And That’s a wrap! The 36th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival closes bigger and better than ever

Well, that’s a wrap on another highly successful Toronto International Film Festival. It was a thrill again to ride with Cadillac and cover what has become one of the busiest film festivals in the world. We hope you enjoyed Cadillac Festival Insider coverage as we took you inside TIFF – the press conferences, red carpets, parties, and more!

TIFF seemed to grow again this year as much of the movie-goer action emerged along King street in Toronto. We saw the official home of TIFF – the Bell Lightbox open fully and be a hub of activity. The Festival also utilized a new theatre opening weekend – the beautiful and spacious Princess Of Wales.

But alas, even the best parties have to end. So, the TIFF Cadillacs have been cleaned up and put away for another year. But like us Festival Insiders, we’ll all be back to do it again next year. Enjoy some of our highlights of the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival:

- The Biggest Band in the world kicks-off TIFF’11
- Festival Insider Skye has dreams come true at Hello! Canada party
- Madonna makes a Gala red carpet appearance to the delight of fans.
- “Brangelina” is the number one power-couple of TIFF
- infamous street-artist Mr. Brainwash all over TIFF

and don’t forget, all the Cadillac Festival Insider photographs are permanently archived on our Flickr feed.

Nicolas Cage in Toronto to premiere “Trespass” says he lived through similar home invasion nightmare

Under the file of ‘truth meets fiction” we have the new movie, Trespass which director Joel Schumacher and Nicolas Cage brought to the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival. Seems the home invasion story hit very close to home for Cage who said during the films press conference his family had actually lived through a similar nightmare in real life.

“It was two in the morning. I was living in Orange County at the time and was asleep with my wife. My two-year old at the time was in another room. I opened my eyes and there was a naked man wearing my leather jacket eating a Fudgesicle in front of my bed,” Cage told reporters ahead of the films TIFF premiere. “I know it sounds funny … but it was horrifying.”

The Toronto International Film Festival announces its Canadian lineup of 2011 films

While September is the month the Toronto International Film Festival rolls out the red carpets and films. August is the month for highly anticipated announcements as TIFF hosts some lavish press conferences as the annual festivals program begins to come together. On August 9th, at the Royal York hotel in Toronto, TIFF announced its line-up of Canadian films.

Between courses of Montreal smoke meat and poutine – TIFF unveils it’s Canadian lineup of films

The Toronto International Film Festival has become renowned for the bevy of international and Hollywood film stars it brings to Toronto each year. But TIFF’s roots are distinctly Canadian and the festival never forgets about its own. So TIFF saves its most lavish press conference, held in early August, to announce the roster of Canadian films that will make premieres come September at the festival.

It was a packed house of TIFF industry insiders and Canadian filmmakers at the Royal York hotel on a Tuesday afternoon as festival co-directors Cameron Bailey and Piers Handling added to an already announced list of Canadian films – that included Gala premieres from directors David Cronenberg and Sarah Polley. Also announced on August 9th at the Royal York, Starbuck, from director Ken Scott will also join the lineup of TIFF galas.

Canadian entries joining the Special Presentations lineup include Afghan Luke, with Nick Stahl; Mary Harron’s The Moth Diaries, with Lily Cole and Scott Speedman, and Goon, a hockey-themed comedy with Seann William Scott and Jay Baruchel.

Guy Maddin, who premiered a film at TIFF twenty-five years ago, returns in 2011 with Keyhole starring Jason Patric and Isabella Rossellini. Maddin remarked at the packed TIFF press conference, “There’s more people in this room than saw Canadian films in the 1980′s.”

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

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

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)

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

DREW Barrymore on why Roller Derby is empowering for women as her directorial debut WHIP IT makes a TIFF 2009 world premiere

DREW BARRYMORE brought the cast of her directorial debut, WHIP IT to Toronto’s Yonge-Dundas square for a red carpet AND roller derby exhibition. It was all in support of the world premiere of WHIP IT at TIFF. Barrymore talks to the thousands of assembled fans (yes, thousands!) about directing for the first time and why WHIP IT is an empowering story for women.

MARY J. BLIGE talks about her inspiration for PRECIOUS theme song during press conference for PRECIOUS

With a packed press conference of the world’s media in attendance. Producers Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry brought a very buzzed about cast to Toronto for the premiere of PRECIOUS. Mary J. Blige was personally called by Oprah about creating music for the movie. Considering the subject matter of the film, Blige could relate and immediately set out to write songs.

Playboy founder HUGH HEFNER (and FRIENDS) makes Toronto appearance for Playboy, Activist, Rebel documentary premiere

(festivalinsider.ca) HUGH HEFNER made a grand TIFF red carpet entrance at The Elgin Theatre on Saturday afternoon for the screening of Hugh Hefner: Playboy, Activist, Rebel. The legendary PLAYBOY founder emerged from a black stretch limo (emblazoned with the famous Playboy symbol) and was accompanied by three lovely ladies. Hef is well into his eighth decade- and it literally took that long for him to open up and support a film about his life’s work. Director Brigitte Berman met Hefner years ago, but it wasn’t until Hefs 80th birthday party that Berman was able to talk the icon into participating in a documentary. “For me, this film has it all – sex, glamour, politics, romance, tragedy, and conflicts – and many great surprises about a man people think they know, but don’t really know,” Berman said.

Jennifer Connelly overcome by tears thinking of her father’s death at 2009 TIFF press conference for Creation

The press conferences at TIFF always provide their share of surprises. And when Jennifer Connelly, took time in her CREATION presser to address remarks a media executive made about her and her husbands very brief pre-Gala party appearance it generally stunned the packed room of media.

A newspaper report had quoted Astral Media’s John Riley as being upset his family didn’t get a chance to personally meet Mrs. Connelly and husband Paul Bettany at an Astral Media TIFF launch event. Connelly took time in the press conference to explain the evening of her and husband’s Gala premiere, was also the 1st anniversary of her father’s death. and THAT was the reason she cut her party celebrations short. To their credit, Mr. Riley and Astral Media did release a statement.