20 Stunning Portraits of Stars and Directors from TIFF’s Official Portrait Studio

Hollywood stars can’t be very chatty amid the SAG-AFTRA strike. But the actors at TIFF — those whose projects have received waivers from the union to publicize their projects — have never looked better. At least that’s what you take away from TIFF’s own portrait studio, powered by Canon, where actors joined with directors to strike some stunning poses.

IndieWire partnered with TIFF to capture exclusive photos of 20 of the directors and performers who stopped by the studio, located at the Fairmont Royal York. Photographer Norman Wong adopted for a striking black-and-white aesthetic.

There’s certainly no denying TIFF managed an A-list guest list. Leading Black voices in film, including Ava DuVernay and Spike Lee, stopped by alongside some of the foremost faces in television, from “Yellowjackets” star Sophie Nélisse to “Succession” icon Hiam Abbass. First-time director Finn Wolfhard appeared to promote his next-generation slasher, “Hell of a Summer.” You’ll also find a shadowy photo of “Moonlight” director Barry Jenkins, one of this year’s 2023 Platform jury members.

TIFF 2023 began September 7 and has marked the world premiere of dozens of films from first-time directors and veteran artists alike in what is a springboard for studios racing toward awards season. Some of the films represented by the 20 portraits below: “Strange Way of Life,” “Rustin,” “Origin,” “Evil Does Not Exist,” “Aggro Drift,” and Cannes Palme d’Or winner “Anatomy of a Fall.”

Next best thing to being at TIFF in person? Checking out these portraits below. Let awards season begin!