Fade to Black – The Cadillacs have wrapped their starring role in the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival

We have wrapped! And what an amazing TIFF’09 it has been. We put our best shine on and traveled to 21 Gala film premieres at Roy Thomson Hall and hundreds more at other Toronto theatres. We have met wonderful people from the United States, Europe, India, Asia, The Middle East, and Australia. We got numerous movie stars, TIFF helpers, worried publicists, (and one particular tiffinsider) to their screenings and press engagements on time. We even occasionally got that curious “what stars are you riding with?” look from Toronto bystanders. We have been left with the enchanting scents of beautiful actresses and actors – and even the occasional mess of an entourage. Our GPS was kept busy – often racing from red carpet premieres to trendy Toronto hot-spots. And yes, we even found time for an exotic drink or two (non-alcoholic of course, we were driving after all.) And we’ll be back to do it all over again. Perhaps in a slightly different shape, size, or colour next year. See you on roads in 2010!

Why PRECIOUS: Based on the Novel Push by SAPPHIRE is an important film to see – press conference for Cadillac People’s Choice Award winner in Toronto

The Toronto Film Festival Galas at Roy Thomson Hall was a great place for TIFF celebrity sightings

(festivalinsider.ca) If there was one change that proved popular this TIFF – it was the new red carpet set-up at Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall. In years previous, The red carpet was on one side of the tight Simcoe St. and fans were stuck waiting on the OTHER side of the street. For 2009, the red carpet Cadillac drop-off of TIFF guests was brought into a park on the east side of the theatre, allowing the fans wanting a glimpse of their favorite TIFF stars a much closer look, and an excellent chance for a photo or autograph.

WHIP IT stars MARCIA GAY HARDEN is one very proud mother to EULALA SCHEEL at Toronto Roller Derby exhibition and red carpet

(festivalinsider.ca) There were some proud parents on display during TIFF ’09. Ivan and Jason Reitman were at the Toronto festival to support multiple movies. Michael Moore’s father was beaming on the Capitalism red carpet. And Oscar and Tony award winning actress Marcia Gay Harden and her daughter Eulala Scheel joined her WHIP IT cast at TIFF. Both have roles in the Drew Barrymore directed film.

IVAN and JASON REITMAN had a very busy TIFF 2009 with Up In The Air, Jennifer’s Body, and Chloe all having Toronto premieres

(festivalinsider.ca) There could not have been a more active father-son duo in the filmmaking business then what Ivan and Jason Reitman put on display during the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival. Put simply, the Reitmans owned TIFF’09. Jason Reitman was in Toronto as producer on Jennifer’s Body and director on the already highly acclaimed UP IN THE AIR. After the recent film festival reviews for Up In The Air, many think the George Clooney starring vehicle will be well represented come awards time. During the press conference, Jason was sure to point out a key producer on the film, his father, Ivan Reitman proudly sitting in the first row with the assembled media. It wasn’t the only business at TIFF for Ivan – he was also there to support another Gala premiering film he produced – the Atom Egoyan directed CHLOE. From press, to red carpet premieres and receptions, there was no shortage of Reitman sightings during the 2009 TIFF week.

Duchess of York SARAH FERGUSON spent 15 years producing The Young Victoria – Toronto Film Festival’s closing night Gala film

The Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson spent a few days in Toronto during TIFF week on a couple of different missions. First, The Duchess and her two daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie of York spent an evening at Ultra on Queen St. to launch the Canadian arm of the Sarah Ferguson Charitable Foundation. The next evening, The Duchess would be walking the TIFF red carpet to support a film she produced, the closing night Gala THE YOUNG VICTORIA featuring Emily Blunt in the starring role. Producing the film has been a 15-year labor of love for Ms. Ferguson as she first became fascinated with Royal life and its unique history when she spent time in Buckingham Palace after marrying Prince Andrew in 1986. The Duchess said in repeated media interviews during her week in Toronto that she related to the story of at least one character in the film, not the Queen herself, but Albert, the beloved consort who was after Queen Victoria’s heart.

“But if you’re not born into royalty, you never really belong there.” – SARAH FERGUSON

Sean Byrne’s THE LOVED ONES wins 2009 Cadillac People’s Choice Award – Midnight Madness at Toronto International Film Festival

TIFF midnight madness programmer Colin Geddes accepted the Cadillac People’s Choice Award from Frank Trivieri of GM Canada for best Midnight Madness feature on behalf of director Sean Byrne’s The Loved Ones at an awards reception hosted by Toronto’s Intercontinental Hotel.

“This is a candy-coloured popcorn film that invites the audience into a fun, pop-horror world that seems familiar. People will be in their seats, kind of comfortable, feeling like they’ve been here before and then we’ll sneak up and drop acid into their soda.” – SEAN BYRNE

It’s Leanne Pooley’s TOPP TWINS over Michael Moore’s CAPITALISM for Cadillac People’s Choice Documentary Award at 2009 TIFF

In a little bit of an upset, director Leanne Pooley’s TOPP TWINS has won the Cadillac People’s Choice Award for documentary at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival. Michael Moore’s CAPITALISM was the runner-up.

“I have been making documentaries for twenty years, and usually they are dark. That is often the world a documentary filmmaker moves in, a dark world. This is a film about joy, and laughter, and love. And its just so special to be able to bring a film like that to audiences like yours. I have to thank the TOPP TWINS. who are a force of nature. Thank you so much.” – Leanne Pooley, director TOPP TWINS

Tom Ford’s A SINGLE MAN comes to TIFF on Colin Firth’s BEST ACTOR Venice honors – Weinstein Co. acquire distribution

Actors Julianne Moore and Colin Firth joined TOM FORD at the very well-dressed and attended A Single Man after-party held at the Gardiner Museum. Fashion designer turned director-writer FORD proved during the 2009 Toronto Festival he will be a force in the film business. Riding an impressive wave of positive buzz from the Venice Film Festival where Colin Firth’s performance from Ford’s film won BEST ACTOR honors. A SINGLE MAN came out of the Toronto Festival with TIFF’s largest deal as the Weinstein Co. paid a few million dollars to secure U.S. distribution rights for Ford’s directorial debut.

Mini-Me VERNE TROYER at TIFF for Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus – says AUSTIN POWERS 4 could be a GO!

VERNE TROYER attended the after-party for Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus held at the swanky Cheval Bar on Toronto’s King St. Director Terry Gilliam and most of the cast (sadly sans Depp) showed up to toast the Toronto premiere of the film. Troyer first came to public attention from his role as Mini-me in the Mike Myer’s string of Austin Powers films. At the party, the insider couldn’t resist asking Troyer if there is any plans for an Austin Powers 4? Not only did Troyer indicate the idea had been discussed, another sequel to the hit film could maybe shoot next year. And of course, Mini-me would be back at Dr. Evil’s side.

Jack White talks acting and new music, Meg White says nothing during press for Toronto premiere of THE WHITE STRIPES UNDER GREAT NORTHERN LIGHTS documentary

Meg and Jack White of The White Stripes made a rare appearance together at the Toronto Film Festival red carpet premiere of the documentary The White Stripes Under Great White Northern Lights. Jack White also appeared earlier in the day at a press conference. Meg White, being her notoriously shy shelf did not talk to the media, but did appear briefly at the docs premiere for photo op with Jack. The film is a bit of a triumph for director Emmett Malloy who managed to convince the usually private band to allow cameras to follow The White Stripes unique 2007 tour of small northern Canadian cities. During the press conference for the film, Jack White touched upon a number of subjects including the difficulties of filmmaking, his passion for acting and what new music he is working on these days.

(on acting in film) “The time that it takes is the hardest part for me. To give up three months to act… there is so much I could be doing.. I could be doing three or four 7″ vinyl records out in Nashville…It really comes down to choices.” – JACK WHITE

STATEMENT from director LEE DANIELS on winning the CADILLAC PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD for PRECIOUS at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival

“I like to dedicate this award to Cameron Bailey. Cameron your support of me and belief in my work from the beginning of the The Woodsman, Shadowboxer and now Precious is unparalleled. For that, I give you my fullest gratitude. I wish I could be there myself to accept the award on behalf of the film but I just landed in San Sebastian, Spain and I’m on the way for the films premiere here in a few hours. I can’t begin to express my gratitude. The audience award holds such an important meaning. I made this film for every person out there who ever looked in the mirror and felt unsure about the person looking back. This is not an art film for a select few. This is a movie that everybody can relate to. This film is for all precious girls and for everyone who has a little precious on the inside. Thank you so much, I am so honoured with this award there is nothing more special then being honoured by the public, by my peers. Again, I send heartfelt thanks to Maple Pictures and Lionsgate and somebody I forgot to thank at our premiere – a friend, an ally, a mentor, our co-executive producer Simone Sheffield. Thank you everyone.” – LEE DANIELS

IT LOUNGE gifting suite at Windsor Arms Hotel plays host to TIFF celebrities and contributes to a roster of charities

The IT Lounge, hosted by NKPR at The Windsor Arms Hotel during TIFF week is proud to have broken new ground as the first gifting suite in North America to have had each participating brand contribute to a charity or cause.

A who’s who of celebrities visited the IT Lounge during the week to lend their support. For each of those visits, a special donation was made to the 12 charities. Brooks, Fila, Goody , Sharpie, Universal Music, were just some of the gifting companies contributing to the program.

Some of the many celebrity guests that visited IT Lounge: Paul Haggis, Olivia Wilde, the entire crew from So You Think You Can Dance Canada, Jason Bateman, Marlon Wayans, Sissy Spacek, Saukrates, James Purefoy, Divine Brown, Kat Dennings, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Jennifer Garner, Russell Peters, Kyle MacLaghlan, Ivana Santilli, Marci Playground, Edward Norton, Ricky Gervais, Kardinal Offishal, Samantha Morton, Kristin Booth, Colin Mochrie, Deb McGrath, Eva Avilla, Lyriq Bent, Monika Schnarre, Caitlin Cronenberg, Lisa Ray, Verne “Mini-Me” Troyer, Terry Gilliam and many, many more!

CAREY MULLIGAN earning rave reviews in Toronto premiering AN EDUCATION – coming to America next in Wall Street 2 with Shia Lebouef

Your going to be hearing a lot more about British up-and-coming actress Carey Mulligan in the next year. Mulligan has a breakout role in AN EDUCATION, playing to rave reviews at TIFF and other film festivals. Mulligan’s stay in Toronto for the films premiere was a brief one. She had to get back to the New York set of Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps acting opposite Shia Lebouef in the Oliver Stone directed sequel to the eighties hit. It will be Carey’s first big role in an American movie. If that doesn’t endear her to North American audiences, Ms. Mulligan is sure to appear in the gossip mags as she is rumored to be dating her Wall Street co-star Lebouef.

Bollywood star PRIYANKA CHOPRA arrives in Toronto for TIFF premiere of What’s Your Rashee?

(festivalinsider.ca) Top Bollywood actress PRIYANKA CHOPRA arrived at the Toronto International Film Festival for a day of press to talk about What’s Your Rashee? The film also features HARMAN BAWEJA in the lead role of someone who returns home to India and has to find a bride within 12 choices of women presented (all played by Chopra.) On arrival to the press conference, Ms. Chopra greeted a handful of fans gathered and signed autographs.

rising star Amber HEARD at TIFF’09 with THE JONESES – Next up is THE RUM DIARY with Johnny Depp

Rising star AMBER HEARD was in Toronto for the world premiere of The Joneses. The film also stars Demi Moore and David Duchovny. Heard was channeling old-school Hollywood glamour during her stop at the after-party at AME on Mercer St. for the TIFF premiering film which has been earning strong reviews. Next up for Amber is a movie based on Hunter S. Thompson’s The Rum Diary, opposite Johnny Depp.

KEANU REEVES opens the DOOR on second chapter of acting career with Rebecca Miller’s The Private Lives of Pippa Lee premiering at TIFF

(festivalinsider.ca) Keanu Reeves made a rare film festival appearance in Toronto this week with Rebecca Miller’s The Private Lives of Pippa Lee which premiered at TIFF to very good reviews (especially for Reeves’ co-star in the film Robin Wright Penn.) Reeves touched upon a number of subjects during a day of press leading up to the films Gala premiere. He shared his thoughts on the recent passing of a friend Patrick Swayze, “he was a beautiful person and honest.” Keanu also talked at length about how his career is in transition from the earlier action oriented parts he had become known for. “I feel I’m starting the second chapter of my career. It’s a property of age. Certain roles and what you’ve done in the past just don’t hold the same power…” said Reeves during the press conference for the film.

“I know I’ve been very lucky, and at this point, I don’t really have to work for dough.” – Keanu Reeves

Nicolas Cage at 2009 TIFF press conference ON the importance of acting awards and where he keeps his Oscar

NICOLAS CAGE has come to Toronto this year in support of Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans. It was an especially reflective Cage in the press conference for the film accompanied by director Werner Herzog. “You can’t make movies thinking about awards…You make movies just coming from the heart.” – NICOLAS CAGE

Nice guy Rick Campanelli of ET Canada gives his jacket to a shivering NATALIE PORTMAN on Toronto red carpet

ET Canada reporter Rick Campanelli proved chivalry is not dead on the red carpet of the Toronto International Film Festival. NATALIE PORTMAN arrived at her Roy Thomson Hall Gala premiere for Love and Other Impossible Pursuits looking simply sensational in a strapless mini dress. But with the red carpet outside and it being September in Toronto, there was a slight chill in the air. As Ms. Portman was doing her media duties, Campanelli noticed Natalie was cold. So he offered up his jacket – an offer Ms. Portman gladly accepted. We do hear the jacket was returned to Rick later that evening. And yes, the insider wonders, does Rick ever wash that coat again?

Kerry Washington and Naomi Watts celebrate Mother and Child with a few TIFF party stops

(festivalinsider.ca) KERRY WASHINGTON and NAOMI WATTS attended the party for Mother And Child at Swarovski crystal store on Bloor Street prior to their Gala TIFF screening. Watts and Washington continued the celebrating after their premiere stopping by a party at The Gardiner Museum for designer turned director Tom Ford’s A Single Man

The TIFF Celebs DO CARE about the photos taken of them – DREW BARRYMORE & ELLEN PAGE in Toronto for WHIP IT red carpet premiere

DREW BARRYMORE and her WHIP IT star ELLEN PAGE enjoyed the photos just taken of them at a WHIP IT pre-party during the Toronto International Film Festival. The duo were curious how some of the shots they were posing for turned out. Barrymore then turned to one TIFF photographer for a sneak peek. The film marks Drew’s directorial debut and has played to good reviews and an enthusiastic response from Toronto audiences.

MATT DAMON parties during TIFF week with BILL CLINTON and MARY J all in support of ONE X ONE kids foundation

(festivalinsider.ca) Matt Damon was in Toronto this week for the premiere of THE INFORMANT. It wasn’t Damon’s only duties as he has been coming to Toronto the last few years for his One X One charitable foundation. “Who isn’t interested in trying to improve the lives of children around the world?” mused Damon to the Toronto Star when discussing the important work the OneXOne foundation does. For 2009, Damon’s fundraising events were spread across an entire weekend. Saturday night saw a gala concert at Kool Haus, featuring Mary J. Blige. The next evening was a more intimate fundraising reception at the home of Edward Rogers, Rogers Communications CEO, with former U.S. president Bill Clinton in attendance.

NATALIE PORTMAN wonders what she will be doing 10 years from now during TIFF 2009 LOVE & OTHER IMPOSSIBLE PURSUITS press conference

NATALIE PORTMAN was in Toronto for the 2009 TIFF press conference for Love and Other Impossible Pursuits. One journalist asked Ms. Portman what she thinks she will be doing ten years from now? “I don’t know if I will want to work. I don’t if I’ll be able to work?” wondered the 28 year-old actress.

LIBERACE movie directed by Steven Soderbergh is a GO – “MATT Damon is going to be my young lover” says MICHAEL DOUGLAS in Toronto

(festivalinsider.ca) One of the interesting things about the press conferences of 2009 Toronto International Film Festival – is if you listen close enough, you might hear about the films you could see play the festival circuit next year. MATT DAMON and MICHAEL DOUGLAS (appearing at TIFF this year in separate films) have both confirmed they will be taking part in a LIBERACE biopic. The Liberace film will be directed by frequent Damon collaborator, Steven Soderbergh (also in Toronto this year with Damon and THE INFORMANT) “Matt’s going to be my young lover.” quipped Michael Douglas in an interview with a local paper. During the TIFF’09 press conference for The Informant, Damon also touched on the subject. “I’m doing this Liberace movie. Michael Douglas is playing Liberace and I play his lover. Steven is directing it,” said Damon. Could we see the trio back at TIFF 2010?

Harvey Weinstein attends YOUTH IN REVOLT premiere – Weinstein Co. still showing film world their major players in Toronto with pick-up of Tom Ford’s A SINGLE MAN

The insiders camera caught iconic film executive Harvey Weinstein quietly stepping into the Toronto premiere of YOUTH IN REVOLT starring Michael Cera and Portia Doubleday. It seems the Weinstein Co. is on a bit of a comeback lately after that revealing feature about the brothers in a recent New York Times magazine. First, Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds is a box office hit still collecting very good receipts overseas. Now during this Toronto International Film Festival, Youth in Revolt was met with enthusiastic applause and reviews after its TIFF Premiere, and the Weinsteins just put down $1 million plus for the U.S. and German rights to TOM FORD’S “A Single Man” (also having a TIFF premiere)

Jennifer’s Body star Megan FOX doesn’t really DO HORROR but thinks THE EXORCIST is most scary

(festivalinsider.ca) Probably the most photographed woman at TIFF this year – MEGAN FOX makes a Toronto Film Festival press conference entrance in support of her film Jennifer’s Body.
Since Jennifer’s Body is in the horror genre, Ms. Fox was asked what horror films scared her growing up. Megan admitted to not really watching much horror. But if she had to pick one film that really frightened her? “The Exorcist” she said.