TIFF celebrity tracking

The Toronto International Film Festival is less than a week away, and even more imminent is the spirit of anticipation all over the city. Yes, TIFF season is upon us and most people are wondering what they can do - or rather, where they can be - to sun themselves in the celestial glow of the celebrity guest list. The A list celebrities scheduled to make appearances at the festival include (but are certainly not limited to) Clint Eastwood, Jon Hamm, David Suzuki, Robert De Niro, Hilary Swank, Colin Firth, Robert Redford, Keanu Reeves, Steve Coogan, Ryan Gosling, Ryan Phillippe, Ryan Reynolds, Woody Harrelson, Zach Galifianakis, Will Ferrell, Bill Murray, Uma Thurman, Rachelle Lefevre, Natalie Portman, Clive Owen, Matt Damon, Javier Bardem, Paul Giamatti, Aamir Khan and Megan Fox.

The celebration of film is of course what the prestigious festival is all about and with 35 years under their belt, TIFF couldn't ask for better audience reception than the response from avid film lovers and gossipy star gazers alike. But no matter how passionate you are about the art of film, a good celebrity sighting is the highlight of any average Joe's day. Yorkville Ave has been a long standing hot spot for Hollywood's hottest over the years, what with its charming collection of shops and boutiques, cafes, and fine cuisine. Bloor St draws attention for its shiny name brand stores, a haven for high end shopping opportunity. There has been talk this year, though, of Bloor-Yorkville seeing its last days as the central location for TIFF goers now that the Bell Lightbox luxury venue has been established and King Street is predicted to host more activity.

Toronto natives know that the TIFF traffic and celebrity spotting is fully at arm's length no matter where it is, to those who are dedicated enough, creative enough, and perhaps stealthy enough to find their way under those velvet ropes or strategically in line behind Megan Fox at Starbucks. But will the prospect of a new TIFF Central change the level of accessibility to the stars? What do you think?

Courtney Gilmour
		About the author:
		Courtney is a published writer, stand-up comic, and shameless Internet enthusiast. She holds a double bachelors degree in English Literature and Communication Media Studies, specializing in semiotic theory, however she doesn't get Shakespeare and has never won a game of Scrabble. Currently she lives in Toronto and works as a writer for WOMAN.CA.
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