Of my life’

TORONTO » Aaron Sorkin has premiered his directorial debut, “Molly’s Game,” to rave reviews at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Though a longtime screenwriter, the film is Sorkin’s first time directing. The film, about the so-called “poker princess” Molly Bloom, was received rapturously at its Friday night premiere.

Its star, Jessica Chastain, was also immediately added to the bestactress favorites for this season’s Oscars.

In an interview, Sorkin said of his first time directing that “I had the time of my life.”

Sorkin said he came very close to directing his script for his Facebook drama, “The Social Network,” but David Fincher instead took the helm.

The screenwriterturned-director said he’s not done working with filmmakers, but that he hopes to direct again.

Del Toro’s ‘The Shape of Water’ wins Golden Lion Venice at

VENICE, ITALY » Guillermo del Toro’s monster thriller ‘The Shape of Water’ has won the Venice Film Festival’s top prize, the Golden Lion.

A jury led by American actress Annette Bening chose the film from among 21 competing at the 74th annual festival — an edition where the world’s social divisions and the specter of climate change resonated through many of the entries.

It beat contenders including George Clooney’s “Suburbicon” and Alexander Payne’s “Downsizing.”

The runner-up Grand Jury Prize on Saturday went to Israeli director Samuel Maoz’ “Foxtrot.”

Palestinian actor Kamel El Basha and British actress Charlotte Rampling took the festival’s acting trophies.

The world’s oldest film festival wrapped up Saturday after 11 days that brought stars including Clooney, Matt Damon and Jennifer Lawrence to the canal-crossed Italian city.

Cops ‘find’ red balloon floating in Stephen King’s hometown

BANGOR, MAINE » Police in the Maine city that’s home to Stephen King played a prank to coincide with the opening of the horror film “It,” based on King’s book.

The police department said Thursday on Facebook that a red balloon was “found” floating near the department’s stuffed duck, which has been the department’s mascot over the years.

A red balloon is the calling card of Pennywise, the sewer-dwelling, homicidal clown in “It.” The book is set in Derry, Maine. King has said the fictionalized town based on Bangor.

Lt. Tim Cotton joked in the Facebook post that the balloon’s discovery was “a little creepy.” He says King says he has “no idea” how the balloon ended up behind the secure doors of the police department. is