The Toronto International Film Festival upped the razzle-dazzle factor on the second day of its 49th edition with the world premiere of “The Last Showgirl,” a Vegas-set drama that sees star Pamela Anderson make her first awards-season appearance in her iconic career.

Directed by Gia Coppola ("Palo Alto"), the film follows a 30-something sequined dancer toiling away in the last remaining traditional floor show in the gambling paradise of Sin City. Dave Bautista plays the show's stage manager, who must break the news to the dancers that their act will be ending for good in two weeks. "Mad Men" stars Kiernan Shipka and Brenda Song are the next-gen dancers performing alongside Anderson, while Billie Lourd plays her estranged daughter. Recent Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis, sporting a permanent tan and matte lipstick, provides comic relief as a Vegas cocktail waitress who must endure demeaning customers while begging for tips at a casino.

Anderson drew thunderous applause when she appeared for a post-credits Q&A. Wearing black pants, a black blouse and dark sunglasses, the star spoke about her journey from '90s sex symbol to playing Shelley, a dreamer cast aside on the Vegas carousel because of her age. "I've been preparing for this movie my whole life," she said dryly, drawing a laugh. "I've never felt so strongly about anything [as I did for this movie]. It was just do it, just be it, and I did it."

Anderson, a Canadian native who became a legend in a red swimsuit on the long-running series “Baywatch,” is enjoying a major career renaissance following last year’s Emmy-nominated Netflix documentary “Pamela, A Love Story” and a bestselling memoir “Love Pamela.” “Last Showgirl” shows a very different side to the oft-objectified Playboy model turned tabloid fixture. But 2024 marks a pivotal year for Anderson, as big-name directors like Coppola have begun pursuing her. She recently signed with CAA, which is selling “The Last Showgirl” at this year’s TIFF market.