From renowned filmmakers to music icons and top-tier actors, the Toronto International Film Festival attracted numerous celebrities to the city during the past ten days. The festival commenced on September 4 with the premiere of “John Candy: I Like Me,” paying tribute to the late Canadian comedian who passed away at the age of 43.
Throughout the event, stars graced the red carpet to showcase a variety of films, ranging from documentaries to potential Oscar contenders. With the most captivating moments of the festival’s 50th edition now behind us, let’s delve into the notable personalities that lit up Toronto’s entertainment hub over the previous week.
Australian actor Jacob Elordi, fresh from filming Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein” in Toronto, returned for the movie’s North American debut on September 8. Elordi expressed his joy at bringing the film back to the city where it was created, citing Toronto’s film-friendly environment and genuine love for cinema. The star also praised director Guillermo del Toro for making his role as the titular monster comfortable.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, attending TIFF for the first time, described his premiere for “The Smashing Machine” as a significant moment. The film portrays the story of former MMA fighter Mark Kerr and his battles with addiction. Johnson, drawing from personal experiences and losses due to addiction, emphasized the honor of portraying Kerr’s challenging journey in the sport.
James McAvoy graced the festival for the premiere of “California Schemin’,” marking his directorial debut. Despite a positive experience, McAvoy encountered an unfortunate incident when he was unexpectedly punched at a local bar. The actor, although unharmed, expressed gratitude to the festival audience and shared his love for TIFF.
Pop sensation Charli XCX made her silver screen debut with two films premiering at TIFF. From starring in “Erupcja” to “Sacrifice,” Charli embraced her dual role as an actor and singer during the festival. Sydney Sweeney, renowned for her performance in “Christy,” received acclaim from critics, with predictions of an Oscar nomination for her role in the biopic.
Angelina Jolie graced the festival with her film “Couture,” portraying a film director facing a life-altering cancer diagnosis. The role held personal significance for Jolie, given her own health journey. Daniel Craig promoted his third “Knives Out” film, delving into religious themes while maintaining the classic whodunit essence. The star-studded cast celebrated after the screening at a popular Greek restaurant in Toronto.