David Friend

Catch me on Instagram and Threads instead: dj_friend

François Arnaud and Hudson Williams spoke out about racism, homophobia, and overall hate some "Heated Rivalry" fans share on social media. The hockey romance was a sanctuary for joy, but are toxic fans poisoning the well? The story via @simashakeri: thestar.com/entertainment/…

Journo jobs alert: @TorontoStar's well-paid, unionized year-long journalist internship program for 2026-27 is open for applications. Current cohort includes eight reporters and two photogs. Deadline for applying is April 15. jobs.smartrecruiters.com/Torstar/744000…

Last call at Steve's Music Store! The legendary Toronto retailer has confirmed it's only days away from closing for good. The details: thestar.com/news/gta/steve…

Alessia Cara, Jully Black, Shawn Desman and Tanya Tagaq will pay tribute to Nelly Furtado as she's inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. @KGLautens on everything you need to know ahead of this year's Juno Awards on March 29: thestar.com/entertainment/…

Stage production of Hudson Williams' upcoming Crave TV series "Yaga" is returning to Toronto's Tarragon Theatre. The latest updates in the "Heated Rivalry" universe: thestar.com/entertainment/…

Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie sizzle at the Oscars. The latest "Heated Rivalry" news: thestar.com/entertainment/…

Let's talk Oscars! At 11 a.m. ET, I'll join Toronto Star arts critic @joshualdwchong to discuss last night's big winners and surprises. Send us your thoughts and questions. thestar.com/entertainment/…

@teamquentin Yup, I was only looking at the day before the Oscars since a lot of people (including myself) can't fit a movie in as well as the broadcast.

@dfriend The Fox Theatre on Queen East has OBAA and the animated shorts today. And viewing party for the awards broadcast, but that’s sold out.

It's the day before the #Oscars and good luck watching the best picture nominees at a movie theatre in Toronto...

It's the day before the #Oscars and good luck seeing ANY of the international feature nominees on a big screen in Toronto... #TheSecretAgent #ItWasjustanaccident #sirat #thevoiceofhindrajab #sentimentalvalue

I'm here to defend Apple TV's best picture nod for "F1," part of our Oscar 2026 hot takes... thestar.com/entertainment/…

With six weeks to go before the next @HotDocs documentary film festival opens in Toronto, executive director Diana Sanchez isn't just preparing a festival, she's rebuilding an institution. My story: thestar.com/entertainment/…

Elton John will be in Toronto this spring to accept the Glenn Gould Prize. A gala event is slated for May with performances by Diana Krall, the Beaches and Jeremy Dutcher. The details: thestar.com/entertainment/…

15 Toronto concerts worth checking out this spring, including Post Malone, Lily Allen and Karan Aujla. thestar.com/entertainment/…

"I didn’t want to be in a position where I’m criticizing his government, nor could I imagine making films without speaking my mind." Alexandre Trudeau stopped making documentaries after his brother Justin became prime minister. I spoke to him about why. thestar.com/entertainment/…

It was a mini-reunion of sorts in Los Angeles on Thursday as "Heated Rivalry" won outstanding new series at GLAAD Media Awards. The details: thestar.com/entertainment/…

"Heated Rivalry" series creator Jacob Tierney has lined up his next project. He's set to direct and write an adaptation of Annabel Lyon’s Giller Prize shortlisted 2009 book "The Golden Mean" for Netflix. The details: thestar.com/entertainment/…

"I’m ecstatic!" One "Heated Rivalry" fan beat the booking frenzy and secured the coveted cottage on its first weekend. I spoke with her about plans for the big getaway... thestar.com/entertainment/…

Most ‘Heated Rivalry’ fans are not going to the cottage, as Airbnb rental books up in "seconds" The details: thestar.com/entertainment/…