At TIFF, buzz is the biz.
As always, the festival buzz plays out at various parties and dinners. While the temp is slightly lower than it was during TIFF’s 50th anniversary edition last year, there’s more than enough action to go ‘round, with any number of venues — new and not — playing host to a matrix of agents, publicists, studio heads, party-planners, debutantes and hangers-on.
Cruz set to reign
If there is a queen of TIFF this year, our money is on Penélope Cruz to emerge with the crown. With two films at this year’s fest — “La Bola Negra,” a Spanish Cannes sensation and awards season shoo-in and “Bunker,” in which Cruz reunites with her husband Javier Bardem — the Oscar winner is expected to be everywhere in Toronto.
That includes the annual TIFF Tribute Gala at the Fairmont Royal York, where Cruz will join other honourees including Helen Mirren, Seth Rogen and Isabelle Huppert.
Pre-parties. Post-parties. Parties for other parties. It’s all happening.
The party circuit
One night alone during the first weekend of this year’s fest brings a torrent of events — including the annual Women in Film dinner, co-hosted by Chanel and Variety; a Hugo Boss bash for the film “The Julia Set” (starring Chase Infiniti and Chris Briney); and an Air France event taking place — get this — atop the CN Tower.
There are new parties, like one YouTube is doing, also with Variety, to coincide with the launch of TIFF marketplace. There are long-standing traditions, like the annual Sony Classics dinner at Morton’s. There’s a big British event, put on in part by the British Film Commission, happening at Beso on King West. It’s one of any number of parties for films at Charles Khabouth’s various venues, including Vinny’s, Bar Romy and Primadonna — the nightlife impresario says they are doing upwards of 50 functions for projects starring, among others, Naomi Watts, Julianne Moore and Taron Egerton.
Justin Trudeau is hosting something? So one hears. Moët & Chandon get things going with a toast to TIFF at Fairmont’s Clockwork Bar early in the week. A big Netflix party is happening at Nobu. “Night at Hong Kong Cinema” is planned at Mott 32. And the Artists for Peace and Justice gala returns to the Windsor Arms, where it will honour Andrea Martin, among other stars.
Michelle Yeoh, James McAvoy and Amanda Seyfried will be some of the stars at Cassius, which is being turned into the Campari Film Centre. RBC House, always a destination, sets down on Adelaide West, and gears up to host parties for such high-profile movies like “Fjord” starring Sebastian Stan.
Places to keep an eye out for some star wattage include Prime Seafood Palace, estiatorio Milos, Sammarco, Pai, Lunch Lady, Adrak, EPOCH and Quetzal. Mark it down: Riley’s Fish & Steak, which opened right behind Roy Thomson Hall earlier this year, and is the swankiest newbie of the year. Don’t forget Mizunara, the sultry new Japanese-style “whisky bar” that just opened right in the middle of all the action.
Five spots to stargaze during TIFF 2026
1. Punch
30 Mercer St.
This spot instantly became one of the swellest restaurants in town when it opened inside the Le Germain Hotel last year. Combining the feel of a Raj-era gentlemen’s club and the metropolitan march of Mercer Street — lots of dark wood and four towering chandeliers — it’s a place that does an admirable job interpreting Indian standards through a contemporary London lens. (Butter Chicken Pot Pie, anyone?) With several shindigs booked here during TIFF, as part of the new-to-fest CineDine series, expect to see stars such as Antonio Banderas.
What to order: Punch’s Beef Wellington — a showstopper beef tenderloin, made in the traditional way, but given extra depth with a drizzle of “Rogan Josh.”
2. Darling Girl
44 Wellington St. E.
Opening just in time for TIFF, this is the newest concept from the group that brought Toronto Jean Darlene Piano Room — the karaoke-friendly, retro chill-out bar over on the west end. Set in the old Pravda space on Wellington, this 300-person venue leans into “rock ’n’ roll luxe,” and will indeed, host a party for “Darlene Love: I know Where I’ve Been,” a rousing doc about the R&B icon. (Will a certain someone sing?) Featuring a generous dance area, pops of Lynchian red and dance poles lifted from the now-retired Filmores gentlemen’s club, this is a spot to watch.
What to order: Try the “Pinky Ring,” a mix of agave tequila, Aperol, Chambord, Verjus and salt.
3. Four Seasons Hotel
60 Yorkville Ave.
As much as the TIFF nexus has moved downtown, some things still shine brightest in Bloor-Yorkville. What’s starrier than the annual “Road to the Golden Globes party,” on the first weekend of TIFF, happening once more at the luxury hotel? The invitation-only bash, which featured a “caviar bump station” last year, and brings together actors and industry folk, is always a one-stop-shopping when it comes to boldface names. In 2025 alone, the party brought out Andrew Scott, Paul Mescal, Kirsten Dunst, Channing Tatum, Natalie Portman, Sydney Sweeney, Ethan Hawke…
What to order: Lean into the Canadiana with the hotel’s “Northern Fashioned” cocktail: Lot No. 40 Canadian Rye, Orange Bitter, Fernet-Branca, maple and bitters.
4. Silent H
461 King St. W.
Good vibes only at this multi-floor, modern Mexican spot. An arched, golden staircase announces the restaurant, leading to a vast room full of groups in pink velvet booths poring over dishes such as the Tacos Olvidados de Camarón (“forgotten shrimp tacos”) and Esquites Sin Elote (basically, “corn without the corn”). Having become a kind of NBA rite-of-passage since its opening in 2023 — LeBron James and Steph Curry have both visited — it’s expected to be an equally starry spot during TIFF with a couple of parties happening at its downstairs speakeasy lounge known as AITCH. One of the films being celebrated include “The Man I Love” starring Rami Malek.
What to order: Go big or go home with the “44 oz. tomahawk”: brushed down with serrano and tortilla ashes, slow-cooked and then seared on a high-flame mesquite grill. Served tableside!
5. Harriet’s Rooftop, 1 Hotel
550 Wellington St. W.
It’s all about the view: a panorama of towers in one direction and in the other: a close-up of the Gardiner Expressway that, at night, looks positively Cronenbergian. A popular setting for TIFF parties, atop 1 Hotel — we’ve seen everyone from Jessica Chastain to Glen Powell pop up — it’s expected to be happening again for TIFF with parties planned for such titles as “Closing Night” with Sarah Paulson, and “Josephine” starring Channing Tatum and Gemma Chan. Add to that: the electricity happening in the Flora Lounge on the lower level, which is morphing into the Hollywood Reporter Green Room during the Fest, complete with celebrity guests.
What to order: Take a spin on the tequila side with the “Starlight Paloma,” made with Don Julio 1942, salted grapefruit juice and agave.
