TIFF 2018: We Went to The Death and Life of John F. Donovan Premiere Party

By Meghan McKenna

Date September 11, 2018

Copy link

So I attended a TIFF Party! To help those who couldn’t make it feel like they were there, I completed this comprehensive post-party questionnaire.

What was the party for?

The Death and Life of John F. Donovan, the first English-language film from Quebecois filmmaker Xavier Dolan. The movie stars Game of Thrones heartthrob Kit Harington as a TV actor who becomes pen pals with a young fan, played by Jacob Tremblay.

What brands were present as partners?

Grey Goose and Soho House.

Which celebrities were supposed to be in attendance?

Xavier Dolan, Kit Harington, Susan Sarandon, Thandie Newton, Sarah Gadon, Emily Hampshire and Jared Keeso.

Which celebs did you actually spot?

Xavier Dolan, Kit Harington, Susan Sarandon, Thandie Newton, Emily Hampshire, Dan Levy, Jeffery Wright and Laz Alonso. Paris Hilton was also in attendance, supporting her fiancé, Chris Zylka, who’s in the film.

And here’s a list of people I thought were at the party, but weren’t: Zachary Quinto, Andy Cohen and Orlando Bloom. At TIFF, I start to think everyone in the room is famous. (For example: despite sitting two feet from and speaking with Dolan earlier in the day, I confused another party attendee for him at the event.)

Which is why, when I was ordering a drink at the bar next to a guy who looked like Alexander Skarsgård, I opted to just ask him: “Are you Alexander Skarsgård.” He was.

Having seen said celebrities, what did you learn about them? How did they seem? How are they doing, you know?

Kit Harington arrived at the party punctually at 9pm, and was still there at 12am when I left. I can confirm that the rumour is true: this guy likes to party.

Describe the general vibe.

There are always a lot of cool, attractive young people at TIFF parties. This one seemed to have more.

Please repeat one conversation you overheard.

“A source has confirmed that Paris Hilton still says ‘that’s hot.’”

If you had to title the party as if it were a film, what would it be called?

That’s Hot