TIFF wraps Sunday with Oscar-primed films and Hudson Williams drawing massive crowds

The 51st Toronto International Film Festival winds down Sunday after two weeks of premieres, red-carpet moments, and industry gatherings that reflected both international tensions and emerging concerns about artificial intelligence in filmmaking.

Jesse Eisenberg's "The Debut" moved audiences to tears during public screenings, with Eisenberg leading enthusiastic Q-and-A sessions at two venues. The film is competing for the People's Choice Award, which historically signals films primed for best-picture nominations at the Oscars. Peter Farrelly's "I Play Rocky," about the making of a boxing film, had a knockout premiere. First-time filmmaker Jordan Firstman, who made the moving comedy-drama "Club Kid" about being thrust into fatherhood, seems to have captured viewers' hearts. Critics have raved about Oscar-winning filmmaker Martin McDonagh's "Wild Horse Nine."

Actress Hudson Williams, a breakout star, drew hordes of fans to King Street, with a sold-out Q-and-A and premiere of her new TV show "YAGA." Williams, who debuted in "Heated Rivalry" less than 10 months ago and wore red-bottomed Louboutins at a fireside chat, emerged as TIFF's buzziest star measured by crowd energy and screams.

At the TIFF Tribute Awards held at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Prime Minister Mark Carney walked the red carpet and received the warmest reception from the public. Seth Rogen received an award as one of Canada's most successful comedians. Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau launched a new entertainment production company at the festival called Hope and Hard Work, with his longtime chief of staff Katie Telford. The company has several projects in development.

Festival-goers participated in pre-screening traditions — shouting at the annual piracy notice, cheering when projection company logos flashed, and applauding a volunteer ad featuring SNL star Veronika Slowikowska. Past years featured branded lounges from L'Oréal and TIFF sponsor Varda.