwillw for an extra chance!
Bon chance.
Stay tuned for our chat with Besson on his exciting new Film soon!
eOne Films release VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS Friday, July 21, 2017.
(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)
After a warm reception at TIFF ’16, MAUDIE now will see a release! Mongrel Media x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win a MAUDIE Prize Pack which includes an official colouring book and also Run-of-Engagement Passes to see it across Canada.
Synopsis:
Academy Award® nominees Sally Hawkins (Happy-Go-Lucky, Blue Jasmine) and Ethan Hawke star in the true story of Maud Lewis, who overcame the physical challenge of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis to become one of Canada’s premier folk artists.
See the Trailer:
Artwork:
To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate your City. “Favourite” this Tweet on Twitter: @mrwillw for an extra chance!
Mongrel Media release MAUDIE Friday, April 14, 2017 – Halifax, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver and Friday, April 21, 2017 – Calgary, Edmonton, Montréal, Victoria, Winnipeg.
(Photo/video credit: Mongrel Media)
The weekend might be over but you wouldn’t know it if you were at TIFF! Day Five perhaps is the grandest one yet with the Festival’s most anticipated title making its debut here after a huge splash in Venice, Damien Chazzelle‘s LA LA LAND starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. The duo are set to walk the Red Carpet tonight at Roy Thomson Hall. Miles Teller (who coincidentally worked with Chazzelle on his first Film, WHIPLASH) also is set to make a case for Best Actor in BLEED FOR THIS, which debuts tonight at Princess of Wales Theatre. Down the road, Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner are set to walk the Carpet for Denis Villeneuve‘s Sci-Fi romp ARRIVAL at Roy Thomson Hall.
See the names we spotted today in the City!
Ryan Gosling, LA LA LAND
#RyanGosling at #TIFF16 for #LaLaLand.
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Emma Stone, LA LA LAND
With the mesmerizing #EmmaStone at #TIFF16 for #LaLaLand.
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
John Legend, LA LA LAND
#JohnLegend at #TIFF16 for #LaLaLand.
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Rosemarie DeWitt, LA LA LAND
#RosemarieDeWitt at #TIFF16 for #LaLaLand.
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Director Damien Chazzelle, LA LA LAND
J.K. Simmons, LA LA LAND
Amy Adams, NOCTURNAL ANIMALS + ARRIVAL
Aaron Taylor-Johnson, NOCTURNAL ANIMALS
Because I needed another. #AaronTaylorJohnson #TIFF16 #NocturnalAnimals
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Oscar Isaac, THE PROMISE
Richard Gere, NORMAN: THE MODERATE RISE AND TRAGIC FALL OF A NEW YORK FIXER
Mark Wahlberg, DEEPWATER HORIZON
Marky Mark. He was spotted at #Wahlburgers today! #TIFF16 #DeepwaterHorizon
A video posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Marky Mark. #TIFF16 #MarkWahlberg #DeepwaterHorizon #Wahlburgers 🍔
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Ethan Hawke, THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN + MAUDIE
#EthanHawke at #TIFF16 for #TheMagnificentSeven + #Maudie.
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Aaron Eckhart, BLEED FOR THIS
Miles Teller, BLEED FOR THIS
#MilesTeller at #TIFF16 for #BleedforThis.
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Dave Matthews out enjoying TIFF
Lennox Lewis out enjoying TIFF
Boxing icon #LennoxLewis at #TIFF16.
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Elevation Pictures + Mr. Will want to take you to see Toronto-filmed Thriller, REGRESSION starring Ethan Hawke and Emma Watson! Screenings take place on Wednesday, April 13, 2016 in Toronto at Cineplex Yonge & Dundas.
Synopsis:
Minnesota, 1990. Detective Bruce Kenner (Ethan Hawke) investigates the case of young Angela (Emma Watson), who accuses her father, John Gray (David Dencik), of an unspeakable crime. When John unexpectedly and without recollection admits guilt, renowned psychologist Dr. Raines (David Thewlis) is brought in to help him relive his memories and what they discover unmasks a horrifying nationwide mystery.
See the Trailer:
Artwork:
To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Click “share” from there for an extra chance!
G’luck.
Elevation Pictures release REGRESSION on Friday, April 15, 2016 in Toronto, Vancouver, Halifax, Winnipeg + Montreal and Friday, April 22, 2016 in Saskatoon. Rated 14A.
(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)
Chet Baker for many of this generation might not ring a bell, but Robert Budreau-directed Biopic Born to be Blue soon will have something to say about that. Filmed in Sudbury, the Drama starring Ethan Hawke showcases the actor at his best, for the first time showcasing his own musical abilities.
Set just as Baker is about to embark on an against-the-odds-comeback and told partly through a series of flashbacks, we learn about the iconic trumpeter/singer’s rise and fall as a result of his heroin dependency. Just as a Film is about to put into production about his life story, he meets stunning Carmen Ejogo, cast in the role of his ex-wife. We witness the challenges Baker faces, hitting rock bottom – always one misstep from landing back in prison – and the series of events leading to his eventual comeback including the passionate romance between him and x. We also get a glimpse at the strained relationship between Baker and his father, a failed musician.
Born to be Blue despite being a story of overcoming the odds never masks the fact that the true demon is Baker‘s addiction and despite being inspirational, tonally we never forget the deep sadness he lives through which helped birth his acclaimed music. Powerful performances by Hawke and Ejogo topline the Film which could well have enough legs to propel itself into awards season for a mention.
eOne Films release Born to be Blue, which screens at TIFF ’15:
Sun Sep 13 2:00 PM
WINTER GARDEN THEATRE
Mon Sep 14 9:00 AM
THE BLOOR HOT DOCS CINEMA
Remstar Films + Mr. Will want to take Readers in Toronto and Vancouver to see TIFF ’14 Selection, GOOD KILL starring Ethan Hawke, Zoe Kravitz, January Jones and Jake Abel. The Film screens on Thursday, May 14, 2015 in both Cities.
Official Synopsis:
Major Thomas Egan is a U.S. Air Force pilot who started flying drones when plane pilots became less needed. The movie action starts when Egan is already disillusioned with his drone flying activity, due to the lack of flight-related thrills and to the limited ability to control collateral damage during airstrikes. He further starts to question the ethics of his occupation when running missions for the CIA involving double tap, the indiscriminate killing of groups of people in Yemen, a country not at war with the USA, etc.
Watch the Trailer:
To enter to win, simply click like on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook. You may click “share” from there for an extra chance!
Remstar Films release GOOD KILL on Friday, May 15, 2015.
Mr. Will + Ethan Hawke
Mr. Will + Jake Abel
#JakeAbel at #TIFF14 for #THEGOODKILL. #NikonD3300
A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
(Photo/video credit: Remstar Films)
Since hearing about BORN TO BE BLUE being filmed here in Ontario, our eyes have been peeled for updates. We love Musician Biopics and this one looks every bit as gritty as it sounds. Today we get our first glimpse via a just-released Still of Ethan Hawke as Chet Baker. Knowing Hawke, he always goes deeps and delivers. We have high hopes! Look above for the Still!
Official Synopsis:
Born to Be Blue, directed by Robert Budreau, is a powerful re-imagining of jazz legend Chet Baker‘s fall and rebirth in the 60’s. When Chet stars in a film about himself, a romance quickly heats up with his beautiful and enigmatic African American co-star, Jane (Carmen Ejogo). Production is shelved when Chet is jumped in an alleyway and suffers a beating that means he may never play music again, but Jane challenges Chet to mount a musical comeback against all the odds.
No word yet, but this says TIFF ’15 allover it!
(Photo credit: eOne Films)
Mongrel Media and Mr. Will want you to bring home the wonder behind history-making Oscar Contender BOYHOOD, recently selected Best Picture of 2014 by the Toronto Film Critics Association!
Official Synopsis:
Filmed over 12 years with the same cast, Richard Linklater`s BOYHOOD is a groundbreaking story of growing up as seen through the eyes of a child named Mason (a breakthrough performance by Ellar Coltrane), who literally grows up on screen before our eyes. Starring Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette as Mason`s parents and newcomer Lorelei Linklater as his sister Samantha, BOYHOOD charts the rocky terrain of childhood like no other film has before. Snapshots of adolescence from road trips and family dinners to birthdays and graduations and all the moments in between become transcendent, set to a soundtrack spanning the years from Coldplay`s Yellow to Arcade Fire`s Deep Blue. BOYHOOD is both a nostalgic time capsule of the recent past and an ode to growing up and parenting. It`s impossible to watch Mason and his family without thinking about our own journey.
BOYHOOD also stars Ethan Hawke, Patricia Arquette and Lorelei Linklater.
Watch the Trailer:
To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook. Share by clicking “like” from there for an extra chance! Canadian Readers only, please.
Mr. Will + The Stars of BOYHOOD:
Mongrel Media release BOYHOOD, now in stores on DVD, Blu-ray Combo Pack, Digital and On-Demand. Future Shop also as a Limited Edition Steelbook version of this also while quantities last!
(Photo/video credit: Mongrel Media)
We’re officially at the halfway point of TIFF ’14 and we’re still kickin’ it with tons of Stars to snap around the City!
Our day began bright and early with an appearance on 99.9 VIRGIN RADIO where we chat about Channing Tatum and spotting Stars at TIFF!
Full Audio below:
Tonight’s marquee Gala was David Cronenberg‘s Cannes-acclaimed Film, MAPS TO THE STARS. Fans queued bright and early outside TIFF Bell Lightbox for a chance to see one of the Film’s Stars, Robert Pattinson of The Twilight Saga. Filmed in Toronto last Summer, the odd Story centers on a washed-up Actress (Julianne Moore) looking for a Career resurgence. See the Stars below, some of which headed over to the NKPR IT Lounge (enter to win a Prize Pack here!) afterward for some Photos with Caitlin Cronenberg‘s – Daughter of David – in her W Magazine Portrait Lounge.
Julianne Moore
Newcomer Evan Bird
Sarah Gadon
Olivia Williams
John Cusack
Robert Pattinson
THE IMITATION GAME
While walking on-foot, I also stumbled upon the Cast of The Imitation Game starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Matthew Goode and Keira Knightley. The Film, getting tons of Oscar buzz, re-tells Mathematician Alan Turing‘s struggles in the WWII Era.
Benedict Cumberbatch
LEARNING TO DRIVE
Sir Ben Kingsley who was just in Toronto earlier this year filming LIFE, was spotted downtown today doing Press for his latest effort, Learning to Drive.
ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST
Academy Award Winner Benicio Del Toro may be a genius Actor but had a bit of struggle understanding the concept of a Selfie! We spotted him arriving tonight, as he gets ready to premiere his latest Film, Escobar: Paradise Lost.
GOOD KILL
If anyone’s show longevity in Hollywood, it’s Academy Award Winner Ethan Hawke. Work has brought the Star to Toronto on multiple occasions in recent years and his latest, Good Kill premiered tonight at Ryerson Theatre. The Actor was partying at the Storys Building afterward.
All Photographs taken on the NIKON D3300 and communicated via the Samsung Galaxy S5.
Don’t forget to be following:
Twitter: @mrwillw
Instagram: @mrwillwong
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
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