The Toronto International Film Festival opened its 50th edition Thursday night with a red carpet that doubled as a love letter to one of Canada’s most legendary comic actors, John Candy. All eyes were on director Colin Hanks and producer Ryan Reynolds as they pulled up in a vintage Chrysler LeBaron, the same make made famous by John Candy in Planes, Trains and Automobiles. The playful arrival instantly set the tone for a milestone year, mixing star power with a wink to one of Canada’s most beloved screen icons.

The car wasn’t just a one-night photo op. This burned-out beauty will be parked on Festival Street for the weekend, turning the vehicle into a centerpiece for fans and a reminder of the film at the heart of opening night: John Candy: I Like Me.

The premiere marked the official start of TIFF’s golden anniversary, and the buzz around the entrance was a perfect kicker for the evening as the spotlight turned to the film itself. Hanks’ documentary dives into Candy’s career with rare footage and testimonials from a long list of collaborators, from Steve Martin and Martin Short to Catherine O’Hara, Eugene Levy, Dan Aykroyd, Macaulay Culkin, Andrew Alexander, and Tom Hanks.

“Colin Hanks has made a hugely entertaining film packed with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, but like John, this movie is all heart,” said Cameron Bailey, CEO of TIFF. “For us, it’s the perfect way to kick off TIFF’s 50th edition.”

Still, the moment belonged as much to the festival as to the film. By leaning into Candy’s legacy and letting Reynolds and Hanks deliver an entrance that mixed Hollywood flair with Canadian nostalgia, TIFF set a high-energy tone for the days ahead.

John Candy: I Like Me will stream globally on Prime Video beginning October 10.

See more TIFF coverage from mixyplix here.