Cinema Center made Hollywood’s finest feel right at home this TIFF 

That’s a wrap! Roxstar Entertainment’s Cinema Center has done it again, in all of its A-list-filled glory. The leading Hollywood events and communication group returned to the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) to host the entertainment industry’s finest for the third year, making them feel right at home during press junkets and after-parties.

With a strict guest list in effect (despite the passionate attempts by some party crashers), Cinema Center events took place at MARBL, Soluna, KISSA, and the soon-to-open, sprawling new Greek restaurant Milos Toronto. Party guests at Milos enjoyed a sneak peek of the buzzed-about new spot, which officially opens on September 26 and also has locations in New York and Montreal.

Meanwhile, the annual three-day Collider Media Studio, held at MARBL, kicked off the opening weekend with a slew of high-profile celebrity interviews. Here, top filmmakers and actors stopped in during their press circuits to conduct interviews for exclusive content on the popular entertainment site, Collider. The talented Collider team conducted interviews for films like “Loser Baby” (with Dakota Johnson), “The Substance” (with Demi Moore), “The Last Showgirl” (with Pamela Anderson); “The Cut” (with Orlando Bloom), “Nutcrackers” (with Ben Stiller), “The Order” (with Jude Law), and “Eden” (with Ron Howard, Ana de Armas, and Sydney Sweeney – just to name a few.

At the press junket for the psychological boxing drama ‘The Cut,” director Sean Ellis and star Orlando Bloom discussed Bloom’s dramatic weight loss for the role, something that saw him drop 35 lbs to play the part and the film shot in reverse order. Ellis said that the dramatic weight loss left Bloom “angry and paranoid.” Bloom added that he would collapse on the ground and not move as soon as Ellis yelled, “cut.” Mid-interview, all actors reacted as the couch vibrated, thanks to a text message received by Bloom. We wonder if it was from his wife Katy Perry, who pleasantly surprised TIFF-goers with her appearance.

At all events, presenting sponsor Range Rover Sport as well as supporting sponsors poppi soda, Don Julio Tequila (which was everywhere this TIFF), and new premium spring water brand, Legend engaged guests with their offerings. In fact, Legend owner, actor Aleks Paunovic, walked right up to Demi Moore post-interview and handed the star a bottle of the water (just in case she was tired from all that talking, you know?), which she graciously accepted.

Speaking of Demi Moore, the superstar was ageless and radiant, wearing a blazer, skirt, and black knee-high boots. Post-interview, Moore was not only reunited with her dog sidekick Pilaf – who was just as much a star this TIFF as his famous owner – but also the legendary Pamela Anderson, who had just finished another interview across the venue. In an iconic moment to witness (at least, for us), the pair – who both star in films about both realities and stereotypes associated with aging women – happily chatted before Pam made her way to the other side of the venue for her Collider interview.

As for Pam (and yes, we feel like we can call her that), the makeup-free star radiated nothing but grace, and calm, humble vibes. When Oscar talk was mentioned (this is a game-changing role for the star – one that puts her on a whole new level talent-wise), she appeared bashful and almost embarrassed, saying, “That would be crazy,” of the possibility.

Cinema Center venues were home to after-parties for films like ‘Relay” (featuring Sam Worthington, Lily James, Riz Ahmed, Will Fitzgerald, and directed by David Mackenzie); “The Last Showgirl” (with Pamela Anderson, Kiernan Shipka, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jason Schwartzman, and directed by Gia Coppola); “Megalopolis” (starring Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, Aubrey Plaza, Shia LaBeouf, Nathalie Emmanuel, and directed by Francis Ford Coppola); and “The Millers in Marriage,” (starring Juliana Margulies, Minnie Driver, Gretchen Mol, Morena Baccarin, Benjamin Bratt, Patrick Wilson, Brian d’Arcy James, Campbell Scott, and directed by Edward Burns).

Famous faces like Henry Golding (Crazy Rich Asians) and Beatrice Grannò (White Lotus) joined the festivities at the exclusive TIFF after-party to celebrate the release of their new film, “Daniela Forever,” alongside director Nacho Vigalondo (“Colossal,” TIFF ’16). Guests at Soluna were treated to red carpet moments, a curated selection of gourmet canapés, and an impressive premium cocktail menu, including an array of Poppi Soda flavours like Strawberry Lemon, Orange, Cola, and Doc Pop. Sporting an all-white Prada suit and bowling shoes, Henry Golding was spotted mingling with his cast and crew, enjoying a custom cocktail infused with grenadine and Doc Pop-flavored Poppi Soda. Meanwhile, Beatrice Grannò, dressed in an elegant Vivienne Westwood lace dress and burgundy bag, sipped on a butterfly pea flower cocktail paired with Strawberry Lemon Poppi Soda while chatting with friends in a private booth.

On Sunday, the after-party for “Relay” offered the first look at the stunning Milos Toronto. Star Sam Worthington and director David Mackenzie, dressed in a tailored suit, sipped on a pineapple lime cocktail paired with Don Julio Blanco chatting with friends throughout the room. A little later on Sunday evening, “The Last Showgirl” after-party took over Milos. Pamela Anderson accompanied director Gia Coppola – with both arriving in style in a Range Rover Sport. Anderson and Coppola were dressed in understated, all black cocktail outfits sitting in a booth with legendary director Francis Ford Coppola (Gia’s grandpa). Anderson graciously snapped photos with partygoers (who are also fans) at the event.

The next night, it was the elder Coppola’s chance to celebrate his own TIFF film, “Megalopolis.” The premiere party was also attended by Adam Driver, Nathalie Emmanuel, Giancarlo Esposito, Grace VanderWaal, D.B. Sweeney and Director Francis Ford Coppola and hosted at Milos. In addition to Range Rover and Don Julio Tequila, the event was also sponsored by Francis Ford Coppola Winery. Nathalie Emmanuel (Game of Thrones) dazzled in a breathtaking white Dolce & Gabbana mesh gown adorned with floral appliqué, while Driver looked effortlessly elegant in a classic black suit and tie.

Meanwhile, a lively Esposito (Breaking Bad) made his rounds, mingling with friends and guests, sharing lighthearted moments and discussing Toronto with attendees celebrating the premiere. Grace VanderWaal captivated the media in a custom gown featuring a striking silk rose bodice and dramatic structured waist, playfully pirouetting with co-star D.B. Sweeney inside the party. In addition to mixing and mingling, Coppola enjoyed Milos’ authentic Greek fare, including Lavraki in salt, Greek tomato salad and its famed lobster pasta.

Finally, on Wednesday, Milos was once again home to another after-party – this time, for “Millers in Marriage”, featuring Minnie Driver (who, sadly for our 90s-loving hearts, was absent), Morena Baccarin, Gretchen Mol, Patrick Wilson, Julianna Marguiles, Edward Burns, Brian d’Arcy James, and directed by Edward Burns.

Julianna Marguiles was seen drinking a skinny margarita featuring Don Julio Tequila. Morena Baccarin was supported by her husband Ben McKenzie (Gotham) who brought her a vodka martini. An absolute timeless beauty, Christy Turlington was also present for the event, gliding glamorously and subtly throughout the room to support her husband, Edward Burns. Wilson was seen with castmates Brian d’Arcy James and Burns by the bar, greeting and taking photos with media and guests in attendance throughout the night.

As the festival wraps, the famous face-filled memories will not be forgotten. Until next year!