The Toronto International Film Festival opened its 50th edition today with the world premiere of John Candy: I Like Me, a heartfelt documentary honoring the late Canadian comedy legend.

The film shines a spotlight on Candy’s life both on and off screen, blending rare home videos, family reflections, and stories from collaborators to celebrate a career that brought laughter to millions. The premiere was marked by a red-carpet gathering that included Candy’s children, Jennifer and Christopher, alongside executive producer Ryan Reynolds and director Colin Hanks.

The documentary pays tribute to Candy’s legacy through the voices of friends and co-stars such as Dan Aykroyd, Catherine O’Hara, Martin Short, Eugene Levy, Steve Martin, Macaulay Culkin, and Tom Hanks. It reflects on the actor’s enduring influence, decades after his passing in 1994 at the age of 43.

Festivities began earlier in the day with the unveiling of a new TIFF star on Canada’s Walk of Fame outside the TIFF Lightbox. The milestone moment drew crowds and marked the official kickoff to a two-week celebration of film in Toronto.

Beyond the premieres, festivalgoers will have opportunities to engage with cinema through outdoor screenings and public events. Classic films will be showcased at David Pecaut Square, starting with a 40th-anniversary presentation of The Goonies, ensuring that the excitement of TIFF extends well beyond the red carpet.