Where Are the Stars at TIFF 2020?

Sir Anthony Hopkins will be feted at this year’s TIFF.

By Bonnie Laufer

The Toronto International Film Festival has always been on the cutting edge when it comes to choosing films that have gone on to critical accolades and winning coveted Academy Awards.

But, despite the fantastic film choices over the years, what the public craves every September is seeing their favorite stars walking those red carpets, doing in-person interviews or, if you are really lucky, bumping into your favorite celeb at a restaurant or bar.

This year, that’s just not going to happen. Due to the pandemic, not only has the whole world had to adapt but so have film festivals. The recent Venice Film Festival had some stars wearing masks walk the red carpet. But the ban on letting people into Italy is less strict than allowing U.S. talent and filmmakers into Canada. Our borders are still closed, so most of the stars we will see promoting their films this year will shine virtually.

Virtual interviews, virtual Q and As, virtual press conferences and virtual red carpets!

So, who will rock the virtual world when it comes to TIFF? Still not entirely sure how a red carpet will work but I would love to see Halle Berry (promoting her directorial debut, Bruised) walking down her driveway in a stunning gown! Maybe her kids can pose as paparazzi? Berry will also be participating in an In Conversation With… that will be free for the public to watch! I can’t wait to see all her different outfits and hairdos!

There will most certainly be some lively and interesting virtual press conferences. My bets are on Concrete Cowboy with Idris Elba (quite frankly, he doesn’t even need to say one word) and One Night in Miami… that will feature director Regina King and many of the cast members joining in from their homes.

Plenty of stars are confirmed for Q&As after their screenings and some local filmmakers plan to be at in-theatre screenings. TIFF celebrity ambassadors will also be posting on social media.

Priyanka Chopra, who might just include her Jonas Brother hubby Nick, will do an Instagram event. The festival will also have a virtual reunion series, including one with Darren Aronofsky for Requiem for a Dream. If Jared Leto shows up, he will most definitely have some fun with his fans.

Let’s not forget about the special TIFF Tributes where we will see Kate Winslet and Sir Anthony Hopkins honoured for their work. These are two Brits who like to have a good time and I can only imagine what fun they will have accepting their awards virtually.

Keep your eyes peeled for the stars to “hit” Toronto virtually. You might not get a picture or an autograph, but you are guaranteed to have some fun… all from the comfort of your home.