Andrew Garfield, Elizabeth Olsen, Barry Keoghan and More Toast Female Filmmakers at the Variety and Chanel Dinner at TIFF

As a seasoned film enthusiast who has attended countless industry events over the years, I can confidently say that the EbMaster and Chanel Female Filmmakers Dinner during the Toronto Film Festival was an extraordinary gathering of talent and camaraderie. The vibrant atmosphere, filled with laughter, lively conversations, and a spontaneous game of “Two Truths and a Lie,” made for an unforgettable evening.


The EbMaster and Chanel Women Directors Dinner gathered a star-studded group of Hollywood actors and artists such as Andrew Garfield, Elizabeth Olsen, the director of “Nightbitch,” Marielle Heller (who attended shortly before her film’s debut), Danielle Deadwyler, Barry Keoghan and others. It was an exciting evening during the Toronto Film Festival, filled with energy, cocktails, appetizing cuisine, and even a lively round of “Two Truths and a Lie” played impromptu.

The occasion transpired at Soho House Toronto, where attendees enjoyed a cocktail hour downstairs prior to a three-course dinner on the upper level of the social club. Inside, the eagerly awaited cast of “Saturday Night” – Cory Michael Smith, Lamorne Morris, Ella Hunt, and Dylan O’Brien – dropped by before their Tuesday night debut, which was held as part of the film’s premiere at TIFF. The movie, a highly anticipated title at TIFF, is set during the tumultuous 90 minutes preceding the first episode of “SNL” that aired in 1975. During the event, they socialized with fellow comedic actor Tony Hale, who was also present to promote his new film “Sketch.

Heller arrived accompanied by her husband and co-director Jorma Taccone, known for The Lonely Island and MacGruber. Meanwhile, Isabella Rossellini from Conclave, breakout star Nava Mau of Baby Reindeer, and multi-tasking award nominee Deadwyler, who is participating in two TIFF films – 40 Acres and The Piano Lesson – were also present, traversing the cocktail lounge.

At the bar, stars struck poses for photos, such as Himesh Patel, Edgar Ramirez, Amanda Collin, Leila George, along with Beatrice Grannò, who gained fame from “The White Lotus,” Maria Bakalova known for “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm” and “The Apprentice,” Rachel Morrison, director of “The Fire Inside,” agent Tom Jeggo, and the author of this piece. Can you guess which one among them could potentially have been a former competitive tennis player?

Andrew Garfield, Elizabeth Olsen, Barry Keoghan and More Toast Female Filmmakers at the Variety and Chanel Dinner at TIFF

Prior to the dinner commencing, TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey made an opening speech honoring female film directors during the festival.

Tonight, many gifted individuals from the world of cinema – some of whom are creating quite a buzz at this festival – are present in this very room. They’re here to honor and acknowledge the immense impact that women have on the silver screen, an influence that is not only significant but also rapidly expanding. This is exactly what we are gathered to endorse. It’s equally delightful to recognize some of the talented filmmakers who are part of the ‘Share Her Journey’ initiative.

Bailey highlighted the “Share Her Journey” alumni present among us, such as Sophie Jarvis, Asia Youngman, and Rebecca Fisseha. This was followed by EbMaster’s co-editor-in-chief, Ramin Setoodeh, who encouraged the female filmmakers in the room to lift their hands so that we could toast them.

For the past five years, EbMaster and Chanel have collaborated on these dinner events. We intentionally keep them small and intimate so people can connect, converse, inspire one another, and discuss storytelling, according to Setoodeh. At EbMaster, we feel honored and proud to feature the women who have passed through this room in our magazine and online platform, and we eagerly anticipate showcasing more inspiring women in the future at tonight’s event.

Setoodeh also thanked Chanel and EbMaster CEO and publisher Michelle Sobrino-Stearns.

In the upper level, the meal was a series of communal platters served throughout the night. The attendees seated themselves at intimate tables or cozy booths, frequently exchanging dishes such as burrata salad, salmon crudo, roasted potatoes, and steak.

Andrew Garfield, Elizabeth Olsen, Barry Keoghan and More Toast Female Filmmakers at the Variety and Chanel Dinner at TIFF
Andrew Garfield, Elizabeth Olsen, Barry Keoghan and More Toast Female Filmmakers at the Variety and Chanel Dinner at TIFF
Andrew Garfield, Elizabeth Olsen, Barry Keoghan and More Toast Female Filmmakers at the Variety and Chanel Dinner at TIFF
Andrew Garfield, Elizabeth Olsen, Barry Keoghan and More Toast Female Filmmakers at the Variety and Chanel Dinner at TIFF
Andrew Garfield, Elizabeth Olsen, Barry Keoghan and More Toast Female Filmmakers at the Variety and Chanel Dinner at TIFF
Andrew Garfield, Elizabeth Olsen, Barry Keoghan and More Toast Female Filmmakers at the Variety and Chanel Dinner at TIFF
Andrew Garfield, Elizabeth Olsen, Barry Keoghan and More Toast Female Filmmakers at the Variety and Chanel Dinner at TIFF
Andrew Garfield, Elizabeth Olsen, Barry Keoghan and More Toast Female Filmmakers at the Variety and Chanel Dinner at TIFF
Andrew Garfield, Elizabeth Olsen, Barry Keoghan and More Toast Female Filmmakers at the Variety and Chanel Dinner at TIFF
Andrew Garfield, Elizabeth Olsen, Barry Keoghan and More Toast Female Filmmakers at the Variety and Chanel Dinner at TIFF
Andrew Garfield, Elizabeth Olsen, Barry Keoghan and More Toast Female Filmmakers at the Variety and Chanel Dinner at TIFF
Andrew Garfield, Elizabeth Olsen, Barry Keoghan and More Toast Female Filmmakers at the Variety and Chanel Dinner at TIFF

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2024-09-08 21:16