TIFF 2017 is in full swing. The festival, having opened last Thursday, includes a number of red carpet premieres, including directorial debuts by Brie Larson, Andy Serkis, Aaron Sorkin, and more, not to mention Oscar bait in the form of films such as the dreamy Call Me By Your Name and the Boston Marathon biopic Stronger.
For the diehards
In the past, some fans have gathered for stakeouts at Toronto’s airports, waiting for particular stars. A frazzled — but still handsome — Armie Hammer was spotted at Pearson on Friday, along with Charlie Hunnam. However, some celebs will go out of their way to avoid airport crowds, arriving on chartered planes and having border agents process them privately.
Most celebs will be staying in swanky hotels in the downtown core that will likely be on high alert for unwanted guests. However, some have bars and restaurants that are open to the public, like the Shangri-La’s BOSK, the Ritz-Carlton’s DEQ Terrace Lounge, or dbar at the Four Seasons. Stars like Jennifer Lawrence have previously been spotted at Soho House Toronto, which is members-only and has rules against cellphones and photography.
The festival’s red carpet premieres will also likely make use of the holding pens that have been set up on King Street West and throughout the city’s Entertainment District. Don’t expect to show up right before a premiere and be able to catch a glimpse of the limo exits, though — many fans will have been lining up since the crack of dawn.
For the foodies
Think of celebrities as tourists, albeit tourists with expensive tastes and the money to match. If you were visiting the city and had money to burn, you would likely want to visit the most upscale and exciting places Toronto has to offer.
Several cast parties are expected to take place at David Chang’s Momofuku Noodle Bar, namely those for Downsizing, which stars Matt Damon, Kristen Wiig, Alec Baldwin, and Neil Patrick Harris; Battle of the Sexes, which stars Steve Carell and Emma Stone; and Disobedience, which stars Rachel McAdams and Rachel Weisz.
Fring’s, the King Street West eatery associated with Drake, is likely to be a hot destination for the duration of the festival, along with Cibo Wine Bar and Brassaii, where Jessica Chastain celebrated her birthday last year during the festival. Located right behind the TIFF Bell Lightbox, director Ivan Reitman’s restaurant Montecito is also a prime destination for celebrities.
For the fashion plates
Holt Renfrew’s Yorkville location is known for hosting VIP TIFF events and for being one of the go-to locations for red carpet fashion. Keep in mind that a stakeout here is risky, as it’s more likely you’ll see a designated personal shopper than an actual celebrity.
