TORONTO — Canada’s biggest city shines for the next 10 days with the glitz and glamour of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), showcasing 366 films — including 146 world premieres.
In addition to rolling out a total of 31,362 minutes of movies, TIFF is rolling out the red carpet for dozens of stars from around the world. Most are at the festival to plug their movies but virtually all find some time to shop, dine, spa and party across the city.
If standing on a sidewalk hoping to catch a glimpse of a celebrity is more appealing than sitting in a dark theatre, here are some star-spotting tips during TIFF:
DO YOUR HOMEWORK
Who’s going to be where and when? You’re going to need to pick up a copy of the official TIFF schedule (or check it out online). Track star movements via Twitter and Instagram. Use online resources like this to learn about TIFF parties. A little research at the beginning of the day will go a long way to maximizing your encounters with famous people.
If you see a professional photographer somewhere, don’t ask him: “Who are you waiting for?” or “Who’s coming out?” Unless, of course, you’re willing to let him come to your workplace and pepper you with questions.
WELCOME TO TORONTO
If you want to catch a glimpse of a movie star before they even get downtown, park yourself at the international arrivals area of the airport. The vast majority of stars fly to TIFF on Air Canada so T1 is your best bet, but you may also get lucky watching the American Airlines arrivals gate at T3. Approach the stars politely and ask for an autograph or photo – but keep in mind they may have just got off a long flight and could be grumpy. (Many A-list stars fly to TIFF aboard private jets chartered by the studios so you won’t see them at Pearson.)
THE HOTELS
You could book yourself a room for the weekend (although most downtown hotels are sold out during TIFF) and hope to bump into Jennifer Aniston at the pool. Or you can stand outside and, with a lot of patience, catch a glimpse of a star. Here are your best bets:
– The Ritz-Carlton on Wellington Street: Metal barricades keep the crowds at bay as stars come and go through the front doors. Be sure to pop around to the back patio from time to time.
– The Four Seasons on Yorkville Avenue at Bay Street: Barricades keep you far from the front doors but you might still catch a glimpse as the celebs come and go.
– The Hazelton on Yorkville Avenue: Most of the stars checking-in here arrive either via the underground parking lot or the covered driveway so getting up-close and personal can be a challenge. Keep an eye on the patio at the hotel’s One restaurant.
– The Shangri-la on University Avenue: Stars can come and go from this luxury hotel without getting near the common folks so it’s probably not your best bet for spotting celebs.
– The Windsor Arms on St. Thomas Street: This classic boutique hotel still hosts big stars during TIFF and most wander in and out of the front doors. The hotel also hosts events and parties during the festival that draw celebs, including Tuesday night’s InStyle/HFPA bash.
– The Intercontinental Hotel on Front Street: This is home to dozens of press junkets and gift lounges so the stars flow through all day. Unfortunately, most are whisked in via the covered driveway on the south side of the building where fans are not allowed to loiter.
– The Intercontinental Hotel on Bloor Street West: This hotel is also home to press junkets so stars come and go almost constantly. The front entrance, though usually crowded, offers excellent star-spotting opportunities.
The Trump International Hotel on Adelaide St. West and the SoHo Metropolitan Hotel on Wellington St. West are also popular with certain celebs.
WATCH: Hollywood north’s choice hotels for celebrities
THE VENUES
Unless you’re accredited, or super stealth, you’re not getting on the red carpets outside TIFF screenings. But this doesn’t mean you can’t see the stars arriving (or leaving) their premieres. Here are some hot spots:
– Roy Thomson Hall: Crowds gather nightly in David Pecault Square and press against the metal barricades to catch glimpses of big stars arriving for the big gala presentations.
– Elgin Theatre: The sidewalk outside this Yonge Street theatre can get pretty crowded so if you don’t get close to a celebrity going in, stand outside the stage door on Victoria Street and see them leaving.
– TIFF Bell Lightbox: This is a popular star-spotting venue during the day because it hosts the press conferences – but security is tight and organizers have erected a covered walkway from Widmer Street to the side entrance.
– Ryerson Theatre: There’s plenty of space around this Gerrard Street venue so, depending on the film, you stand a good chance of getting a spot behind the barricades close to all the action.
– Varsity Theatre: Hang out on the Bay Street side of the Manulife Centre long enough and you might just bump into a movie star arriving for a screening.
– Isabel Bader Theatre: Stars hop out of their sedans and SUVS on one-way Charles Street West, making this a decent place to see famous faces.
SMOKERS
Although they generally don’t want to be seen doing so in public, a lot of celebrities smoke. Therefore, a good way to spot stars during TIFF is to stake out places where they can light up. Toronto’s strict smoking laws – once flaunted at TIFF by actor Sean Penn – can work to your advantage.
Tip: Carry a lighter with you and who knows, you might make a famous friend.
AUTOGRAPHS
So you run into Hugh Jackman at Starbucks — do you ask for an autograph or a photo with him?
Many celebrities are reluctant to sign autographs – some because they don’t want to line the pockets of collectors who sell signed photos and some because they don’t want to stop and risk drawing a mob. Some simply don’t want to. So, the key to getting autographs is to come across as a genuine fan by asking politely and mentioning a favourite role or movie.
Hint: Bring an irresistible child with you when you’re seeking an autograph. Stars are less likely to say “no” to a kid.
PHOTOS
See a star and want to take a photo with them? First rule is to ask politely. Don’t thrust yourself beside them with your smartphone extended in front of you.
If you’re a wannabe-paparazzo, say or do something special to get their attention so your pics have eye-contact. And remember, no matter what any clipboard-clutching bouncer or security guard tells you, it’s perfectly legal to take anyone’s picture in public.
Follow @GlobalJRK for hot TIFF tips and gossip!
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