| TOP 100 EVENTS 05.16.08 12:22 PM |
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| Toronto's Top Entertainment Industry Events 2008 |
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Hillary Duff greeted fans outside MuchMusic.
Photo: Courtesy of MuchMusic |
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1. Toronto International Film Festival
It’s the world’s largest film festival open to the public—attendance exceeds 340,000—and it’s the talk of the town during its 10-day run. In 2007, the festival featured 349 films from 55 countries, along with a series of celebrity-studded galas at Roy Thomson Hall. New artistic director Noah Cowan will take the helm at the 2008 festival from September 4 to 13.
2. Canadian Music Week
The 2008 event, which ran March 5 through 8, attracted 3,000 delegates and 50,000 spectators for three nights of live performances by 550 bands. The event also included four award shows, a two-day conference, a songwriters festival, and the new, youth-focused Millennials Conference.
3. Hot Docs International Documentary Festival
North America’s largest documentary festival celebrated its 15th anniversary this year, screening more than 170 national and international films from April 17 to 27. The Toronto Documentary Forum for buyers and sellers has established itself as a key feature of this event.
4. North by Northwest Music & Film Festival and Conference
From June 12 to 15, more than 500 independent musicians will take the stage at 40 venues across the city. Also part of the event: industry workshops, panel discussions, a large conference, and an independent film festival.
5. The MuchMusic Video Awards
The star-studded MMVAs air live from the music station’s headquarters on Queen Street West, where crowds of fans gather outside to watch the festivities. The June 2007 show featured performances by Fergie and Avril Lavigne, as well as a rooftop performance by Finger Eleven. The 2008 awards will take place June 15.
6. Canada's Walk of Fame
Talented Canadians in the sports, music, film, theatre, and television industries are honoured at the Walk of Fame’s annual gala, which is broadcast nationwide. Last year’s eight inductees included actress Jill Hennessy and news anchor Lloyd Robertson. The 2008 gala, including a dinner and after-party, marks the event’s 11th anniversary; the venue and date have not yet been confirmed.
7. Genie Awards
In their 28th year, the Genie awards continue to be a top Canadian cultural event. The nationally televised award show honours achievements in the Canadian film industry and attracts more than 1,600 attendees. The 2008 awards took place on March 3 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
8. The Dora Awards
The biggest Canadian award show dedicated exclusively to the performing arts saw a number of changes last year, including two new award categories and a preshow V.I.P. reception at the Rosewater Supper Club. The awards are named after Dora Mavor Moore, a champion of Toronto theatre, and are presented by the Toronto Association of Performing Arts. The 2008 show is set for June 30.
9. Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala
The fifth annual gala on March 1 moved from the Metro Toronto Convention Centre to a larger space in the Toronto Centre for the Arts. It included the award presentations, live performances, a postshow dessert reception, and a silent auction. Paul Anka was among the four inductees honoured.
RELATED TOPICS
Toronto's Top 100 Events, Millennials Conference, MuchMusic, Toronto Association of Performing Arts
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