Photo by Pat Martin courtesy of CHANEL
The evening was buzzing with the unmistakable energy of Hollywood networking in overdrive.
Date September 12, 2022
“I love your look! You make me want to add another necklace,” Margaret Qualley tells me at the annual TIFF Chanel dinner at Soho House Toronto this past weekend, one of the most star-studded events at this year’s film fest.
The actor is referring to the ropes of pearls I have layered over a special edition Chanel-in-Monaco T-shirt from the 2023 Cruise event. Qualley, who plays a dominatrix in Sanctuary, which premiered the following day, kept her accessories clean for a knit look covered in Chanel’s famous CCs.
Tilda Swinton, Tyler Perry and Anna Kendrick were among the other head-turners mingling at the third annual Female Filmmaker Dinner. The event is co-hosted with Variety Magazine to spotlight talent from the Chanel Women’s Writers’ Network—a project that the brand has been supporting in partnership with TIFF. But it was the unmistakable energy of Hollywood networking in overdrive that gave this evening its buzz with so many actors, writers, directors—and future job opportunities—in the space.
Many expressed their thrill that TIFF was back full throttle, including director Elegance Bratton, whose film The Inspection premiered earlier in the day. He is so enchanted by Toronto he would like to buy a home here, he shared adding, “If New York and Detroit had a socialist baby, it would be Toronto.”
Qualley, meanwhile, giggled when asked what preparation she had done for her role as a dominatrix. Did it involved any whips, chains or leather? “It’s more psychological warfare and not overtly sexual,” she explained. Whatever the vibe of the film, she has reason to celebrate. Her performance with co-star Christopher Abbott has been called “riveting” and “electric.”
Here’s our roundup of photos from the Chanel and Variety event:
Tilda Swinton in Chanel
Tilda Swinton attends the 3rd annual Female Filmmaker Dinner hosted by Chanel and Variety Magazine at Soho House in Toronto.
Margaret Qualley
Margaret Qualley attends the 3rd annual Female Filmmaker Dinner hosted by Chanel and Variety Magazine at Soho House in Toronto.
Anna Kendrick
Anna Kendrick attends the 3rd annual Female Filmmaker Dinner hosted by Chanel and Variety Magazine at Soho House in Toronto.
Tyler Perry
Tyler Perry attends the 3rd annual Female Filmmaker Dinner hosted by Chanel and Variety Magazine at Soho House in Toronto.
Lashana Lynch
Lashana Lynch attends the 3rd annual Female Filmmaker Dinner hosted by Chanel and Variety Magazine at Soho House in Toronto.
Thuso Mbedu & John Boyega
Thuso Mbedu and John Boyega attend the 3rd annual Female Filmmaker Dinner hosted by Chanel and Variety Magazine at Soho House in Toronto.
Abessi Akhamie & Chester Algernal Gordon
Abessi Akhamie & Chester Algernal_Gordon attend the 3rd annual Female Filmmaker Dinner hosted by Chanel and Variety Magazine at Soho House in Toronto.
Lyric Ross
Lyric Ross attends the 3rd annual Female Filmmaker Dinner hosted by Chanel and Variety Magazine at Soho House in Toronto.
Kiersey Clemons
Kiersey Clemons attends the 3rd annual Female Filmmaker Dinner hosted by Chanel and Variety Magazine at Soho House in Toronto.
Leslie Mann
Leslie Mann attends the 3rd annual Female Filmmaker Dinner hosted by Chanel and Variety Magazine at Soho House in Toronto.
Ty Simpkins
Ty Simpkins attends the 3rd annual Female Filmmaker Dinner hosted by Chanel and Variety Magazine at Soho House in Toronto.
Andrew Scott & Kerry Condon
Andrew Scott & Kerry Condon attend the 3rd annual Female Filmmaker Dinner hosted by Chanel and Variety Magazine at Soho House in Toronto.
