The first night of TIFF found our own CBC Toronto backyard local, the Ritz Carlton, teeming with celebrities and film industry talent.

George Clooney, here with The Ides of March and The Descendants, occupied a quiet corner of the Deq lounge, where lights were dimmed and cured meats were served to a small group that included rumored girlfriend Stacy Keibler (actress, model and former WWE wrestler).

From our nearby vantage point, @WhatLookLikes, @WhatDMCLikes and I wondered if Clooney realized that film friend Jason Reitman, who directed him in his Oscar-nominated performance in Up in the Air (a TIFF 2009 film), was also in the lounge.

When Clooney and his party exited the scene, (George and Stacy indeed arm-in-arm), and finally spotted Reitman, we couldn't help but snap a few iPhone pics (featured above). Film greats hugging and talking - that's some festival magic right there.

Other Ritz revelers last night included Max Minghella, Kate Mara and the host of CBC's Cover Me Canada, Nicole Appleton (below), who stopped to say hello before heading to the Hazelton Hotel to connect with good friend Bono. The U2 documentary From the Sky Down opened TIFF last night.

We immediately tweeted our George Clooney sighting and will continue to keep you posted on our TIFF sightings and interviews, so make sure to follow us @CBCLive.