Actor Willem Dafoe signs autographs as he arrives at the 68th Venice Film Festival on Sept. 7, 2011.ALBERTO PIZZOLI
At this time of year, Toronto looks a lot like a chillier, less palm tree-flecked Hollywood, thanks to the hundreds of celebrities who are in town for the film festival.
Cue the not-so-subtle stalkers, the shutterbugs, the autograph hounders and every other species of star hunter. It's only natural to get a little moony in the presence of Hollywood and rock-'n'-roll royalty, but that's no excuse for total loss of composure. Here are some dos and don'ts for interacting with the A-list, whether it's this week at the Toronto International Film Festival or on the Vancouver set of Twilight.
Don't ignore the obvious
"It's amazing how people abandon all knowledge of social cues when it comes to celebs," says Deb McCain, TIFF veteran and founder of Deb McCain Communications in Toronto. If you saw a friend who was obviously on an important phone call, you wouldn't dream of interrupting that person for your own amusement, but when dealing with international icons, social graces get lost in the adulation. Everyone is entitled to a bad mood from time to time. So if you see Rachel Weisz or Ryan Gosling wearing sunglasses the size of a school bus and a scarf/hoodie combo that covers up all but their breathing holes, it means exactly what you think it means – stay away.
Be careful who you buy a drink for
Sending over a drink is a nice way to show appreciation and might even lead to a face-to-face encounter. Just be sure you've done your homework. "You would never just send over a random drink," Ms. McCain says. "First because the celeb might not like it, and more importantly because it's Hollywood – a lot of people are on the wagon." Check with the bartender to find out what your target (say the dashing Scott Speedman of Edwin Boyd) is tippling. Then be sure to position yourself properly and get ready to give your most dazzling smile when he asks who sent it over. If you're lucky, the next round will be on him.
Be the right kind of fan
If you do get a chance to converse, you want to convey admiration, not obsession. "A small amount of deference to their craft is a good idea," Ms. McCain says. "Gushing is not." Make an impression by mentioning something obscure. Lucky enough to meet Bono? Tell him about your rare Under a Blood Red Sky bootleg. Do not ask him about a) his personal life, b) his relationship with Oprah Winfrey or c) his sunglasses.
The cocktail lounge is fair game
If you spot Clive Owen sipping a martini in the cocktail lounge before his dinner seating, you should feel free to sidle up and introduce yourself. But make it snappy because once he and his party sit down for dinner, a quick hello may get you booted from the restaurant. "Of course, there are celebs who will be gracious," Ms. McCain says, "but that doesn't mean it's appropriate to interrupt."
Ask first, snap after
If all you want is proof that Jon Hamm was in the same room as you, go ahead and sneak a quick smart phone pic, but it's better to ask for a photo and get one with you in it. "As long as the circumstances are okay, many celebrities will say yes," Ms. McCain says. "And if they don't, well then why do you want a picture with someone who gave you the brush-off anyway?" If you do get the go-ahead, remember not to push your luck. You may think you didn't show your best side in the photo with Blake Lively, but get over it. Ask for another shot and she's likely to call in that seven-foot bodyguard who's been standing inconspicuously in the corner.
*And don't do this: Ask Madonna about what happened to her face. It's likely to be the talk of this year's TIFF, but if you meet her keep schtum.