Review by George Kozera for Mr. Will Wong

Based on a true story, FREEHELD tells the story of New Jersey police officer Laurel Hester’s legal battles to ensure that her pension is left to her registered domestic partner, Stacie Andree, when she is diagnosed with stage four terminal cancer. Before meeting Stacie (Ellen Page in her best screen performance since Juno), Laurel (the always astonishing Julianne Moore) is a tough-as-nails cop busting drug dealers, all the while hiding the fact that she is a lesbian from everyone, including her work partner Dane Wells (Michael Shannon, powerfully impassioned). We watch the two women meet, fall passionately in love, buy a home together and legally register as a domestic partnership. When the request to have Laurel’s pension benefits transferred to Stacie is denied by conservative elected government officials, in comes Steven Goldstein, a self-proclaimed “big loud gay Jew” to fight for their cause. As played by Steve Carell, gay activism has never been more refreshingly and humorously portrayed in the movies. There should be another Academy Award nomination for him for this role.

Gay activism is only one of many topics screenwriter Ron Nyswaner (Philadelphia) eloquently touches, yet never in a preachy, heavy handed way. Homophobia in the police force and government offices. The advent of gay marriage. Living life in a closet. Religious beliefs. Not only does Director Peter Sollett (Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist) draw exceptional work from the four leads (I will go on record saying Julianne Moore surpasses her brilliant job in last year’s Still Alice and could be the first woman since Katharine Hepburn to win back-to-back Oscars), he elicits memorable moments from actors that are in the movie for a handful of scenes. Luke Grimes (50 Shades of Grey) shines as a cop-in-the-closet and Josh Charles (TV’s The Good Wife) subtly portrays the anguish he feels as the government official uncomfortable with the pension denying decision.

FREEHELD is moviemaking at its finest. It had me laughing uproariously, angry about political injustices and hypocrisies and teary-eyed at the adversities decent people have to face due to ignorance.

eOne Films release FREEHELD, which screens at TIFF ’15:

Sun  Sep 13 9:30 PM

ROY THOMSON HALL    

Mon  Sep 14 12:00 PM

RYERSON THEATRE

 We’re officially kicking into high gear at TIFF ’15 and it was a majorly star-studded day in the City with a couple marquee premieres taking place tonight, Our Brand is Crisis and The Martian!

See who we spotted today! Exciting!

Julianne Moore was at TIFF Bell Lightbox bright and early for an In-Conversation-With and she is gearing-up to promote the superb fact-based drama Freeheld which has her in-contention for Awards Season once again. We spotted her co-star Ellen Page last night!

With Queen #JulianneMoore. At #TIFF15 for #FreeheldMovie. #TIFF #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 11, 2015 at 9:49am PDT

We love our Canadian talent and Callum Keith Rennie, here for Sudbury-filmed Chet Baker Biopic Born to be Blue, was spotted outside the NKPR IT Gift Lounge!

With #CallumKeithRennie, at #TIFF15 for #BorntobeBlue. #TIFF #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 11, 2015 at 9:50am PDT

Jessica Chastain is just the nicest. Fans never leave wanting more after she’s spent some time with them. Here she was at the Press Conference for The Martian.

#JessicaChastain at #TIFF15 for #TheMartian. Everybody leaves satisfied with Jessica. #TIFF #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 11, 2015 at 12:47pm PDT

Matt Damon is a highlight this year for us and we’re super-excited to see him in The Martian.

 

#MattDamon at #TIFF15 for #TheMartian. #TIFF #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival

 

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 11, 2015 at 10:55am PDT

Community star and rapper Childish Gambino aka Donald Glover at TIFF for The Martian.

#DonaldGlover at #TIFF15 for #TheMartian. #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival #TIFF # #ChildishGambino #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 11, 2015 at 10:53am PDT

Matt Damon + Mr. Will. Finally!

 

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

Sebastian Stan drew a lot of fandemonium today and rightfully so. He’s delightful. Excited to see him in The Martian.

#SebastianStan at Press Conference for #TheMartian. #TIFF15 #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 11, 2015 at 10:52am PDT

George Clooney produces Our Brand is Crisis and showed-up unannounced at its Premiere at Princess of Wales Theatre.

 

#GeorgeClooney surprises at the #OURBRANDISCRISIS Premiere, #TIFF15. #TIFF #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival

 

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 11, 2015 at 4:06pm PDT

Sandra Bullock stunned in a daring black number at the Our Brand is Crisis Premiere. How do you feel about her dramatic eyes?

#SandraBullock stunning at the #OURBRANDISCRISIS Premiere, #TIFF15. #TIFF #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 11, 2015 at 4:06pm PDT

George + Sandra.

 

#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

Canadian Screen Week capped-off in a huge way tonight with the third annual Canadian Screen Awards taking place at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts.  The Ceremony honouring the finest in Canadian Film and Television, is meant to recognize and celebrate the Hotbed of talent in our Country and also, on an international scale.

Hosted by SCTV Alumni Andrea Martin, the laughter kept coming with her referencing everything from the fresh Internet debate of the White vs. Blue Dress, to a hilarious introduction which saw her falling out of her SUV, full of censored pixilation, which later would be turned into a YouTube Video complete with Autotune.  She revealed before the Press Room that her jokes tonight with a result of a collaboration between friends Steve Martin, Martin Short and a couple Writers from Late Show with David Letterman.

128 Screen Awards were handed-out this week, with 45 being handed tonight during the live Broadcast, airing first in the Atlantic region.  Among the top Winners tonight was ORPHAN BLACK, which for a second consecutive year won Best Dramatic Series, along with its Star Tatiana Maslany nabbing again Best Performance by an Actress in a Continuing Leading Dramatic Role. Maslany arrived dressed in Canadian Designers Greta Constantine, with her Boyfriend, Downton Abbey Star, Tom Cullen.

French-language Drama MOMMY – fresh off a César Award in France – from Quebec Filmmaker/Actor Xavier Dolan would go on to win major accolades tonight including Best Motion Picture, Achievement in Cinematography, Achievement in Direction, Achievement in Editing, Achievement in Make-Up, Original Screenplay, Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Antoine Olivier Pilon), Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role (Anne Dorval) and Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role (Suzanne Clément).

POMPEII also would go-on to score big, winning Achievement in Art Direction, Achievement in Direction, Achievement in Costume Design, Achievement in Visual Effects, Achievement in Sound Editing and Achievement in Visual Effects.  It earlier was awarded the Cineplex Golden Reel Award as top-grossing Canadian Film.  Mega-Producer Don Carmody accepted the Award tonight, while one of its Stars, Kiefer Sutherland walked the Red Carpet, making a return to his Hometown.

Several would dazzle the Red Carpet tonight including recent Oscar Winner Julianne Moore, smart in a Pantsuit, graciously accepting a warm round of applause as she came to present.  The Actress was nominated for her work in David Cronenberg‘s acclaimed MAPS TO THE STARS, which eventually saw her Co-Star John Cusack go-on to win for Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role.  Others who dazzled included  Meaghan Rath of BEING HUMAN, Sarah Gadon of MAPS TO THE STARS, Julia Voth of PACKAGE DEAL, Patrick J. Adams of SUITS, a pregnant A.J. Cook of CRIMINAL MINDS and a tearful Missy Peregrym who commended ROOKIE BLUE Fans for being “fierce”; the latter Series won Golden Screen Award for Best Dramatic Television Series.

For a complete list of Winners, click here.

See our Snaps from tonight’s Red Carpet Festivities!

Andrea Martin

 

And last photo… the incomparable #AndreaMartin, who slayed it hosting #CDNSCREEN15. Her jokes tonight were a collabo between #MartinShort, #SteveMartin and a couple writers from #DavidLetterman! #NikonD3300

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Mar 1, 2015 at 6:58pm PST

2015 Canadian Screen Award Presenters

 

Class Photo! #CDNSCREEN15 Presenters! #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Mar 1, 2015 at 6:55pm PST

Tom Cullen + Tatiana Maslany

We’re really curious what #DowntonAbbey Star #TomCullen is whispering into #TatianaMaslany’s ear. #CDNSCREEN15 #OrphanBlack

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Mar 1, 2015 at 9:09pm PST

The Team behind ORPHAN BLACK

Congrats to the Team behind #OrphanBlack winning Best Drama Series! #CDNSCREEN15 #TatianaMaslany #NikonD3300   A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Mar 1, 2015 at 6:54pm PST

Xavier Dolan + Nancy Grant of MOMMY

Congrats to #XavierDolan and #NancyGrant who win Best Picture at #CDNSCREEN15 for #MOMMY. #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Mar 1, 2015 at 6:54pm PST

Tatiana Maslany winning for ORPHAN BLACK

#TatianaMaslany wins Best Actress in a Drama Series for #OrphanBlack a second year! #CDNSCREEN15 #NikonD3300   A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Mar 1, 2015 at 5:35pm PST

Jared Keeso wins for 19-2

#JAREDKEESO wins Best Actor in a Dramatic TV Series for #192. From Listowel, ON to the #CDNSCREEN15 Awards! #NineteenTwo #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Mar 1, 2015 at 5:25pm PST

Anne Dorval wins for MOMMY

#ANNEDORVAL wins Best Actress in a Motion Picture, #MOMMY. #CDNSCREEN15 #spoileralert #NikonD3300   A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Mar 1, 2015 at 5:09pm PST

Missy Peregrym accepts for ROOKIE BLUE

“Our fans are fierce”, says a teary #MissyPeregrym, accepting Best Dramatic Series at #CDNSCREEN15. #spoileralert #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Mar 1, 2015 at 4:51pm PST

Vinay Virmani + Manpreet Ral winning Best Original Song for DR. CABBIE

Our buddy @VinayVirmani + Manjeet Ral winning Best Original Song at #CDNSCREEN15 for #DrCabbie.

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Mar 1, 2015 at 9:32pm PST

Don McKellar winning for SENSITIVE SKIN

#DonMcKellar hamming it up after his Best Actor in a TV Series Comedy at #CDNSCREEN15, for #SensitiveSkin. A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Mar 1, 2015 at 9:33pm PST

A.J. Cook

#CriminalMinds Star #AJCook at #CDNSCREEN15! Do you believe she’s pregnant? #NikonD3300   A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Mar 1, 2015 at 3:36pm PST

Kevin Durand

#KevinDurand, star of #Vikings and #TheStrain at #CDNSCREEN15. #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Mar 1, 2015 at 3:32pm PST

Meaghan Rath

#MeaghanRath of #BeingHuman at #CDNSCREEN15. #NikonD3300   A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Mar 1, 2015 at 3:32pm PST

Megan Follows

#MeganFollows (#AnneofGreenGables) at #CDNSCREEN15 for #Reign. #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Mar 1, 2015 at 3:32pm PST

Bruce Greenwood + Susan Devlin

#BruceGreenwood of #ElephantSong, at #CDNSCREEN15 with his lovely Mrs. #NikonD3300   A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Mar 1, 2015 at 3:31pm PST

Ken Taylor (on whom Oscar-winning Best Picture ARGO was based) + Co-Producer Elena Semikina

The real #KenTaylor on whom which #ARGO is based upon + #OurManinTehran Co-Producer #ElenaSemikina. #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Mar 1, 2015 at 3:32pm PST

Patrick J. Adams

Star of #SUITS, #PatrickJAdams at #CDNSCREEN15. #NikonD3300   A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Mar 1, 2015 at 3:31pm PST

Sarah Gadon

IMHO, best-dressed, #SarahGadon at #CDNSCREEN15. #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Mar 1, 2015 at 3:31pm PST

Diego Klattenhoff

#DiegoKlattenhoff of #PacificRim and #TheBlacklist at #CDNSCREEN15. #NikonD3300

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Mar 1, 2015 at 3:31pm PST

Kiefer Sutherland

#KieferSutherland at #CDNSCREEN15 for #Pompeii. #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Mar 1, 2015 at 3:31pm PST

Atom Egoyan

#AtomEgoyan at #CDNSCREEN15 for #TheCaptive. #NikonD3300   A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Mar 1, 2015 at 3:31pm PST

Julia Voth

Stunning #JuliaVoth, nominated for #PackageDeal. #CDNSCREEN15 #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Mar 1, 2015 at 3:31pm PST

Dan Levy, Annie Murphy + Eugene Levy of SCHITT’S CREEK

#DanLevy, #AnnieMurphy + #EugeneLevy of #SchittsCreek at #CDNSCREEN15! #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Mar 1, 2015 at 3:31pm PST

The Cast of TU DORS NICOLE

The Cast of Best Picture Nominee #TuDorsNicole at #CDNSCREEN15: #MarcAndreGrondin, #CatherineStLaurent, #JulianneCote and more. #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Mar 1, 2015 at 3:46pm PST

The Director + Cast of MOMMY:

The Cast of #MOMMY, Best Picture Nominee at #CDNSCREEN15 including: #XavierDolan, #AnneDorval, #AntoineOlivierPilon + #SuzanneClement. #NikonD3300   A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Mar 1, 2015 at 3:31pm PST

Missy Peregrym + Gregory Smith

 

#ROOKIEBLUE’s #MissyPeregrym + #GregorySmith at #CDNSCREEN15. #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Mar 1, 2015 at 3:31pm PST

Enrico Colantoni

Adorable #EnricoColantoni of #Remedy at #CDNSCREEN15. #NikonD3300   A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Mar 1, 2015 at 3:31pm PST

Michael Murphy

#MichaelMurphy, nominated for #FALL at #CDNSCREEN15. #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Mar 1, 2015 at 3:31pm PST

Julianne Moore

#JulianneMoore smart in a suit at #CDNSCREEN15! Will she win Best Actress for #MapstotheStars? #NikonD3300   A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Mar 1, 2015 at 3:31pm PST

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Although it was a competitive year, there would be no stopping Alejandro González Iñárritu‘s BIRDMAN from winning coveted BEST PICTURE at the 87th Academy Awards tonight!  This latest victory caps-off a Campaign for the Dramedy beginning with a release last October.  Since then, among others, it has nabbed several important Best Picture Awards including yesterday’s Independent Spirit Awards, the Golden Globe Awards and several more. Mexican Filmmaker Iñárritu was awarded Best Director for BIRDMAN, his second nomination after getting a nod for 2007’s Babel.

Winning Best Actor, first-time Nominee at the age of 33 was English Star Eddie Redmayne, recognized for his phenomenal work as Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything.  He took a moment to dedicate his win to ALS awareness.

After four previous nominations, a tearful Julianne Moore at long last gets a Best Actress trophy for her turn in STILL ALICE, in which she plays a Professor suffering from early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease. The Actress stunned in a unique Chanel number, never before seen on a runway. She thanked her Family and took a moment to direct attention to finding a cure for Alzheimers, and also Richard Glatzer, Director/Writer of Still Alice, whom is suffering from ALS.

As expected, J.K. Simmons as expected took Best Supporting Actor for a stirring performance as a psychotic Conductor in WHIPLASH.  Patricia Arquette likewise would go on to take Best Supporting Actress for her performance in BOYHOOD, getting cheers from the likes of Meryl Streep and Jennifer Lopez after making a call to the Industry for equal rights and equal pay for Women.

See it again here:

Why Meryl Streep and J.Lo. freaked out over Patricia Arquette’s Oscar speech. http://t.co/v9IxK6xt8r pic.twitter.com/QbmGr1LSeY

— VANITY FAIR (@VanityFair) February 23, 2015

Stars shined bright on the rainy Red Carpet tonight and turning many heads were Rising Star Margot Robbie in Van Cleef and Arpels in a sheer long-sleeve black gown with a deep plunging ‘V’. Seen widely prior as an Oscar Contender for her fantastic performance in CAKE, Jennifer Aniston donned her signature hair, stunning in a shiny Versace number, fitting her perfect. Reese Witherspoon seen for the first time in Tom Ford this Awards Season, looked stunning with an off-the-shoulder dress just days after being spotted at the Designer’s Show.  As for the Gentlemen, Performer Adam Levine and Presenter Josh Hutcherson displayed bespoke tailoring and impeccable grooming, both in Armani!

Star of Stage and Screen Neil Patrick Harris, hosted delivering the laughs with a spirited opening number where he was joined by Anna Kendrick and Jack Black, referring to Motion Pictures as “moving pictures”.  He even stripped down to his skivvies for the sake of entertainment!

See his Intro here:

Megastar Lady Gaga warmed the heart of Julie Andrews with a flawless Medley Tribute to the Sound of Music, easily one of the evening’s biggest Highlights!

And for a Canadian connection, Craig Mann, whom I am proud to say I went to High School with at St. Mary Catholic Secondary School in Pickering – we both took Musical Keyboarding – won Best Sound Mixing for WHIPLASH!

For a complete list of Winners, click here.

(Photo/video credit: Getty Images)

The 87th annual Academy Awards Luncheon was held earlier today at the Beverly Hilton and in keeping with annual tradition, this year’s Nominees, along with Ceremony  Host Neil Patrick Harris, grouped together for a Class Photo.  Among the Nominees in attendance were the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Clint Eastwood, Emma Stone, Rosamund Pike, Julianne Moore, Reese Witherspoon, Eddie Redmayne, Bradley Cooper and several more.

See the Class of 2015 (photo via Rebecca Keegan):

Oprah, Clint and 150 or so fellow Oscar nominees at today’s luncheon

A photo posted by Rebecca Keegan (@that_rebecca) on Feb 2, 2015 at 2:40pm PST

We adore this Photo of this year’s Lead Actress Nominees getting friendly:

Voting for The Academy still is underway with the fate of this year’s Nominees to be unveiled live on ABC Sunday, February 22, 2015 at 7:00 PM EST!

(Photo: Oscars.org/Rebecca Keegan)

The 72nd qnnual GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS took place tonight at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles and taking top honours on an evening where multiple Films shared the spotlight, was Boyhood.  The Richard Linklater Movie filmed over 12 years, won for Motion Picture Drama, Best Director and also Best Supporting Actress (Patricia Arquette).

The Grand Budapest Hotel was victorious  for Motion Picture Comedy/Musical and Director/Writer Wes Anderson for the former drew big laughs from the Audience individually thanking members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

After leading the way with seven nominations coming in, BIRDMAN also would perform strongly. Mexican Visionary Alejandro González Iñárritu would accept the Award for Best Screenplay, apologizing humbly repeatedly for his English.  Meanwhile, Michael Keaton would make one of the biggest Comebacks witnessed in Hollywood after a reaching great success in the early ’90s with the Batman Franchise, going-on to win Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical for his performance as troubled Actor Riggan Thomson.

Billy Bob Thorton who won for Best Actor in a TV Mini-Series or Movie for FARGO, and would go on to make the loudest statement tonight accepting this Golden Globe with a simply “Thank You!”, noting that he wanted to stay out of trouble after arriving on-stage stating he didn’t even get a chance to celebrate. Remember that time he opened his mouth here in Toronto and got in major trouble?  Let’s take a walk down Memory Lane here.

Kevin Spacey also was acting naughty, making reference to his Frank Underwood on Netflix‘s House of Cards’ initials during a pre-broadcast Red Carpet Special and while accepting his Golden Globe for Best Actor in a TV Series Drama, he once again dropped an “F Bomb” which fortunately was censored in-time.

Newcomer Gina Rodriguez certainly has stamped her place among Hollywood’s Elite winning Best Actress in a Comedy, TV Series for her work on adapted Telenovela, Jane the Virgin.  The Series airs on The CW in the U.S. and streams in Canada on Shomi.

Don Cheadle and Julianna Margulies were assigned the task of presenting the Cecil B. DeMille Award this year to recently-wed George Clooney. Show-stealing on the Red Carpet with his Wife Amal in Dior, he took a moment to thank his one true love on the Podium.  “I’ve had a pretty good year”, he reflects. “It’s a humbling thing when you find someone to love – even better if you’ve been waiting your whole life – when your life has been 53 years. Amal whatever alchemy it was that brought us together, I couldn’t be more proud to be your Husband.”.

Among tonight’s winning looks on the Red Carpet were an über-glam Jessica Chastain, who won high scores for her low-plunging, lamé Versace Dress – perhaps a taste of the looks to come as she portrays Marilyn Monroe in long-developing Biopic, Blonde.  Jennifer Lopez turned heads in a Zuhair Murad Dress Dress reminiscent of her famous Versace Grammy number with its low plunge also which drew an awkward moment as she was presenting with Jeremy Renner who pointed-out her “golden globes”.  Taylor Schilling, star of Netflix‘s Orange is the New Black also stunned in a red Ralph Lauren Dress – classic and understated.  Amy Adams also was a vision in purple, going-on eventually to win Best Actress in Comedy or Musical for Big Eyes. Julianne Moore despite getting some mixed reaction, wins big points from us for her sparkly Givenchy number, dazzling on-stage as she accepted Best Actress in a Drama for Still Alice.

Hosts Amy Poehler and Tina Fey –  reuniting for a third time and claiming this would be their last – once again were sophisticated and witty, their jokes ranging from side-by-side comparisons between Filmmakers and Actors they’d rather bed to Nominee Emma Stone being compared to a “creepy” Margaret Keane painting.  Even Meryl Streep sent her compliments as she presented the Award for Best Drama.

For a complete list of Winners click here.
To see more Photos from tonight’s Red Carpet, check-out ZIMBIO here.

(Photo credit: Getty Images)

We’ve been waiting what seems like an eternity for SEVENTH SON and now Universal Pictures Canada and Mr. Will want to give Readers in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton a chance to see it first on Wednesday, February 4, 2015!

Official Synopsis:
In a time of enchantments when legends and magic collide, the sole remaining warrior of a mystical order (Oscar® winner Jeff Bridges) travels to find a prophesized hero born with incredible powers, the last Seventh Son (Ben Barnes). Torn from his quiet life as a farmhand, the unlikely young hero embarks on a daring adventure with his battle-hardened mentor to vanquish a dark queen (Julianne Moore) and the army of supernatural assassins she has dispatched against their kingdom.

Watch the Trailer:

Official Artwork:

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook. Tell us your City and tell us which popular Book Series SEVENTH SON is based upon! Click “share” on this Post from there and earn an extra chance or Re-Tweet the below for another shot:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/seventhson @MRWILLW wants us to #win Passes to see #SEVENTHSON! In theatres 2/6!

Good luck, Willionaire$!

Universal Pictures Canada release SEVENTH SON on Friday, February 6, 2015.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)

With just under two weeks before its release, some new Clips from The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1 have just surfaced! In Clip 1, we see a shocked Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) learning that Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) still is alive. In the Clip 2, we meet the Crew which Katniss will be working closely with, headed by Cressida (Natalie Dormer).

Official Synopsis:
The worldwide phenomenon of The Hunger Games continues to set the world on fire with The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1, which finds Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) in District 13 after she literally shatters the games forever. Under the leadership of President Coin (Julianne Moore) and the advice of her trusted friends, Katniss spreads her wings as she fights to save Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) and a nation moved by her courage.

See the Clips below.

“You’re Alive”

“Meet the Crew”

See the Final Trailer for THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY, PART 1:

eOne Films release THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGKAY, PART 1 on Friday, November 21, 2014.

(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)

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)

It absolutely is our favourite time of the year again and announced this morning is the official list of Talent coming to Toronto for TIFF ’14! We look forward to seeing plenty of returning names – some just here last year like the likes of Jennifer Aniston and Kate Winslet – and also plenty of Stars from years past making their way back here once more!

Among the names attending TIFF ’14 this year include:

Jon Stewart, Martin Scorcese, Richard Gere, Andrew Garfield, Viggo Mortensen, Gael Garcia Bernal, James Franco, Jane Fonda, Chloë Moretz, Brit Marling, Laura Dern, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Vanessa Redgrave, Vera Farmiga, Al Pacino, Tina Fey, Haley Joel Osment, Robert Pattinson, Ansel Elgort, Alice Eve, Sam Rockwell, Amanda Seyfried, Michael Shannon, Dax Sheppard, Robert Duvall, Ben Stiller, Robert Downey Jr., Hailee Steinfield, Justin Chatwin, Method Man, Jennifer Connelly, Bobby Cannavale, Kuoth Wiel, Cassie Williams, Danny Webb, Dominic West, Jung Woo-Sung, John Boylan, Sam Worthington, Tye Sheridan, Andrew Scott, Timothy Spall, Alan Rickman, Connie Britton, Reese Witherspoon, Evan Bird, Zhao Wei, Han Ye-Ri, Melissa Benoist, Haley Bennett, Sonja Bennett, John Travolta, Julianne Moore, Isaach De Bankolé, Dan Stevens, Jason Bateman, Corey Stoll, Xavier Dolan, Peter Stormare, Ben Schnetzer, Abigail Spencer, Ellen Barkin, Bill Pullman, Charlotte Aubin, Kate Winslet, Ryan Reynolds, Rene Russo, Roger Waters, Simon Pegg, Rosamund Pike, Loreto Aravena, Tobey Maguire, Aubrey Plaza, Tobey Maguire, Gemma Arterton,  Juliette Binoche, Zhang Yimou, Rosemarie DeWitt, Kristen Wiig, Adam Sandler, Rose Byrne, Channing Tatum, Chris Evans, Jake Gyllenhaal, Dustin Hoffman, Mark Ruffalo, Bill Murray, Daniel Barber, Liam Aiken, Mike Leigh, Olivier Assayas, Richard LaGravenese, Diane Keaton, Kevin Kline, Anna Kendrick, Morgan Freeman, Benicio del Toro, Michael Douglas, Rosario Dawson, Chris Rock, John Cusack, Benedict Cumberbatch, Octavia Spencer, Keira Knightley, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Kevin Costner, Anthony Mackie, Patricia Clarkson, J.K. Simmons, Miles Teller, Priyanka Chopra, Daniel Bruhl, Michael Winterbottom, Justin Chon, Steve Carell, Gong Li, Hayden Christensen, Tory Kittles, Jordana Brewster, Holliday Grainger, Max Irons, Lone Scherfig, Sam Claflin, Douglas Booth, Paul Bettany, Daniel Barnz, Noah Baumbach, Barry Avrich, Jennifer Aniston, Akon, Nick Kroll, Holly Hunter, Catherine Keener, Greta Gerwig, Omar Sy Jennifer Garner, Salma Hayek, Kevin Smith, Eddie Redmayne,  Felicity Jones, Faye Marsay, Bill Nighy, Justin Long, Christopher Plummer, Marton Csokas, David Cronenberg, Sarah Gadon, Tom Schilling, Tom Hardy and more!

TIFF also will be hosting a series of In-Conversations-With as part of their Mavericks Programme. Joining-in are the likes of Reese Witherspoon, Robert Duvall, Denzel Washington, Richard Gere, Juliette Binoche, Jon Stewart, Dan Savage, Julie Taymor and several more!

As is the case always, it’s sometimes not just who’s coming – it’s who they’re bringing.  Don’t be surprised if Jennifer Garner brings Husband Ben Affleck along and be warned if Andrew Garfield brings Emma Stone along!

Who’s on our list of Must-Meets?  Plenty!  We hope finally to get a positive moment with Reese Witherspoon and Kate Winslet!  Excited about Martin Scorcese, J.K. Simmons, Bobby Cannavale, Miles Teller, Corey Stoll, Tobey Maguire, Rose Byrne, Michael Douglas and newer names like Max Irons and Douglas Booth, that’s for sure.  And did we read TINA FEY!?!?  Finally!  AND WHERE IS TOM HARDY?!?!

The list is always subject to surprise and no-shows as we know all too well!

Visit the official TIFF Website for more.

TIFF ’14 runs September 3 – 14, 2014.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)