A Celebratory Opening Night!

Oh, Canada! The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) opened its 50th edition in spectacular fashion on Thursday with the highly anticipated premiere of “John Candy: I Like Me.” This touching documentary pays tribute to the legendary comedian John Candy, who left us too soon at just 43 years old in 1994.

A Tribute to Canadian Greatness

This year’s opening gala was a heartfelt celebration of Canadian pride, something that's generally not in focus at TIFF. Contrary to last year's launch with Ben Stiller's comedy, this year’s choice steered into nostalgia, honoring Candy—a proud product of Toronto who started on the iconic SCTV before skyrocketing to fame. Known for timeless classics like “Stripes,” “Splash,” and “Planes, Trains and Automobiles,” Candy's legacy resonates deeply within Canadian culture.

Ryan Reynolds Joins the Celebration

The evening boasted star power with fellow Canadian Ryan Reynolds, who produced the documentary and hails from Vancouver. Reynolds, donned in a T-shirt emblazoned with a Canadian maple leaf, expressed his nostalgia, stating, “SCTV was big in my house. We live in this really curated society...and you see John going fearlessly, having fun...It was just a reminder to allow that in more as you go.” His sentiments resonated with the audience, a reminder to embrace risk-taking and creativity.

Director Colin Hanks Shares Heartfelt Memories

Joining Reynolds on stage was director Colin Hanks, whose father Tom shared a memorable collaboration with Candy in “Splash.” Hanks reflected on the unique bond he felt with Candy, saying, “I met him in-person before I ever saw him onscreen.” He highlighted fun moments from the documentary, featuring insights from iconic stars like Mel Brooks, Bill Murray, and Macaulay Culkin.

A Surprise Appearance from the Prime Minister!

In an unexpected twist, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney graced the event with a surprise appearance, garnering a standing ovation. In a cheeky nod to ongoing tensions between Canada and the U.S., he humorously stated, “Don’t push a Canadian too far,” evoking laughter from an appreciative crowd.

The Night Concluded on a Light Note

As the evening progressed, Hanks invited Reynolds to share a final thought, to which he playfully remarked, “I voted for Mark Carney.” This lighthearted banter encapsulated the joyful atmosphere of the night, celebrating not just Candy's legacy but also the unique spirit of Canada.