How top celebrities at TIFF spent their time in Toronto
This year, the Toronto International Film Festival drew in a multitude of stars from various industries, including film, music, and television. From renowned directors to A-list actors, the city welcomed a plethora of celebrities over the course of the festival. Kicking off with the world premiere of John Candy: I Like Me, which honours the late Canadian comedian, stars took to the red carpet to showcase a diverse range of films, from documentaries to potential Oscar contenders.
One star who made an appearance was Jacob Elordi, who returned to Toronto for the North American premiere of Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein. Elordi expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to bring the film back to Toronto, a city he holds dear for its vibrant film community. He credited his comfort in portraying the titular monster to the esteemed director Guillermo del Toro. During the premiere, Elordi and his co-star Mia Goth shared positive experiences working with del Toro and discussed the underlying message of the eagerly anticipated film.
Another noteworthy figure who graced the festival was Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, marking his first appearance at TIFF. Johnson was promoting The Smashing Machine, a film that delves into the life of former mixed martial artist Mark Kerr as he navigates both success in the sport and struggles with addiction. The actor revealed that he drew from his personal experiences, including the loss of friends to addiction, to authentically portray Kerr on screen. Amidst the red carpet frenzy, Johnson still found time to visit a local gym, delighting fans with his unexpected presence.
James McAvoy, known for his roles in films like Split and Atonement, introduced his directorial debut, California Schemin’ at the festival. Although stepping into the director’s chair brought about its own challenges, McAvoy described the experience as the most creatively fulfilling endeavor. Unfortunately, his time in Toronto was marred by an incident at a local bar where he was inexplicably punched while in the city for the festival. Nevertheless, he expressed his gratitude to TIFF audiences and shared his love for the event on social media.
Pop star Charli XCX made her silver screen debut with two films premiering at TIFF. In Erupcja, she portrays a woman entangled in a complicated relationship, while in Sacrifice, she stars in a satirical piece about activists at a climate conference. Her presence during the festival extended to various outings and after-parties, including a celebration hosted by Gucci.
Sydney Sweeney, known for her role in Christy, a biopic about former boxer Christy Martin, earned critical acclaim for her performance. Martin praised Sweeney’s dedication to the role, highlighting her commitment to learning how to box for the film. The actress’s portrayal impressed audiences and critics alike, with many predicting award recognition for her work.
Overall, the Toronto International Film Festival was a hub of star-studded activity, showcasing a diverse array of talent from the entertainment industry. From film premieres to post-screening events, the festival provided a platform for artists to share their craft and connect with audiences on a global scale.