Celebrity Sightseeing at TIFF ‘08

I just spent the long weekend in Toronto, where the city is kicking off its annual film festival frenzy. The Toronto International Film Festival starts today, and buzz is thick. But patio chatter anticipated Brangelina's touchdown and celebrity schmooze-fests more than actual films. But most people aren't getting into the Burn After Reading gala screening, and even less are going to see Sunshine Barry and the Disco Worms. So if world cinema isn't your thing, but you still want to participate in all the hoo-ha, there's just one option remaining: celebrity stalk the more than 500 in attendance.

Celeb-trap Sassafraz in Yorkville was gutted by a fire two years ago, but it’s since been resurrected—and don’t be surprised if tables are booked solid throughout the fest. No matter—catch Charlize Theron sipping on something sweet on their streetside patio, and walk back and forth, back and forth. Queen West Italo hotspot Terroni was the site of a recent Ryan Gosling/Rachel MacAdams reunion, so be on the lookout for Edward Norton attempting to win back Salma Hayek over some ultra-thin crust “Pizze.” Rosewater Supper Club is an official sponsor of the fest and will be extending their liquor license to 4 a.m. (up from Toronto’s usual embarrassment of 2), so take advantage of a buzzed Colin Farrell while you can.

The spa-inspired C Lounge will be closed for festival festivities throughout much of the festival’s festivities, but it’s called having nothing to lose. With the perfect mix of confidence and luck, you might find yourself lounging by the outdoor pool (a rare thing for T.O. nightlife) next to festival parasites like Paris Hilton, but probably not. Lobby is a posh lounge that usually lures kids from the suburbs for a taste of the cosmopolitan life, but during the festival gaining entrance may prove iffy. Famous ghosts of TIFF’s past include Christina Ricci, Kevin Spacey, and Scarlett Johansson. This year I’m predicting Chi McBride makes this his festival ground zero.

Celebrities need to sleep to, and while trying to get a room on Jeff Goldblum’s floor might be a bit much, loiter outside the regal Windsor Arms hotel, and Mr. Goldblum may just extend his gangly arms and sign your unopened fest schedule. And for the hepcat stars (talking to you, Michael Cera), there’s no other hotel than the boutique Drake to feel like you’re famous, but like not, at the same time. Lastly, the Four Seasons has long been the epicenter of TIFF universe, but the real celebrity-heavy zone will be the Starbucks next door.