TIFF 2013: The Year of Benedict Cumberbatch

In a good year, an actor or actress might be lucky enough to have one film play at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival. Two films would be even more of an accomplishment. “Sherlock” star and new Hollywood It Boy Benedict Cumberbatch has three movies at TIFF 2013 – all which already have significant award season buzz.

WikiLeaks thriller "The Fifth Estate" – in which Cumberbatch plays embattled info-warrior Julian Assange – will open the fest on Sept. 5, followed shortly thereafter by gala screenings of Cumberbatch co-starrers “12 Years a Slave” and “August: Osage County.” Not bad for his first ever visit to TIFF!

Thanks to his breakout role as the villainous Khan in J.J. Abrams’ “Star Trek Into Darkness,” 2013 has been a banner year for Cumberbatch, and things continue to look up for the London-born actor as 2014 approaches. In addition to his triple bow at TIFF in September, Cumberbatch will lend his distinctive baritone to Peter Jackson's "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" in December, voicing the titular gold-coveting dragon.

With the actor already on the receiving end of a tonne of Best Actor talk for his egomaniacal turn in "The Fifth Estate," a strong showing at TIFF positions Cumberbatch very well for award season. Toronto is often seen as the unofficial kick-off to the annual trophy race, and although the actor hasn't RSVP'd for TIFF yet (the fest typically announces the list of stars who will be attending in late August), Cumberbatch is more than likely to make an appearance, considering his three movies are all getting the glitzy, red carpet gala treatment,. His rabid fanbase of "Cumberbitches" (seriously, that's what they call themselves) are no doubt already booking their plane tickets.

The Toronto International Film Festival runs from September 5 to 15.