On the third day, the skies opened and rain poured down upon Toronto, washing away the sins of the night before so new ones could be committed in the name of film promotion on Saturday—traditionally, the biggest party night of the festival.
Some publicists probably needed a drink even more than usual after screenings of two films, biopic "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom" with Idris Alba as the South African leader and war drama "The Railway Man" with Colin Firth, both suffered projection malfunctions.
As usual, the Sony Pictures Classics dinner at Yorkville’s Crème Brasserie was the first stop for many of the press and industry types looking for a good free meal before switching to a liquid diet.
Other notables in attendance included director Jim Jarmusch, his trademark white pompadour in full bloom while in town with his contemporary vampire tale "Only Lovers Left Alive." Joining him were cast members Tom Hiddleston and Anton Yelchin.
Outside in the courtyard was Tom Wilkinson, taking in some fresh air and eager to talk about his upcoming collaboration with Vince Vaughn in the comedy "Business Trip." He appears in another reality-based Searchlight title, "Belle."
Susan Wloszczyna spent much of her nearly thirty years at USA TODAY as a senior entertainment reporter. Now unchained from the grind of daily journalism, she is ready to view the world of movies with fresh eyes.