As the star watching winds down at the Toronto International Film Festival, we take stock of the themes and trends and name our awards from what we've seen so far.
9/11 and Iraq
As the curtain sets on yet another Toronto International Film Festival, this year's political themes and anti-war messages were as big as the Hollywood stars who attended.
From "The Brave One" to "In the Valley of Elah" and "Reservation Road," the impact of 9/11 and America's war on Iraq crept into story lines and personal philosophies of stars who swooped into Hollywood North to promote their new films.
Jabs at George Bush
Oh where, oh where should one begin? Almost every A-lister had something to say about President George W. Bush and "his" war on Iraq.
There was director Paul Haggis ("In the Valley of Elah"), who told journalists about three women who spoke to him recently at a screening of his film for war vets. Within seven minutes, Haggis recounted, these three people told him how their loved ones returned from service in Iraq and took their lives shortly thereafter.
"They were good enough to serve, but now they're not worthy to get help,"
Haggis said, condemning the lack of care America's government gives to soldiers returning from Iraq, many with post-traumatic stress.
Orange Agent
There was Mark Ruffalo's orange wrist band of protest. He wore it at his "Reservation Road" press conference, so he said, to inspire a movement to impeach President Bush.
Then there was Cate Blanchett. She described Queen Elizabeth I -- her character in "Elizabeth: The Golden Age" -- has having "travelled even less than George Bush."
The Hollywood hype
At first glance the long lineup of weary, baggage laden people in the Four Season's corridors seemed like tourists waiting for a flight out at the airport.
It was, in fact, the press waiting to jockey for a seat at George Clooney's "Michael Clayton" conference.
Both Clooney and Brad Pitt ("The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford") drew the biggest crowds by far -- and the loudest sounds of cameras clicking at their respective press chats.
Best put down
When one American journalist asked Clooney about his "relationship" with model Sarah Lawson, the witty Clooney waved his hand like he was swatting a pesky fly and said, "I never talk about personal stuff." The question -- and the journalist -- were shot down faster a than a Christmas turkey.
Best role models
Forget Paris Hilton. When it comes to truly inspiring Hollywood women nothing compared this week to Cate Blanchett ("Elizabeth: The Golden Age") and Jodie Foster ("The Brave One"). From Foster's flawless conversations in French to Blanchett's remarkable wit and candour, these girls have really got it going on.
Hottest star on the red carpet
Tween favourite Hilary Duff may have been spotted this week walking her Chihuahua about Yorkville. But it was actress Leelee Sobieski ("Walk All Over Me") who truly turned heads. Watching the stunning actress work the red carpet sent photographers and their cameras into near convulsions.
The guys win the prize
Colin Farrell, Ewan McGregor and Woody Allen win hands down for their candid, funny chatter and meaningful conversation during the press conference of "Cassandra's Dream."
Funniest revelation
"I'm lazy," Woody Allen confessed at the press conference for "Cassandra's Dream." Getting into movies "to meet women and not have an ordinary life of drudgery," Allen said, "I'm not a perfectionist. I want to shoot, go home and get on with my life."
Second funniest revelation
"Actors are so f--king deified," Colin Farrell quipped at the "Cassandra's Dream" press conference.
And the charm award goes to...
Legendary actor Michael Caine. Although co-star Jude Law was stuck at the airport, the delightful Caine, along with director Kenneth Branagh, made their press conference for "Sleuth" one of the most entertaining and memorable.
Best party
From Casa Loma to the Windsor Arms, film festival parties popped up all across the city this week. For most major star power, the "Michael Clayton" party at the Design Exchange took the prize. Yes, George Clooney showed -- unlike many other celebs who were no-shows throughout the week.
Best VIP room
With so many select hideaways dotting this year's celebrity trail, the IT Lounge at the Windsor Arms clearly had the coolest swag bags in the city.
Craziest conversation
Joaquin Phoenix joking with co-star Mark Ruffalo. Phoenix didn't say much at his "Reservation Road" press conference, but when he did speak it was short, sweet and skimpy on meaning.
Stingiest with the Sharpie
This year, Tommy Lee Jones gained a reputation as the festival's biggest sourpuss, dancing around questions and delivering condescending answers while promoting "No Country for Old Men.''
In with the press
Charming Mark Ruffalo told [his] publicist he wanted more time to speak with one journalist, despite her insistence to cut off the question session, "I'm giving her a story,'' he joked, while discussing his film "Rendition Road.''
Humble pie award
Superstar actor Matt Damon offered to make one reporter a cup of coffee before an interview.
Celebrity Sasquatch Award
With so much mange skulking up and down Bloor Street this past week, proclaiming one winner is no easy task. Yet, after careful consideration, the ferret that adorned the mug of "American Beauty" star Wes Bentley star was by far the filthiest of all. With no discernable interval between his chest hair and his chin hair in his disgusting "cheard," Bentley gave new meaning to the word grubby.
Oddest couple of the festival
Marilyn Manson and Rachel Evan Wood, of course. Here to support his girlfriend, Manson for some bizarre reason, feels all that powder and foundation is neccessary 10 years after his music career peaked. Gene Simmons never wore his make-up to dinner at Bistro 990.
Coolest of the Cool Award
Don Cheadle, hardest working man in Hollywood.
- Constance Droganes, entertainment writer, CTV.ca
