Soderbergh, McKellen, and Thompson Light Up TIFF's Golden Anniversary Lineup

Olivia Bennett, 6/27/2025TIFF celebrates its 50th anniversary with a star-studded lineup featuring Steven Soderbergh, Ian McKellen, and Tessa Thompson. The festival promises innovative films and fresh takes on classics, reflecting a vibrant cinematic landscape. Join the celebration from September 4-14, 2025!

TIFF's Golden Anniversary Lineup Sparkles with Star Power and Fresh Faces

Darlings, Toronto's about to turn fifty, and she's doing it with the kind of panache that would make Madonna's reinventions look positively amateur. The Toronto International Film Festival just dropped its first wave of Special Presentations for 2025, and honey, it's serving exactly the kind of cinematic feast we've been craving in this post-strike era.

Cameron Bailey, TIFF's ever-diplomatic CEO, unveiled a lineup that's got everyone from streaming moguls to old-school cinema purists nodding in approval. And while he's calling it a reflection of "innovation, heart, and global perspective," let's call it what it really is — a masterclass in festival programming that proves Toronto hasn't lost its touch after five decades in the game.

Steven Soderbergh (yes, that Steven Soderbergh) is gracing us with "The Christophers" — marking his tenth TIFF appearance, if you're keeping score. The film pairs Ian McKellen with Michaela Coel and, somewhat surprisingly, James Corden in what's being whispered about as his comeback vehicle after that rather unfortunate restaurant drama. The premise? Think "The Thomas Crown Affair" meets "Succession," but with art forgery and family dysfunction cranked up to eleven.

But here's where things get really interesting. Nia DaCosta's modern spin on "Hedda Gabler" might just be the festival's crown jewel. Tessa Thompson takes on the titular role in "Hedda," and darling, the early buzz suggests she's about to do for Ibsen what Cate Blanchett did for Streetcar. The footage that's leaked online (not that anyone's officially acknowledging it) hints at something wickedly contemporary.

Speaking of ambitious undertakings, Alejandro Amenábar has apparently outdone himself with "The Captive." The film chronicles Miguel de Cervantes' time in 16th-century Algiers — and if you're thinking "not another period piece," hold that thought. Word from pre-screenings suggests it's more "The Favourite" than "Shakespeare in Love," if you catch my drift.

Canadian cinema's getting its moment too, thank heavens. Chandler Levack's "Mile End Kicks" — featuring Jay Baruchel in what might be his meatiest role since "Goon" — promises to do for Montreal's indie music scene what "High Fidelity" did for vinyl snobs. Bailey's particularly proud of this one, and honestly? He should be.

The festival's spreading its wings with a new International People's Choice Award, though one has to wonder if this isn't a subtle jab at certain other festivals' increasingly insular approach to cinema. (Venice, darling, is that you we're side-eyeing?)

From September 4-14, 2025, Toronto's transforming into the kind of cinematic wonderland that makes Cannes look positively provincial. Between the TIFF Tribute Awards Gala at the Fairmont Royal York (September 7, mark those calendars) and the return of Festival Street, it's shaping up to be less of a birthday party and more of a declaration: TIFF isn't just surviving, it's thriving.

And really, isn't that what turning fifty should be about? The festival's first wave of announcements suggests there's plenty of life in the old girl yet. Now, if you'll excuse me, there's a stack of screening schedules demanding attention and a very persistent publicist insisting I simply must see this year's Palme d'Or winner. The things we do for cinema, darling.

TIFF's Golden Anniversary Lineup Sparkles with Star Power and Fresh FacesDarlings, Toronto's about to turn fifty, and she's doing it with the kind of panache that would make Madonna's reinventions look positively amateur. The Toronto International Film Festival just dropped its first wave of Special Presentations for 2025, and honey, it's serving exactly the kind of cinematic feast we've been craving in this post-strike era.Cameron Bailey, TIFF's ever-diplomatic CEO, unveiled a lineup that's got everyone from streaming moguls to old-school cinema purists nodding in approval. And while he's calling it a reflection of "innovation, heart, and global perspective," let's call it what it really is — a masterclass in festival programming that proves Toronto hasn't lost its touch after five decades in the game.Steven Soderbergh (yes, that Steven Soderbergh) is gracing us with "The Christophers" — marking his tenth TIFF appearance, if you're keeping score. The film pairs Ian McKellen with Michaela Coel and, somewhat surprisingly, James Corden in what's being whispered about as his comeback vehicle after that rather unfortunate restaurant drama. The premise? Think "The Thomas Crown Affair" meets "Succession," but with art forgery and family dysfunction cranked up to eleven.But here's where things get really interesting. Nia DaCosta's modern spin on "Hedda Gabler" might just be the festival's crown jewel. Tessa Thompson takes on the titular role in "Hedda," and darling, the early buzz suggests she's about to do for Ibsen what Cate Blanchett did for Streetcar. The footage that's leaked online (not that anyone's officially acknowledging it) hints at something wickedly contemporary.Speaking of ambitious undertakings, Alejandro Amenábar has apparently outdone himself with "The Captive." The film chronicles Miguel de Cervantes' time in 16th-century Algiers — and if you're thinking "not another period piece," hold that thought. Word from pre-screenings suggests it's more "The Favourite" than "Shakespeare in Love," if you catch my drift.Canadian cinema's getting its moment too, thank heavens. Chandler Levack's "Mile End Kicks" — featuring Jay Baruchel in what might be his meatiest role since "Goon" — promises to do for Montreal's indie music scene what "High Fidelity" did for vinyl snobs. Bailey's particularly proud of this one, and honestly? He should be.The festival's spreading its wings with a new International People's Choice Award, though one has to wonder if this isn't a subtle jab at certain other festivals' increasingly insular approach to cinema. (Venice, darling, is that you we're side-eyeing?)From September 4-14, 2025, Toronto's transforming into the kind of cinematic wonderland that makes Cannes look positively provincial. Between the TIFF Tribute Awards Gala at the Fairmont Royal York (September 7, mark those calendars) and the return of Festival Street, it's shaping up to be less of a birthday party and more of a declaration: TIFF isn't just surviving, it's thriving.And really, isn't that what turning fifty should be about? The festival's first wave of announcements suggests there's plenty of life in the old girl yet. Now, if you'll excuse me, there's a stack of screening schedules demanding attention and a very persistent publicist insisting I simply must see this year's Palme d'Or winner. The things we do for cinema, darling.