Toronto – September 4, 2025

The red carpets rolled out in downtown Toronto Thursday night as the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) launched its milestone 50th edition, with Prime Minister Mark Carney making a high-profile appearance to honour one of Canada’s most beloved comedians, John Candy.

Carney took the stage at Roy Thomson Hall ahead of the world premiere of “John Candy: I Like Me,” a Ryan Reynolds–produced documentary spotlighting the late actor’s life and career. The Prime Minister praised Candy as a cultural icon who embodied Canadian values of tolerance, generosity, and humility.

“In a more dangerous, divided and intolerant world, when Canadians feel threatened, they channel their inner John Candy,” Carney told the audience, drawing warm applause.

The evening also highlighted TIFF’s growth into a global film powerhouse. Celebrating half a century, TIFF has become a defining feature of Canada’s cultural landscape. Festival Street, which has been transforming King Street into a pedestrian celebration for a decade, also received a Walk of Fame star to mark the occasion.

Carney, who jokingly said he was there to “take credit” for federal funding, reiterated Ottawa’s pledge to support TIFF. Last year, the government committed $23 million toward expanding TIFF’s content market initiative, a project aimed at strengthening Canada’s place in the international film industry.

“Canada is a story whose best chapters are yet to be written,” Carney said. “Not least because we’re a country that welcomes the world’s storytellers.”

With its mix of glamour, political weight, and heartfelt tributes, TIFF’s golden anniversary opening night set the stage for 10 days of cinema celebrating both Canadian heritage and global storytelling.