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TIFF 2011 Roundup: “Glowing” (i.e. pregnant) mothers edition

Jennifer Podemski at the premiere of Take This Waltz (Image: Christopher Dross)

Baby bumps were in fashion this year at TIFF, where several expecting stars strolled red carpets in clothes that skirted the usual maternity clichés. Canadian director Sarah Polley announced she was pregnant before the festival started, joining TIFF’s mommies-to-be club that also included Jennifer Garner, Bryce Dallas Howard and Jennifer Podemski.

Check out our slideshow of all four »

: Sarah Polley looked the part of dressed-up indie darling at the premiere of her film Take This Waltz for which she wore a long black satin gown. She’s expecting her first child with husband David Sandomierski.

: Jennifer Garner is expecting her third child with husband Ben Affleck. The two celebs are proud parents to Violet, age 5, and Seraphina, age 2. Garner was pretty in pink at the premiere of Butter, wearing sparkly Valentino. We’d never guess she was pregnant.

: Jennifer Podemski sashayed across the stage at Roy Thomson Hall in a black cocktail dress prior to the premiere screening of Take This Waltz, proudly displaying her very pregnant belly.

: Bryce Dallas Howard was glowing on the red carpet for Restless with perhaps the biggest baby bump of them all—and yet she managed to look event-appropriate and stylish at the same time. Maternity dress, this is not. Howard is expecting her second child with husband Seth Gabel.

The Hype

TIFF Talk

September 20, 2011 | 2:15 pm

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TIFF 2011 Roundup: The winners, and the losers, from this year’s installment of the Toronto International Film Festival

(Images: Christopher Drost)

Well, it’s a wrap. Some might suggest that there are no winners and losers at TIFF, and that the festival is a harmonious celebration of filmmaking and the artistic spirit. For our part, we say these people are wrong. Life is a competition, and we’ve got the goods on the stars, the parties, the neighbourhoods, the red carpet galas and the films that came out on top—and on the bottom—this year, after the jump.

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The Hype

TIFF Talk

September 16, 2011 | 2:55 pm

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TIFF PHOTO GALLERY: Maggie Gyllenhaal talks about the female experience at the press conference for Hysteria

The press conference for Hysteria, which chronicles the invention of the vibrator, elicited giggles, guffaws, awkward pauses and perhaps even a gleeful sense of empowerment for many of the women in the room. Director Tanya Wexler sounded raspy, and she noted the irony in the fact that the director of a film about female empowerment had lost her voice. “What were you doing down there?” was a common inquiry of actors Hugh Dancy and Jonathan Pryce, who play the doctors who must pleasure women to relieve them of their “hysteria.” Dancy’s curt answer: “Acting.” Pryce revealed that he got a stress injury in his hand and lost the skin on a finger from all of the rubbing, and that he wasn’t touching an actual woman but rather a “modesty sandbag.” Dancy also revealed he visited a sex museum in Shanghai in preparation for the role. “You really had to take their word [that the artifact was a sex toy]. You look at it and think, that’s just a rock.”

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The Hype

TIFF Talk

September 16, 2011 | 12:40 pm

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TIFF PHOTO GALLERY: James Gandolfini, Saoirse Ronan and Alexis Bledel on the red carpet for the gala presentation of Violet and Daisy

When James Gandolfini walks the red carpet, he does so like Tony Soprano: he gets in, gets the job done and gets out (but he still makes his presence felt—when an older woman asked for a photo, he responded, “Get in here, Momma!”). Also making their presence felt as they walked the red carpet for Violet and Daisy were a pair of young starlets—Saoirse Ronan and Alexis Bledel—who play teenage assassins in the film. The duo complemented each other splendidly—Ronan in a seafoam knee-length pleated dress and Bledel in a black and gold number strangely reminiscent of a ’70s Star Trek uniform (we still think it worked).

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The Hype

TIFF Talk

September 16, 2011 | 12:10 pm

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TIFF PHOTO GALLERY: Maggie Gyllenhaal and Hugh Dancy on the red carpet for the gala presentation of Hysteria

Considering Hysteria is a film about vibrators, the premiere’s red carpet last night at Roy Thompson Hall was a surprisingly modest affair. Director Tanya Wexler appeared uncomfortable in front of the cameras and was rushed inside without signing any autographs (although she did wave to fans, yelling, “Hi Canada!” and “Sorry” as her PR people ushered her out of the spotlight). Hugh Dancy, whose immaculate beard has been getting rave reviews, arrived with a smile. Jonathan Pryce gave one of the most dignified and professional red carpet performances we’ve seen so far at the festival, gazing directly into each camera and laughing it off when a cheeky photographer accidentally called him “Vincent.” Then, of course, there was Maggie Gyllenhaal, elegantly dressed head to toe in white. She did have to be prompted to remove a long black blazer, but in her defense it was freezing. Under the shining spotlights of CityTV’s cameras, subtle streaks of grey were visible in her up-do. Gyllenhaal lets her greys show! She’s the real deal, and we love her for it. See our photo gallery, after the jump.

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The Hype

TIFF Talk

September 15, 2011 | 12:15 pm

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TIFF PHOTO GALLERY: Nicolas Cage walks the red carpet for Joel Schumacher’s Trespass

After charming the assembled press corps with tales of a naked man eating a Fudgsicle in his bed at the press conference for Trespass, Nicolas Cage charmed his screaming fans at the red carpet at Roy Thomson Hall for the new Joel Schumacher flick, signing autographs the entire length of the carpet from underneath an umbrella. Seriously, Cage is a charmer (and, frankly, we’re kind of surprised). Unfortunately, his co-star in the film, Nicole Kidman, wasn’t in attendance (she’s currently shooting another picture in the U.S.). But no matter, Cage and Schumacher managed to delight fans without her. See our photo gallery, after the jump.

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The Hype

TIFF Talk

September 14, 2011 | 3:19 pm

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RED CARPET POLL: Did Madonna act like a bigger diva at Venice or at TIFF?

Madonna walking the red carpet at TIFF (Image: Christopher Drost)

Madonna has been accused of some, let’s say, unbecoming behavior recently. First, there was hydrangea-gate (a scandal so egregious it has already received the so, so tired “-gate” status). While promoting her thus far poorly received film W.E., which she wrote and directed, at the Venice Film Festival, the Material Girl received a flower—a hydrangea—from a fan. Madonna promptly dumped it on the ground, proclaiming, “I absolutely loathe hydrangeas. He obviously doesn’t know that.”

Then, earlier this week at TIFF after walking the red carpet for the same movie, Madonna allegedly told eight volunteers backstage to turn and face the wall lest they see Madge pass by on her way to the press conference (naturally, Madonna’s publicist denied the reports yesterday evening). When we first heard about the (alleged) incident we assumed it was a delusional act of self-importance. But then we remembered a certain Bible passage (her name is Madonna, after all): quoth the Lord to Moses, “Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live…Thou shalt see my back parts.” So, perhaps the Queen of Pop was just protecting those volunteers from her blinding radiance.

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The Hype

TIFF Talk

September 14, 2011 | 1:02 pm

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TIFF PHOTO GALLERY: Jennifer Garner and Olivia Wilde walk the red carpet for Butter

The gala presentation of Butter at Roy Thomson Hall last night was all about the ladies. Little Yara Shahidi kicked off the proceeds at the most packed and frenetic red carpet since Madge walked here on Monday, and she was downright adorable, giggling at the barrage of flashes and the demands of fans who claimed to have been lining the barricades since 5 a.m. Ashley Greene came next in a swish knee-length silver number, but was—dare we say it—outshone by Olivia Wilde, who was stunning in a floor-length white and gold gown (we’re not sure if it was intentional, but she did appear to be channelling Diane Kruger’s character in Troy). The only fellas worth mentioning at this affair were director Jim Field Smith and writer Jason Micallef. Sadly, Hugh Jackman couldn’t make it to the Big Smoke for this year’s festival, but Alicia Silverstone helped make up for it, although we figure it must be annoying to still be signing eight-by-10s of herself as Cher Horowitz from Clueless. Of course, Jennifer Garner also graced the red carpet, sporting two of this year’s most popular accessories: epically high heels and a baby bump. See our photo gallery, after the jump.

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The Hype

TIFF Talk

September 14, 2011 | 12:55 pm

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TIFF PHOTO GALLERY: Adam Brody, Greta Gerwig and Analeigh Tipton join Whit Stillman at the red carpet for Damsels in Distress

Adam Brody, Greta Gerwig, Analeigh Tipton and Carrie MacLemore on the red carpet for Whit Stillman’s new film (Image: Lia Grainger)

The wind whipping down Yonge Street yesterday afternoon wreaked havoc on the hemlines of the Damsels in Distress ladies, in the most delightful way. Carrie MacLemore was the first to arrive, her flouncy grey knee-length frock bouncing in the breeze, and seemed quite tickled to be walking the carpet for her feature film debut. Mumblecore queen Greta Gerwig strolled by in black and didn’t pose for a single solo shot (earning a few enemies in the photo pit) while a very slender Analeigh Tipton playfully blew kisses at the cameras in a long, sheer number. Adam Brody cut a dashing figure in a skinny black suit with a matching tie and curls, and the man of the hour, director Whit Stillman—this is his first film since The Last Days of Disco in 1998—played down the buzz by posing only briefly for a group photo. But if anything says a film is one to watch, it’s the arrival of Roger Ebert and his wife Chaz at the premiere. Ebert, who has undergone many serious surgeries for thyroid cancer over the past decade, seemed in good spirits, smiling for photographers, who for once didn’t yell for eye contact, but rather whispered hushed thank-yous to the legendary critic.

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The Hype

TIFF Talk

September 13, 2011 | 4:05 pm

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Venice vs. TIFF fashion showdown, Madonna edition

Her Royal Majesty the Queen of Pop—that’s right, ladies and gentlemen, Madonna—screened her second directorial feature at both the Venice and Toronto film festivals this year, and, of course, walked the red carpet at each one. Her film, W.E., goes back and forth in time, exploring a pair of relationships: Wallis Simpson and Prince Edward VIII’s affair in wartime England and a contemporary romance between a married woman and a Russian-American security guard. While the movie juxtaposes the two love stories, we’d rather juxtapose Madonna’s outfit choices. Madge was black-tie ready in Venice with a custom-made floor-length grey gown covered in red butterflies by Italian designer Vionnet. In Toronto, Madonna went with a classic but much more pared-down look: a black Tom Ford dress with lace overlay (offset by her dramatic red lips). For our part, we prefer her ensemble for the Toronto screening: clean lines and a lack of insects just works. What do you think?

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(Images: Madonna at Venice—Ian Gavan/ Getty Images Entertainment/ Getty Images; Madonna at TIFF—Christopher Drost)

The Hype

TIFF Talk

September 13, 2011 | 3:23 pm

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TIFF PHOTO GALLERY: Glenn Close on the red carpet for the gala presentation of Albert Nobbs

Glenn Close with daughter Annie Starke (Image: Jason Merritt/ WireImage)

Glenn Close is in town promoting her latest flick, Albert Nobbs, directed by Rodrigo Garcia. The film is dear to Close’s heart: she first starred in the off-Broadway production of The Singular Life of Albert Nobbs in 1982, whereupon she become obsessed with her role as a 19th-century woman who lived her life as a male butler in Dublin. Since starring in the play, Close has worked to bring Albert Nobbs to film, finally shooting the movie last winter in Ireland. Close starred, produced, and co-wrote the script with Man Booker winner John Banville. And yet, the red carpet premiere last night felt a little sparse. Close was there in all her glory, as was her daughter Annie Starke and co-star Janet McTeer, but rising star Mia Wasikowska, Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Brendan Gleeson, all in the film, were notably absent. See our photo gallery, after the jump.

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The Hype

TIFF Talk

September 13, 2011 | 3:01 pm

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TIFF PHOTO GALLERY: Madonna looks good, but behaves badly, at the red carpet gala for her new film, W.E.

(Image: Christopher Drost)

Madonna was the picture of elegance as she walked the red carpet at last night’s gala presentation of W.E., a film she wrote and directed. Joining her were the movie’s stars Andrea Riseborough and Abbie Cornish and, randomly, socialite Suzanne Rogers. Absent, however, were the flick’s James D’Arcy and Oscar Isaac, who chose to attend the Ten Year premiere instead. We have to admit we were disappointed in the lack of man candy on display and surprised, frankly, that Isaac skipped the premiere (one should know never to disappoint Madge like that). Either way, the three ladies (Madonna, Riseborough and Cornish) looked ravishing in their red carpet wear. As for the treatment of the TIFF volunteers on hand, that’s another story entirely. See our photo gallery, after the jump.

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The Hype

TIFF Talk

September 13, 2011 | 1:08 pm

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TIFF PHOTO GALLERY: Neil Young, Eddie Vedder and Daniel Lanois at the red carpet gala for Neil Young Journeys

Neil Young and Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder (Image: Peter Bregg/ Getty Images Entertainment/ Getty Images)

With his majestic sideburns on full display, Neil Young moseyed down the red carpet at the Princess of Wales Theatre yesterday for his film Neil Young Journeys. Director Jonathan Demme stuck close by and we’re gonna wager a guess that, like the rest of us, Demme is totally crushing on Young at this point. Journeys is Demme’s third doc on the artist, covering Young’s Massey Hall concert this past May and interspersed with scenes from a nostalgic road trip through Ontario. Other attendees included Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder, manager Elliot Roberts and fellow Canadian music royalty Daniel Lanois, who produced the album Le Noise, which features in the film. See our photo gallery, after the jump.

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The Hype

TIFF Talk

September 13, 2011 | 12:24 pm

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Venice vs. TIFF fashion showdown, Sarah Gadon edition

Venice vs. Toronto

Toronto’s own Sarah Gadon is certainly one to watch—she’s recently starred in The Moth Diaries and David Cronenberg’s TIFF hit A Dangerous Method, as well as having shot Cosmopolis, another Cronenberg flick, in the city with Robert Pattinson earlier this summer. Gadon is also one of the lucky up-and-coming actresses to walk red carpets at both the Venice Film Festival and TIFF this year, but we’ve got to hand it to her for stepping up the glamour at her hometown festival. Gadon attended the September 2 premiere of A Dangerous Method in Venice wearing a simple deep blue dress with a peep cutout and dramatic red lips. While we think Gadon looks beautiful (and a bit like Portia de Rossi) in Venice, we have to say that Gadon really oozed glamour at the Toronto premiere of A Dangerous Method in a full-length Jason Wu gown. She’s definitely bringing the red carpet vibe back to TIFF, and we love her for it.

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(Images: Venice, Alberto E. Rodriguez/WireImage/Getty Images Entertainment; Toronto, Christopher Drost)

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