Who wore it well? 12 Best Dressed Ladies at the 2010 Toronto Film Festival (George Pimentel photography)

(more…)

THE KING’S SPEECH wins Cadillac People’s Choice Award for favorite film of TIFF 2010 – will Oscar nominations come next?

Director Tom Hooper’s lighthearted royal drama, The King’s Speech won the Cadillac People’s Choice Award as the audience favorite during the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival.

The period film has Colin Firth playing England’s King George VI who just happens to have trouble speaking in public. Geoffrey Rush stars as his speech therapist. Both actors were in Toronto for the Gala festival premiere at Roy Thomson Hall.

Winning the People’s Choice Award at TIFF is usually a good predictor of other awards to come. The last two winners of the audience award in Toronto, Slumdog Millionaire and Precious, went on to multiple Academy Award nominations.

CLINT EASTWOOD and MATT DAMON talk “Hereafter” with select journalists – the pair want to keep making movies together

The 2010 Toronto International Film Festival could easily be remembered as the year the icons came. Robert Redford, Robert Deniro, and Clint Eastwood all made the trip to Toronto in support of films.

But as the twilight sets on the careers of these Hollywood giants, it’s interesting to see the connections each has formulated to the next generation of acting greats. Deniro with Ed Norton. Robert Redford was filled with praise for his Conspirator cast that included James McAvoy. And Eastwood and Matt Damon.

Clint first directed Damon in Invictus a few years ago, so as the pair sat down with movie journalists during the Toronto Film Festival to talk about Hereafter, “the two have a strong and easy rapport together,” is how The Star’s Peter Howell described his light and breezy chat with them.

WANT TO SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM THE HEREAFTER RED CARPET ARRIVALS – CHECK OUR FLICKR STREAM

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN introduces “new” Darkness on the Edge of Town material to journalists at the Royal Theatre in Toronto – a few fans on College street then get the surprise of their life

photo: Bruce Springsteen poses with a fan on College st. in Toronto (September 15, 2010 / photo via Springsteen.net)

The Toronto International Film Festival continued it’s tradition of not just attracting the biggest MOVIE stars in the world – but occasionally, a big MUSIC star or two. In the last few years, U2′s Bono and The Edge, Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page, and The White Stripes have all popped up on TIFF red carpets in support of films in recents years.

This year, it was THE BOSS – Bruce Springsteen. After his Tuesday night Gala premiere, on the same day when Springsteen participated in a celebrity interview at the Bell Lightbox moderated by Ed Norton, The Boss had a much quieter Wednesday.

A select few journalists were invited to the Royal Theatre on College St. for an early afternoon listening session to unreleased material from the Darkness on the Edge of Town album recording sessions from the seventies. Springsteen was even in attendance at the Royal Theatre that day to introduce the “new” tracks and answer questions.

But it was after the exclusive listening session at the Royal that a few people on College street got the surprise of their lives when Bruce decided to stroll out of the theatre to grab some lunch.

Springsteen spent a few minutes posing for pictures with fans including one dude that got The Boss to pose on his motorcycle.

Follow @Festivalinsider on Twitter for the latest news and celebrity sightings during TIFF

Hope you LIKE our Facebook Page

amfAR CINEMA AGAINST AIDS Toronto benefit raises more than 1 million dollars – MARTIN SHEEN and son EMILIO ESTEVEZ host

photo: Festival Insider SKYE on arrival at The Carlu for the amfAR Cinema Against Aids Toronto benefit. Skye is wearing Pizzicato hoops and bracelet by Psalms 91:1 Accessories (September 12, 2010 / R.Budman)

One of the swankier events held during Toronto International Film Festival week was the amfAR black-tie fundraising Gala – Cinema Against AIDS held at the Carlu. More than 500 guests attended including Martin Sheen, Emilio Estevez, and Kelly Roland, and a who’s who of the Toronto arts scene.

The evening included cocktails, dinner, a luxury live auction, and performances by Broadway, film, and television star Cheyenne Jackson and the recently reunited band Ace of Base. More than $1 million dollars was raised for amfAR and Dignitas.

actress Natalie Portman and director Darren Aronofsky first dicussed the idea for BLACK SWAN film in 2002

photo: Director Darren Aronofsky and Natalie Portman at the Toronto Film Festival press conference for BLACK SWAN (September 14, 2010 / R.Budman)

After the Gala Monday night premiere screening of BLACK SWAN during the 2010 Toronto Film Festival – Oscar buzz only grew for the thriller, especially Portman’s role of an experienced ballerina dancer drawn to the dark side of an another dancer, played my Mila Kunis.

During the Tuesday morning press conference director Darren Aronofsky talked at length what a difficult movie it was to put together as funding fell through several times. Even with the success and Oscar nominations for Darren’s last film, The Wrestler, funding still proved tough on Black Swan especially as this was during the “financial black hole in Hollywood” after the 2008 Wallstreet crash.

Portman and Aronofsky first discussed the idea for the film as far back as 2002. Aronofsky underscored the importance of playing in the best festivals in the world, like Toronto to maximize publicity on the film. Darren admits that even though they got the production budget together to make the film, there is very little left for marketing and promotion.

Follow @Festivalinsider on Twitter for the latest news and celebrity sightings during TIFF

Hope you LIKE our Facebook Page

RealTVfilms Gifting Lounge a great place for a little Toronto Festival Insider pampering – by SKYE

Some serious swag was had at the RealTVfilms social media & gifting lounge right down the street from the TIFF Filmmakers Lounge. The amazing team straight from LA invited Toronto International Film Festival VIPs to be pampered in their relaxing lounge, offering an abundance of gifts & services — including a masseuse, hair & makeup artists, satiating food & beverage, and even eyelash extensions, a unique Japanese turned celebrity beauty trend.

The hi-lite of my guided tour was choosing a new pair of frames from Les Pieces Uniques (seeing as David Cronenberg dug my glasses so much, I figure what better time but now to add to my collection.) The Italian line exudes quality & elegant face-flattering designs.

To end my tour, I was interviewed by the lovely Samantha Gutstadt and treated to a mini photo shoot like a real VIP. I’m glad I chose to wear my go-to chic & ultra-comfy dress by Nada Designs for the unexpected photo opp! I left feeling refreshed and ready to take on another glamorous night of TIFF. — SKYE

Test Drive the Ultimate ride – the TIFF’10 Cadillacs at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto

Did you know you can TEST DRIVE the type of Cadillac’s all those Toronto Film Festival celebrities get dropped off on the red carpet in. From Tuesday September 14th to Friday September 17th (11am to 4pm) Cadillac is giving people the chance to test drive the ultimate ride outside the Cadillac display at Roy Thomson Hall on King St. in Toronto.

And Keeping in the TIFF movie spirit – you’ll also walk away after the test drive with a pair of FREE Cineplex screening tickets.

Harvey Weinstein has a very busy TIFF’10 – Barry Avrich’s untitled documentary sells to IFC

The legend of Harvey Weinstein only grows larger after TIFF’10. Besides Harvey having a very active Toronto festival – his new company Weinsteiin Co. acquired three high-profile films, each acquisition in the seven figure range.

The name “Harvey Weinstein” made news in Toronto for another reason too. A long time in the making documentary by Barry Avrich was acquired by IFC in a deal that saw worldwide rights sold to Unauthorized: The Harvey Weinstein Project. The doc is narrated by Peter Fonda.

The Cadillac Festival Insider spotted Mr. Avrich at an August TIFF press event and we asked Barry about the status of his Weinstein documentary and whether we could maybe see a Toronto Film Festival premiere? Avrich said he didn’t have time to get it ready for Toronto but the doc was finished and would be released sometime in 2011. Guess Barry wasn’t too busy to still take in enough of TIFF this year to get his film sold.

“I believe that great stories must be told. Harvey and Bob Weinstein, without a question, redefined so many rules of Hollywood marketing, distribution and filmmaking that you simply can’t ignore their impact on history. Many of their business principles and strategies also redefined other industry practices and quite frankly, other industries. Without Hollywood’s ‘Last Bully’, there would be no Pulp Fiction, no one would have known about that English patient, Rob Marshall would still be a chorus boy and Quentin would be recommending Bruce Lee’s greatest hits in some video store. IFC Films is a great home for my film and I am thrilled that it will be receiving such a prominent release.” – BARRY AVRICH

Follow @Festivalinsider on Twitter for the latest news and celebrity sightings during TIFF

Hope you LIKE our Facebook Page

The Thompson Hotel roof in Toronto proves a hot spot for TIFF’10 as the film festival moves the buzz to King St.

The newly opened Thompson Hotel in Toronto certainly proved to be a hot spot during the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival. From hosting some of the hottest parties – Vanity Fair and a certain Blackberry themed bash (that had a rare sighting of not just Ryan Reynolds but his betroved Scarlett Johansson in hand) to name just a few.

But on almost any night during TIFF you could be assured the Thompson roof would be buzzing with activity and a celebrity or two. But getting to the Thompson roof during TIFF can be a challenge as the guest list is usually kept pretty exclusive and gatekeepers below DO need to buzz you up to the top floor with that special little card.

Of course, when you get to the Thompson roof there is a certain camera etiquette and a Festival Insider wouldn’t get too far trying to haul a big DSLR cam up there. But, after a glass of wine (or two!) and an iPhone my fellow insider SKYE and myself can still have a little pictorial fun.

Follow @Festivalinsider on Twitter for the latest news and celebrity sightings during TIFF

Hope you LIKE our Facebook Page

MALIN AKERMAN and RYAN PHILLIPPE premiere “The Bang Bang Club” at Roy Thomson Hall Gala in Toronto

photos: Malin Akerman and Ryan Phillippe arrive for Gala Toronto Film Festival premiere of “The Bang Bang Club” at Roy Thomson Hall (September 15, 2010 / George Pimentel photos)

While covering TIFF tends to occupy the majority of a Festival Insider’s schedule – leaving little time for actually seeing any films. If this insider finds time for one this festival – it will be The Bang Bang Club. It’s based on the true story of four photojournalists who set out to capture the final days of apartheid in South Africa.

Canadian Film Centre’s annual @CFCcreates Barbecue always a highlight on the TIFF party schedule – Norman Jewison hosts with Paul Haggis

The Canadian Film Centre’s annual Sunday afternoon Barbecue has always been one of the better invites of TIFF week. The yearly event always promises a fun afternoon of chatter among old friends, drinks, and good eats (Licks burgers & Guck sauce!)

One of the reasons the BBQ is held each year is to celebrate the films and projects that are created by CFC alumni and make their way into screening during the Toronto International Film Festival.

Two CFC shorts – HOW TO RID YOUR LOVER OF A NEGATIVE EMOTION CAUSED BY YOU! and CHAMPAGNE, created through the CFC Short Dramatic Film Program will screen in the Short Cuts Canada program, while CFC’s commitment to innovation takes centre stage with WHAT?S YOUR ESSENTIAL 100, an interactive installation that invites visitors to text in their favourite films from the Essential 100 list and see a dynamic visualization of images projected above the box office.

photo: Academy award winning writer and director Paul Haggis chats with Cadillac Festival Insider SKYE during the annual CFC barbecue. SKYE is wearing a dress by NADA Designs. (September 12, 2010 / R. Budman photos)

We’ll be back next year with more Cadillac Festival Insider TIFF Premiere ticket giveaways – they were lots of fun!

The Cadillac Festival Insider had lots of fun this year giving away TIFF screening tickets to our followers and friends. We know what a hot ticket TIFF premieres can be and how fast Toronto Film Festival screenings sell-out.

Cadillac was also thrilled to offer some nights out on the TIFF town for a select few this year. We love hearing how we help make amazing TIFF nights come true for nice people. We look forward to doing more of the same next year.

Follow @Festivalinsider on Twitter for the latest news and celebrity sightings during TIFF

Hope you LIKE our Facebook Page

The party for UMA THURMAN and the cast of CEREMONY at the Youtube Lounge Brassaii had a decidingly PULP FICTION vibe

photo: UMA THURMAN arrives at the YouTube Lounge Brassaii on King St. in Toronto for the TIFF premiere party for CEREMONY. The Toronto Film Festival premiering film is written and directed by MAX WINKLER.


Before the party started there was a private dinner with the cast in Brassaii. In attendance was the executive producter of the film, director Jason Reitman and even Max Winkler’s dad, HENRY (yes, The Fonz!) was there.

While Uma Thurman was at TIFF supporting her newest film – there is no forgetting the iconic role Ms. Thurman played in “Pulp Fiction.” There was decidedly seventies Tarantino soundtrack vibe to the DJ set played that night at the Youtube Lounge.

If the 35th edition of the Toronto Film Festival will be remembered for anything – it’s the opening of the BELL LIGHTBOX – Toronto’s new home for film and culture

photos: Cadillac Festival Insider SKYE on arrival at the newly opened home of TIFF – The BELL LIGHTBOX. SKYE is wearing a dress & accessories by Pam Chorley’s Fashion Crimes (photo: September 16, 2010 / Richard Budman)

Over a decade in the making, if there is one thing the 2010 edition of the Toronto International Film Festival will be remembered for – it’s the opening of the BELL LIGHTBOX.

TIFF’s new home will be all things to the festival – a state-of-the-art screening facility as well, as place to meet and discuss the art and culture of film.

We couldn’t let the 35th edition of the festival end without a visit to the new Bell Lightbox. And it was as beautiful and spacious as one could imagine. We Festival Insiders especially loved being able to begin our night with a drink before a TIFF screening in the Blackberry Lounge. The lounge even had Blackberry charging stations so we could give our batteries a quick charge before tweeting into the night.

The esteemed film critic, Roger Ebert who annually covers TIFF couldn’t help but comment while in Toronto visiting the new facility, “The Bell Lightbox is superb. No other word for it.”

THE TOWN press conference in Toronto – BEN AFFLECK pulls together an acclaimed cast for 2nd directorial effort

Director BEN AFFLECK brought his THE TOWN cast to the Toronto International Film Festival. Affleck took a moment at the press conference to explain how he managed to pull together such an acclaimed (and busy) group of actors. (photos: Richard Budman for Cadillac Festival Insider)

MUSIC takes centre stage at TIFF as BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN arrives for Gala premiere of THE PROMISE: The Making of Darkness on the Edge of Town at Roy Thomson Hall

photos: BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN and wife PATTI SCIALFA arrive for the Gala TIFF premiere at Roy Thomson Hall of “The Promise: Making of the Darkness on the Edge of Town.” (September 14, 2010 / George Pimentel photos)

WANT TO SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM THE BOSS RED CARPET ARRIVALS – CHECK OUR FLICKR STREAM

A NATALIE PORTMAN FAN FRENZY at Roy Thomson Hall for the Gala premiere of Black Swan – Natalie pleads with fans to “DON’T SQUISH”

Follow @Festivalinsider on Twitter for the latest news and celebrity sightings during TIFF

Hope you LIKE our Facebook Page

NICOLE KIDMAN brings husband KEITH URBAN to the Toronto Film Festival premiere of “Rabbit Hole” at the Elgin theatre

photos: Nicole Kidman brought hubby Keith Urban on her arm for the TIFF 2010 premiere of Rabbit Hole at the Elgin Theatre in Toronto. The drama sees a couple trying to cope with the death of their child. While the subject matter maybe dark, it was all smiles on the red carpet as the couple arrived. (George Pimentel photos)

“Most films are hard if they’re beautifully written and they’re dealing with a subject matter that isn’t easy, that isn’t a comedy – devastating. But at the same time I wanted to do it justice for the people that have been through this.” – NICOLE KIDMAN

WANT TO SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM THE RABBIT HOLE RED CARPET ARRIVALS – CHECK OUR FLICKR STREAM

Alliance Films celebrates their slate of movies at the 2010 Toronto Film Festival with the return of their famous party

Alliance Films celebrates their 2010 TIFF line-up of movies with a BIG party – their first during the festival in five years. Cadillac Festival Insider SKYE was on the red carpet and even managed to catch up to someone that has done something few in this world have – knockout former boxing champ Mike Tyson.

It was almost a SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE reunion on the TIFF’10 red carpets as FREIDA PINTO and boyfriend DEV PATEL premiere “You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger” while across town director DANNY BOYLE premieres “127 Hours”

photos: actress Freida Pinto and boyfriend Dev Patel arrive for the 2010 Toronto Film Festival premiere of “You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger.” The Woody Allen directed film also features a cast including Josh Brolin and Anthony Hopkins. (September 12, 2010 / George Pimentel photos)

In an ironic twist Pinto and Patel’s “Slumdog Millionaire” director Danny Boyle is also at the festival with his Slumdog follow-up “127 Hours.” I’m sure the only thing that kept Danny away from joining his former Slumdog cast at Pinto’s premiere is that Boyle’s was occurring at the same time up the street. It was only two years ago at TIFF where “the little movie made in India” went on to do big things.

WANT TO SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM THE TOWN RED CARPET ARRIVALS – CHECK OUR FLICKR STREAM

At the Artists for Peace and Justice Toronto fundraiser Martin Sheen teaches Cadillac Festival Insider SKYE the Fishburne handshake

At the Artists for Peace and Justice fundraiser held annually during the Toronto Film Festival – MARTIN SHEEN teaches Cadillac Festival Insider SKYE a special handshake – taught to Mr. Sheen by Laurence Fishburne.

Follow @Festivalinsider on Twitter for the latest news and celebrity sightings during TIFF

Hope you LIKE our Facebook Page

The Town’s BLAKE LIVELY makes a stunning red carpet appearance at Toronto Film Festival Gala premiere

photos: Gossip Girl star BLAKE LIVELY made an eagerly awaited appearance for the Gala premiere of THE TOWN. The Ben Affleck directed bank heist drama has Blake starring with a powerful cast that includes Jon Hamm, Rebecca Hall, and Jeremy Renner. (George Pimentel photos)

Lively’s movie career is on fire of late and Blake has hinted she wouldn’t mind if the Gossip Girl producers killed her off the successful television show. Lively has two years remaining on her Gossip Girl contract and it’s doubtful producers would let her out early. It’s not often you have a television series filled with a cast of burgeoning movie stars.

Even Blake’s Gossip Girl co-star Penn Badgely (and real-life boyfriend) is at the Toronto Film Festival supporting his own film.

WANT TO SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM THE TOWN RED CARPET ARRIVALS – CHECK OUR FLICKR STREAM

2nd annual September 11th Artists for Peace and Justice fundraiser raises badly needed funds for Haitian earthquake relief – an impressive list of stars supports the cause in Toronto

The 2nd annual Artists for Peace and Justice fundraiser was held in Toronto last night to raise badly needed funds for Haitian relief. The event is held annually on September 11th in Toronto on the first weekend of the International Film Festival.

A star-studded line-up came out to support the important APJ cause. Founded by Oscar winning writer and director Paul Haggis. And Mr Haggis brought an impressive list of friends out to the party. Co-hosted by James Franco and AnnaLynne McCord – Martin Sheen, Josh Brolin, Kathleen Robertson, Rachel McAdams all stopped by the swanky Filmmakers Lounge at Pears on Avenue road in Toronto. (photos: Richard Budman for Cadillac Festival Insider)

VIDEO COMING SOON…

Follow @Festivalinsider on Twitter for the latest news and celebrity sightings during TIFF

Hope you LIKE our Facebook Page

Microsoft founder BILL GATES supports education documentary Waiting for ‘Superman’ at 2010 Toronto Film Festival

It’s no surprise when Toronto’s International Film Festival attracts some of the most powerful movie stars in the world. Today, it attracted another type of power player – Microsoft founder BILL GATES.

The Festival Insider had a chance to ask Mr. Gates a question (and also vent a little frustration over Windows Vista.)

On the eve of TIFF’10 Cadillac Festival Insider talks tips and celebrity scoops with Mad Dog & Billie on 99.9 Virgin radio in Toronto