Scarlett Johansson, Ethan Hawke, and More Shine at Campari’s TIFF Celebration
- By: Julianne Elise Beffa / Photos By: Photagonist
Hollywood Hits Toronto…
Toronto’s International Film Festival (TIFF) just got a serious glow-up thanks to Campari’s Cinema Center. Last night, Sony Pictures Classics brought the glamour with a dual celebration for Eleanor the Great and Blue Moon, turning the newly opened Jacobs & Co. Steakhouse at CIBC Square into one of TIFF’s hottest after-party destinations.
The night kicked off in style with Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut, Eleanor the Great, starring the indomitable June Squibb. At 95, Squibb was the undisputed life of the party, dazzling in a sequined red pantsuit as she greeted fans and co-stars Chiwetel Ejiofor and Erin Kellyman with warmth and charm. Johansson, glowing in pale pink, floated effortlessly between the bar and piano lounge, catching up with Ethan Hawke and mingling with guests as the room buzzed with excitement.
The Eleanor the Great premiere celebration was a masterclass in star power and showmanship. Guests sipped perfectly crafted Campari cocktails while chatting with filmmakers and actors, soaking in the kind of insider energy that makes TIFF truly magnetic. But just when it felt like the night could not get any bigger, the Blue Moon cast arrived and the party officially skyrocketed.
Ethan Hawke and Bobby Cannavale entered, bringing a fresh wave of charisma and energy. Hawke shared animated conversation with Johansson near the piano lounge while Cannavale worked the room, charming guests with hugs, handshakes, and signature smiles. Director Richard Linklater added another layer of star-studded cool, toasting with Cannavale over perfectly balanced Campari Negronis.
The atmosphere was electric. Laughter spilled from the piano lounge, fans caught candid moments with the stars, and photographers captured every iconic interaction. From the intimate corners of the dining room to the bustling bar, the night was packed with moments most TIFF attendees could only dream of. There were secret conversations with legends, impromptu piano jams, and spontaneous laughter that made the night unforgettable.
What many may have missed was the subtle magic of the space itself. Jacobs & Co. Steakhouse, newly opened at CIBC Square, provided the perfect backdrop: sleek, modern, and intimate, with a dining room that encouraged connection and a bar that invited mingling. The design allowed stars and guests to move easily through the space, creating unexpected encounters. Scarlett Johansson shared a laugh with June Squibb, Ethan Hawke had quiet conversation with Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Bobby Cannavale charmed fans across the room.
By the end of the evening, it was clear that Campari’s Cinema Center had done more than host an after-party. It created a celebration of film, fashion, and social energy that only TIFF can deliver. From cocktails to conversations, from red-carpet glamour to behind-the-scenes insider moments, the night reminded everyone why Toronto remains one of the most magnetic stages in the world for cinema. For those lucky enough to be there, it was more than a party. It was the party everyone will be talking about long after the festival lights dim.
