george stroumboulopoulos
#SPOTTED: DIGNITAS INTERNATIONAL TORONTO CHARITY SCREENING OF “SPECTRE”
Dignitas International is a medical and research organization which aims to transform patient health and health care systems for those most vulnerable. Their amazing contributions include the Tisungane HIV/AIDS Clinic located at Zomba Central Hospital, where more than 20k patients – adult and children alike – have been placed on life-saving antiretroviral therapy. In Malawi, where 60-70% of Tuberculosis cases are from those already infected with HIV. Their Teen Club aims at providing youth-centric, stigma-free health care for teens in Malawi who are living with HIV. Each month 1,300 teens with HIV receive specialized treatment via this club.
Everything starts with good health.
A special charity screening of already-record-setting new installment of the 007 series, Spectre, was held tonight at Scotiabank Theatre with proceeds going to Dignitas International‘s research and programs. An afterparty was held later this evening at Drake One Fifty.
Hosted by George Stroumboulopoulos, the fundraiser was attended by several notables including Nobel Prize winner and Dignitas Co-Founder James Orbinski, Dignitas President Heather Johnston, Singer/Songwriter Feist, Actress Natalie Brown, Actor David Sutcliffe, Actor Anthony Lemke, Actor Paul Amos, Actor Zaib Shaikh and several more.
We had the pleasure of attending and sitting beside Feist and her mother Lyn, seeing her guitar, which was used to record Grammy-nominated The Reminder, raise $4.5k. Other big-ticket items being auctioned-off included Tiffany & Co. jewelry, getaways including wine tastings and more.
See our Snap:
To learn more about Dignitas International and how you an help, click here.
A full review of Spectre to come shortly…
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#INTERVIEW: “ORPHAN BLACK”, “GABRIELLE”, “ENEMY”, “CALL ME FITZ” CELEBRATED AT 2014 CANADIAN SCREEN AWARDS
David Cronenberg. Orphan Black. Gabrielle. Enemy. Call Me Fitz. These five names might not strike a connection other than that they are distinctly Canadian, but they were fêted tonight as big Winners at the 2014 Canadian Screen Awards. The week-long Celebrations known as Canadian Screen Week culminated in a star-studded Red Carpet Bash at Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, seeing several of our Country’s Heroes and Heroines of the Screen convening proudly in the name of our artistic accomplishments.
Over the course of the week, Toronto-filmed Sci-Fi Series Orphan Black amassed a whopping ten wins including TV Drama tonight. Its Star Tatiana Maslany certainly has shined a light on Canadian Talent over the past year, garnering a Critics’ Choice Award south of the Border last June for her performance(s) as several identical Women revealed to be Clones. The 28-year-old Regina-born Actress won for Actress, TV Drama, which is seen on BBC America and the Space Channel in Canada. A Belle of the Ball, indeed.
Making a splash in the TV categories was Call Me Fitz, winning for TV Comedy. Starring former Beverly Hills, 90210 Hunk Jason Priestley and Tracy Dawson, both won Actor and Actress, TV Comedy respectively. Priestley also directed Maslany in the Feature Film Cas & Dylan, for which she received also a nomination for Actress, Motion Picture.
Warming hearts this evening was Gabrielle Marion-Rivard, who lit-up the Press Room with her big smile, tightly clasping onto her Trophy. The first-time Actress stars in Gabrielle, which won her coveted Actress, Motion Picture. The Coming-of-Age Tale centering on a musically-gifted Teen suffering from Williams Syndrome (a condition with which Marion-Rivard actually has been diagnosed), went-on to win in the category of Motion Picture for eOne Films. The Canadian Distributor also saw more accolades with its new release Enemy, filmed in Toronto and directed by Denis Villeneuve, going-on to win for Director, Motion Picture and Supporting Actress, Motion Picture with Sarah Gadon.
Iconic Filmmaker David Cronenberg was honoured this Evening with the Lifetime Achievement Award and to ring-in the occasion were long-time Collaborator Viggo Mortensen and Maria Bello. Although both Actors were careful not to take away his spotlight, Mortensen did say in the Press Room introducing Cronenberg rather succinctly, “I don’t think he’s gotten the universal recognition he deserves”, proudly flaunting some Montreal Canadiens Merchandise. The ground-breaking Director indicated his focuses right now are his debut Novel, Consumed, which potentially will be made into a Film, and also his next release Maps to the Stars, which has its sights set on the Cannes Film Festival this Spring.
Curious to see what Executive Producer of Maps to the Stars, Martin Katz has to say about the eagerly-awaited Film starring Robert Pattinson, Mia Wasikowska, John Cusack and Julianne Moore? Interested to see where Anna Silk and Fan’s Choice Screen Star – Zoie Palmer – might be headed next on Lost Girl? Will Mr. D Star Gerry Dee be returning to Woodbine Racetrack to call a few more races? What does Mia Kirshner say about the second Season of Defiance? What were George Stroumboulopoulos‘ 2014 Canadian Screen Award Predictions?
Watch this Video of Mr. Will‘s Red Carpet Chats with all the above here:
Above all the celebrations, we had a blast admiring up-close the Red Carpet Fashions whether it be Pretty Little Liars Star Shay Mitchell in a daring plunging neckline, Jessica Paré stunning in Stella McCartney, Maria Bello beautiful in Nicholas Oakwell or Katheryn Winnick ravishing in red by Romona Keveza. Even Dina Pugliese of CITY‘s Breakfast Television was a Goddess in Jovani! Swoon.
For a complete list of Winners, click here.
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#SPOTTED: CHRIS HADFIELD IN TORONTO FOR “AN ASTRONAUT’S GUIDE TO LIFE ON EARTH”
A National Hero, an Internet Phenomenon and now an Author. Commander Chris Hadfield has been in Toronto this past week promoting his first Book, An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth, which details his experiences as an Astronaut and Commander of the International Space Station. Hadfield captivated the World with mind-blowing Photos shared via Social Media from his Expeditions, including his final one in which he aided scientific experiments dealing with the low impact of gravity on Human Biology. A slick, self-made Music Video for his Cover of David Bowie’s Space Oddity recorded in Space to date has garnered over 18-million views worldwide on YouTube.
As an Homage to Bowie, who has been front-and-center of late in Toronto with his popular Art Gallery of Ontario Exhibit taking place right now, Maclean’s features Hadfield on the Cover of their October issue made-up as Bowie in his Aladdin Sane Era. Earlier in the week, he also did Interviews out of the Venue to be fully thematic.
See the Cover below:
Fans got a chance to connect with Hadfield last night as he met in-excess of 600 Fans at Indigo- Manulife Centre, signing Copies of his Book, while earlier in the day he head to the West-End for an appearance at Kobo‘s Headquarters. Generous in allotting the Media face time, he went on a blitz which included appearances on Global Television‘s The Morning Show (National Edition), 104.5 CHUM-FM’s Roger, Darren and Marilyn, KISS 92.5’s Roz & Mocha Show, City’s Breakfast Television, eTalk, CBC‘s Q Radio and George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight. Although he’s scheduled to visit New York for a quick minute Thursday, he’ll be back in Toronto again this weekend to face Fans again at an Event hosted by Maclean’s at the MaRS Discovery District this Sunday at 1:00 PM. Details here.
As he jogged across Bloor Street following a TV appearance yesterday into a silver Mercedes Benz, he apologized profusely as he didn’t have a moment for a Photo. This morning though, I spotted Hadfield and his Assistant grabbing a Coffee at Starbucks as they head-off for another day of Press. Recognizing me right away, he came out of his car and shook my hand, taking a minute kindly for a Snap. “Are we gonna be able to manage a Selfie?” and after a failed attempt, he was more than patient to Review the Photo with me. “That one will do!”, he gestured at the winning Pic on my LED Screen.
See our Snap:
Order a Copy of on Hadfield‘s Book here!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Chris Hadfield)
#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: VICKI LAWRENCE IN TORONTO FOR SHOW AT RICHMOND HILL CENTRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Growing-up, the sassy Mama’s Family was a Television Staple for me and without the extraordinary wit and comedic talents of Vicki Lawrence, the Series never would have been. Lawrence, whose talents exceed Comedy but also in Music and Writing, is currently in Toronto for her Vicki Lawrence and Mama: A Two Woman Show, taking place tomorrow night at Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts.
A still v. youthful-looking Lawrence was out-and-about promoting the Show today in Toronto, including an appearance on CBC’s George Stroumboulopoulous Tonight, which will be airing this Friday night. Incredibly-gracious as one would expect, she generously spent time signing Photos and taking Photos with her most loyal Fans leaving the Venue, in this rare visit to the City.
Click here for more information and Tickets to Lawrence‘s One-Woman Show.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
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