TIFF 2025: From John Candy to Hollywood’s Next Wave - The Unforgettable Premieres and Red Carpet Moments

Written by Lavanya, Intern, Allegedly The News

TORONTO, September 12, 2025

The 50th Toronto International Film Festival, running from September 4 to September 14, has once again transformed the city into the epicenter of the cinematic world. With its first full week now complete, the festival has firmly established its reputation as a crucial launching pad for the films that will dominate the awards season conversation. From heartfelt documentaries celebrating Canadian legends to high-stakes thrillers and star-making performances, TIFF 2025 has delivered a potent mix of emotional depth and Hollywood glamour.

A Triumphant Opening: A Canadian Icon's Return

The festival's opening night on Thursday, September 4, was a touching tribute to a beloved Canadian icon: John Candy. The world premiere of the documentary "John Candy: I Like Me," directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds, set a perfect, emotional tone for the entire event. The film, which features poignant interviews with Candy's family and friends like Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd, was a homecoming of sorts for the late actor, who was affectionately known as "Johnny Toronto." Prime Minister Mark Carney even took to the stage to honor Candy, underscoring the film's significance as a national moment. The film's heartfelt approach and a candid look at Candy's personal struggles resonated deeply with the audience, proving that a documentary can be just as impactful as a major Hollywood blockbuster. The premiere not only celebrated a cherished figure but also reminded everyone of TIFF's roots in Canadian cinema.

The Main Event: Blockbusters and Breakouts

The days following the opening gala were a blur of high-profile premieres and intense industry buzz. Here's a breakdown of the films and moments that defined the week:

September 5: A Knockout Performance and Hollywood Royalty Friday was a massive day for premieres, featuring the highly anticipated world premiere of David Michôd's Christy. The biopic, which chronicles the life of pioneering boxer Christy Martin, has been hailed as a career-defining moment for its star, Sydney Sweeney. Critics were quick to praise Sweeney's physical and emotional transformation for the role, with many immediately placing her at the forefront of the Oscar race for Best Actress. Sweeney's confident and focused demeanor on the red carpet was also a talking point, as she deftly steered questions away from her recent ad campaign and back to the film itself. Her presence, alongside boxing legend Christy Martin herself, created an electrifying atmosphere. Later that evening, the festival saw the premiere of Paul Greengrass's The Lost Bus, starring Matthew McConaughey and America Ferrera, a true-crime thriller that was met with a strong critical reception.

September 6: A Return to the Mystery Saturday night belonged to the star-studded cast of Rian Johnson's Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. The third installment of the whodunnit series had its world premiere, bringing Daniel Craig back to the red carpet alongside an A-list ensemble including Mila Kunis, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, and Kerry Washington. The film was described as a return to the franchise's more gothic, moody roots, with its locked-room mystery setup intriguing both critics and fans. Meanwhile, a more relaxed but equally buzzy premiere took place for Derek Cianfrance's Roofman, which brought Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst to Toronto, showcasing their easy chemistry and embracing the "slouchy suiting" trend on the red carpet.

September 7: The Auteur's Touch Sunday's premieres highlighted the festival's commitment to director-driven cinema. The Canadian premiere of Chloé Zhao's Hamnet, starring Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley, was a must-see for awards watchers. The emotional historical drama, which delves into Shakespeare's family life, was noted for its deeply moving performances. At the same time, Angelina Jolie graced the red carpet for her directorial effort, Couture, adding a touch of classic Hollywood glamour to the proceedings. The festival also saw the premieres of films from renowned international directors like Park Chan-wook and Olivier Assayas, with their respective films, No Other Choice and The Wizard of the Kremlin, signaling a strong global presence.

September 8-10: Diverse Voices and Unexpected Gems The middle of the week continued to showcase the breadth of TIFF's programming. Nia DaCosta's provocative reimagining of Ibsen's play, Hedda, starring Tessa Thompson, became a major talking point, praised for its feminist and queer themes. The documentary slate also continued to shine with films like Origin: The Story of the Basketball Africa League, featuring former Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri and Barack Obama, which had its world premiere. A particularly moving moment came with the premiere of The Voice of Hind Rajab, a documentary that explores a powerful and tragic story, bringing a crucial human rights focus to the festival.

The Style File: Red Carpet Fashion That Made a Statement

The TIFF 2025 red carpet has been a fashion event in its own right, with stars using their sartorial choices to amplify their presence and showcase unique style.

• Anya Taylor-Joy for the premiere of Sacrifice, debuted an ice-blue Dior gown with stunning origami-inspired folds, teasing the brand's new creative direction. Her choice, paired with Tiffany & Co. jewelry, was a masterclass in architectural elegance.
• Scarlett Johansson chose a draped silk Valentino gown for her directorial debut, Eleanor the Great. The soft, monochrome palette, contrasted only by her bright red nails, symbolized a sophisticated and purposeful transition from actress to filmmaker.
• Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst's coordinated looks for the Roofman premiere captured the relaxed glamour of the festival. Tatum embraced a slouchy pinstripe Saint Laurent suit, while Dunst stunned in a light blue off-the-shoulder Valentino gown, a piece from the brand's Resort 2026 collection.
• Felicity Jones provided a viral moment with her bold red gown for the Train Dreams premiere, noted for its clean, architectural lines and, most memorably, its pockets, a practical and stylish choice that delighted fans.
• Catherine O’Hara, receiving the Norman Jewison Career Achievement Award, was a vision in a long-sleeved floral gown from Alberta Ferretti's Fall 2025 collection, proving that timeless elegance never goes out of style.

Initial Verdicts: The Awards Season Has Begun

While the festival is still in progress, the buzz is undeniable. "John Candy: I Like Me" has solidified its position as a major contender for the Best Documentary Feature. The enthusiastic reception for Sydney Sweeney in Christy makes her a serious threat for a Best Actress nomination, a narrative that has only been bolstered by her poised public appearances. Rian Johnson's Wake Up Dead Man is already being discussed for its screenplay and ensemble cast, and with its upcoming Netflix release, it is poised to become a major player in the streaming awards race. Films like Hamnet and Hedda are now firmly on the radar of awards voters and critics, with their strong performances and compelling themes.

The Grand Unveiling: What's Next for These Films?

The first week of TIFF 2025 has provided a clear roadmap for the rest of the year. The films that received a warm reception are now on a fast track. Studios and distributors, armed with the festival’s audience and critical feedback, will now strategize their release campaigns, with many films set for a late 2025 release to maximize their awards potential. The buzz generated in Toronto is not just about prestige; it's a vital tool for attracting audiences and generating momentum. For many of these films, the real work has just begun.

A Look Behind the Curtains: Why TIFF Still Matters

In an age of endless streaming and direct-to-digital releases, the question of a film festival’s relevance is often asked. But TIFF 2025 has provided a compelling answer. It’s a place where cinematic art is celebrated in a communal, theatrical setting, where audiences and creators can connect in person. The genuine reactions and shared experiences of watching a film in a packed theater, surrounded by fellow cinephiles, cannot be replicated on a home screen. TIFF proves that the theater is not dead; it is simply evolving into a space for curated, high-stakes events that launch careers and define cultural moments.

What stories are we missing?

Beyond the A-list premieres and red carpet glamour, what role do film festivals play in amplifying marginalized voices and showcasing stories that might otherwise be overlooked? How can we, as audiences and critics, ensure these films get the attention they deserve?

Sources

The Associated Press, CBC Life, The Hindu, CTV News, TorontoToday.ca, TIFF Official Website.