Paramount+ today announced that WACO: THE AFTERMATH, starring Oscar nominee Michael Shannon (GEORGE & TAMMY), will debut on Friday, April 14, 2023. Coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the tragic events at Mt. Carmel that began on February 28, 1993, WACO: THE AFTERMATH focuses on the fallout of the Waco disaster: the trials of the surviving members of the Branch Davidian sect and the rise of homegrown terrorist, Timothy McVeigh. The five-episode limited series also provides a broader context for the escalation of the American militia movement, which foreshadows the infamous attacks of the Oklahoma City bombing and the storming of the U.S. Capitol on January 6. 

The 2018 limited series WACO, which originally aired on Paramount Network, is based on the harrowing true story of the 51-day stand-off between the ATF and the Branch Davidians, the small religious community in Texas, that resulted in a deadly shootout and fire.

Previously announced cast includes:  

· Michael Shannon (GEORGE & TAMMY) will reprise his role as Gary Noesner, an FBI hostage negotiator who has PTSD from the failed negotiations with the Branch Davidians in Waco.  

· Emmy and Tony winner John Leguizamo (When They See Us) who received an Emmy Award for this role will reprise as Jacob Vasquez, an ATF agent who worked undercover during the lead up to Waco. 

· Emmy nominee Giovanni Ribisi (The Offer) will play Dan Cogdell, a top trial lawyer for the surviving Branch Davidians. 

· David Costabile (BILLIONS) will play Judge Smith, who oversees the trial of Branch Davidians charged with conspiracy to murder federal agents.  

· J. Smith Cameron (Succession) will play Lois Roden,  the leader and Prophetess of the Branch Davidians when Vernon Howell (young David Koresh) arrives.  

· John Hoogenakker (Dopesick) will play Clive Doyle, David Koresh’s first follower within the Branch Davidians, who despite losing a daughter in the fire at Mount Carmel has unwavering faith and is determined for others to learn the “truth.”  

· Keean Johnson (Euphoria) will play Vernon Howell, young David Koresh who believes he is chosen by God as the next Messiah. 

· Abbey Lee (Lovecraft Country) will play Carol Howe, a former Southern debutante turned neo-Nazi arm candy, turned government informant.   

Returning creators and showrunners Drew Dowdle and John Erick Dowdle direct all five episodes and executive produce the limited series alongside Michael Shannon, Taylor Kitsch, Andrew Gettens and Lauren Mackenzie. Also serving as executive producers are David C. Glasser, David Hutkin, Bob Yari and Ron Burkle of 101 Studios, as well as Gary Barber of Spyglass. 

Hot off its warm reception at Sundance ’23, here comes a new Trailer for A THOUSAND AND ONE starring Teyana Taylor. Universal Pictures Canada and Focus Features will release in theatres Friday, March 31, 2023.

Writer/Director: A.V. Rockwell
Producers: Eddie Vaisman, Julia Lebedev, Lena Waithe, Rishi Rajani, Brad Weston
Executive Producers: Oren Moverman, Jamin OBrien
Cast: Teyana Taylor, Will Catlett, Josiah Cross, Aven Courtney, Aaron Kingsley Adetola

A THOUSAND AND ONE follows unapologetic and free-spirited Inez (Teyana Taylor), who kidnaps her six-year-old son Terry from the foster care system. Holding onto their secret and each other, mother and son set out to reclaim their sense of home, identity, and stability, in a rapidly changing New York City.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures/Focus Features)

Disney+ recently announced feature-length music docu-special “Bono & The Edge: A Sort of Homecoming, with Dave Letterman,” in which Academy Award^®-winning filmmaker Morgan Neville captures Dave Letterman on his first visit to Dublin to hang out with Bono and The Edge in their hometown, experience Dublin, and join the two U2 musicians for a concert performance unlike any they’ve done before. Disney Branded Television President Ayo Davis made the announcement today, unveiling a first-look teaser of the docu-special during her TCA remarks. “Bono & The Edge: A Sort of Homecoming, with Dave Letterman,” from Disney Branded Television, is set to premiere globally on Disney+ on March 17, St. Patrick’s Day, coinciding with U2’s highly anticipated album “Songs Of Surrender” ― a collection of 40 seminal U2 songs from across the band’s catalog, re-recorded and reimagined. The docu-special is the latest in Disney+ music specials from Disney Branded Television, including last year’s highly successful “Elton John Live: Farewell From Dodger Stadium” and the critically acclaimed “Encanto at the Hollywood Bowl,” both currently streaming on Disney+. BONO & THE EDGE: A SORT OF HOMECOMING, WITH DAVID LETTERMAN arrives March 17, 2023 on Disney+.

From Brian Grazer and Ron Howard’s Imagine Documentaries, Neville’s Tremolo Productions, and Dave Letterman’s Worldwide Pants, “Bono & The Edge: A Sort of Homecoming, with Dave Letterman” is part concert movie, part travel adventure plus a whole lot of Bono and The Edge, with Dave’s humor throughout.

As well as the concert performance itself, the docu-special will focus on the extraordinary relationship between Bono and The Edge and how it has developed across 45-plus years of close friendship and one of the most remarkable songwriting partnerships in the history of rock ‘n’ roll, plus document Dublin through Dave’s eyes as he experiences Bono and The Edge’s home city for the first time. 

“Bono and The Edge are the force behind one of the most prolific and influential acts in the history of rock and roll, and we are honored to bring this truly intimate look at their beginnings, friendship, and creative process to a global audience on Disney+,” said Davis.

“Recently, I won a radio contest,” said Letterman. “Winner gets to visit Dublin with Bono and The Edge (radio contest part not true, but I feel like a winner). They showed me around, introduced me to their musician friends, and performed some of their greatest songs in a small theater. It’s a great tour. Get in touch with them ― I’m told there are still availabilities. I’m the luckiest man on the planet. (There are no availabilities).”

Letterman, who accepted an invitation from the two U2 bandmates to join them in Dublin for his first-ever visit to Ireland, has a 25-year relationship with U2 but had previously only spent time with the Bono and The Edge in the U.S. As well as being their honored guest at an intimate concert performance at a local landmark, the former Ambassador Cinema building at the top of O’Connell Street on Dublin’s Northside, Dave embarks on his own exploration of the city. He visits the legendary Forty Foot swimming spot on a freezing cold morning and rides the DART commuter train north from Co. Wicklow. Letterman also inspires a brand new U2 song written by The Edge and Bono and narrowly escapes having to perform at a sing-song at the legendary McDaid’s pub off Grafton Street with an equally legendary bunch of artists and musicians, including Bono, The Edge, Glen Hansard, Markéta Irglová, Imelda May, Loah, Saint Sister, Grian Chatten of Fontaines DC, and Dermot Kennedy, whose voice Bono describes as a “sonic boom.”

“I fell in love with U2 and David Letterman at roughly the same time, somewhere around my sophomore year of high school,” said director Morgan Neville. “That somehow decades later we would all come together in Ireland to make this show was an unlikely dream somehow come to life.”

“I had this incredible dream that I was in the magical city of Dublin with Bono, The Edge and David Letterman,” said producer Justin Wilkes. “And if it wasn’t for the fact that Morgan beautifully captured it all on film, I still wouldn’t believe it actually happened.”

The film was shot on location in New York and Los Angeles and, of course, in Dublin, Ireland.

Also announced this week, a new album titled “Songs Of Surrender” ― a collection of 40 seminal U2 songs from across the band’s catalog, re-recorded and reimagined for 2023 in sessions spanning the last two years, to be released in full on Friday, March 17. The first track to be made available from this brand new set of recordings is the anthemic “Pride (In The Name Of Love),” listen here. “Songs Of Surrender” is curated and produced by The Edge and sees the band revisit some of the most celebrated songs of their 40-plus year career, including “With Or Without You,” “One,” “Beautiful Day,” “Sunday Bloody Sunday” and “Invisible,” for a musical reimagining resulting in a completely new recording of each track, to include the arrangements and, in some cases, new lyrics.

“Bono & The Edge: A Sort of Homecoming, with Dave Letterman” is produced by Imagine Documentaries, Tremolo Productions, and Dave Letterman’s Worldwide Pants. For Imagine Documentaries, Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Sara Bernstein and Justin Wilkes are executive producers; Séamus Murphy-Mitchell is producer; and Meredith Kaulfers and Mike Sweeney are co-executive producers. For Tremolo, Morgan Neville is director and producer, and Caitrin Roger is executive producer. For Worldwide Pants, Tom Keaney is executive producer, and Mary Barclay is co-executive producer. For Disney Branded Television, Marc Buhaj is vice president, Unscripted and Nonfiction, and Marjon Javadi is vice president, Documentary Films and Docuseries.

(Photo/video credit: Disney+)

After successful runs in Chicago and Washington, The Office Experience will make its international debut Friday, March 3, 2023 in Toronto. Located inside Yorkdale Shopping Center at 3401 Dufferin St, guests will have the chance to sit at Michael’s desk, relive Jim and Pam’s romance, have their own conference room meeting and recreate other favourite show moments and as they journey through the show’s largest-ever official interactive fan experience.  

Created by Original X Productions (OGX) and Universal Live Entertainment in consultation with The Office’s U.S. creator Greg Daniels, The Office Experience features numerous areas filled with original props and costumes, set re-creations and more, allowing fans to visit Scranton Business Park and other sites associated with the beloved series. Relive iconic scenes such as Kevin’s Chili Spill and don’t forget to film your own testimonial in front of the iconic blinds.  

The Office Experience will celebrate all the series’ major characters and will also commemorate, among many other things, the Dundie Awards, the Michael Scott Paper Company and Jim and Pam’s love story. Timed tickets for the experience start at $37 CAD + taxes and fees and are now available for purchase.  

Tickets here.

Celebrating its monumental 10^th edition, Canada’s leading South Asian film festival, the Mosaic International South Asian Film Festival (MISAFF) will make its return in person this March 23^rd – March 26^th, 2023 at the Mississauga Living Arts Centre (4141 Living Arts Dr) and the Cineplex Square One Cinemas (309 Rathburn Rd W). The festival’s opening night red carpet gala film will be the North American premiere of the Pakistani drama film KAMLI directed by Sarmad Khoosat. which revolves around the intertwining stories of three women and their restrained desires. The evening will feature a Q&A with acclaimed actress Sania Saeed in attendance.

MISAFF is proud to continue its mission to feature and spotlight new voices in South Asian Cinema and present thought-provoking and conscientious cinema that uplifts humanity and promotes peace and harmony. This year, the festival will showcase 40 films from Canada, India, USA, Pakistan, UK, and Bangladesh which include 8 feature films, four documentaries and 28 shorts. Highlights include the Canadian premieres of SANAA directed by Sudhanshu Saria and Kuldip Patel’s film POWAI, and the international premiere of the Balochi language film DODA directed by Adil Hussain Bizanjo. The festival will also feature the Oscar shortlisted Pakistani film JOYLAND directed by Saim Sadiq. The closing night film will be WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT directed by Shekhar Kapoor.

This year, MISAFF programming features moving themes that will resonate strongly with audiences during this era including films that explore the emergence from pain and overcoming sorrow, love across cultures, courage in the fight for justice and highlighting the scourge of class and casteism.

MISAFF 2023’s films include:

KAMLI by Sarmad Khoosat (Opening Night Film/North American Premiere) – PAKISTAN

Three women grapple with their restrained desires in a tale of love, loss and hidden secrets wherein their stories intertwine. Pakistan’s leading actresses Saba Qamar (Hindi Medium), Sania Saeed (Joyland) and Nimra Bucha (Ms Marvel) star in this stunning film.

JOYLAND by Saim Sadiq – PAKISTAN

In inner-city Lahore, a severe patriarch is the head of the middle-class Rana family, which includes his two sons, daughters-in-law, and four granddaughters. He wants his children to give him a grandson and forces his daughter-in-law Mumtaz to quit her job after Haider, his younger son and her husband, finds work at an erotic dance theater. But all changes when Haider falls in love with Biba, a transgender dancer.

POWAI by Kuldip Patel – INDIA

Powai is a triptych of stories about three women from diverse socio-economic backgrounds living in the titular developing suburb of Mumbai – a domestic worker, a govt preschool teacher and a software professional. As they struggle to realize their aspirations and claim their autonomy in a fast-changing, male-dominated, chaotic and often unforgiving urban landscape, their lives intersect in small, unexpected ways.

DODA by Adil Bizanjo (International Premiere) – PAKISTAN

This first feature revolves around a former boxer DODA from a small town. The film goes through the journey of Doda, and how he can survive and overcome his past and make things right once again. The Balochi language film is an attempt to push Baloch representation in the film industry.

HAWA by Mejbaur Rahman Sumon – BANGLADESH

The film depicts the journey of an all-men team on a fishing trawler, eventually where the mystery of life and relationships gets re-interpreted. The usual fishing mission of a group of seasoned boatmen of Cox’s Bazar finds an unheard-of catch in the deep of the sea. They caught a beautiful yet mysterious young girl and then entered the world of men on the boat. The story of the film is based on a fairy tale.

SANAA by Sudhanshu Saria (Canadian Premiere)

The film is about an ambitious young woman who is raging against an internal battle that is rooted in unhealed trauma. Sanaa, like Suds last film LOEV, also world premiered at Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival to great acclaim.

What’s Love Got To Do With It by Shekhar Kapur – UNITED KINGDOM

Set between London and Lahore, a filmmaker documents her childhood friend and neighbour’s arranged marriage to a bride from Pakistan. The film stars Academy Award winning actress Emma Thompson, Indian parallel cinema diva Shabana Azmi and beloved British star Lily James.

Shankar’s Fairies by Irfana Majumdar – INDIA

A very nice slice-of-life movie set in rural 1960s India. It revolves around Shankar, the very competent lead servant in the household of a middle-class Indian family. He is a very important presence in the life of the young girl of the family. Yet he is treated like a brainless idiot by the bossy, unsympathetic mother of the family.

“MISAFF brings daring films to Canada and offers them the spotlight on the silver screen in Mississauga. The Festival introduces new voices that reflect new ideas in our communities.” said Festival Director Arshad Khan. “Cinema has been a catalyst for change and the programming at MISAFF reflects the daring spirit of today’s South Asian filmmakers.”

For 2023, MISAFF has also programmed an exciting selection of feature documentaries including the award-winning TO KILL A TIGER by Nisha Pahuja, WHILE WE WATCHED by Vinay Shukla, EXEGESIS: A LOVE STORY by Qais Pasha and MARGINALIZING MINORITIES by Dipti Gupta. The festival is also hosting 12 Canadian short films including the world premiere of THE LOVE WE MADE directed by V.T. Nayani.

MISAFF will also host an exciting program of industry events including Instagram Conversations With Filmmakers facilitated by the On Canada Project, MISAFF CHAT with the creators and cast of the hit new television show BOLLYWED in partnership with CBC taking place on Friday, March 24^th at the Cineplex Square One Cinemas, and the announcement of the 2023 MISAFF Star presented by ACTRA Diversity.

For a full list offilms and the schedule, please visit: www.MISAFF.com.

About MISAFF

In 2012, the Canadian Community Arts Initiative, a registered non-profit organization in Mississauga engaged Arshad Khan and Anya Mckenzie to take the small film component of Mosaic outdoor Festival of Mississauga to the next level. Arshad Khan and Anya Mckenzie were inspired by the renaissance in South Asian cinema taking place around the world and seized the opportunity to create an avid cinephile audience and community in the City of Mississauga by launching the MOSAIC INTERNATIONAL SOUTH ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL (MISAFF). The pair were determined to celebrate and raise awareness about new voices in South Asian cinema. With the help of CCAI and Mosaic Festival (North America’s largest free event celebrating South Asian arts and culture) as a springboard, MISAFF was able to leverage an established cultural brand to attract film audiences in the region.

Since then, MISAFF has evolved with Festival Director Arshad Khan and now Advisory Board Member Anya Mckenzie at the forefront and the support of their collaborative partners the Canadian Community Arts Initiative. Canadian film artists such as Deepa Mehta, Ali Kazimi, Rajkumar Rao, Sami Khan, Anita Majumdar, Raymond Ablack, Syed Fuad Ahmed, Shireen Pasha, Supinder Wraich and Richie Mehta have been involved in the festival over the years and MISAFF attracts acclaimed international artists as well including Anu Menon, Rajat Kapoor, Ravi Patel, Afia Nathaniel, Hansal Mehta and Suraj Sharma. MISAFF features the best of new South Asian film titles and is now a definitive voice in the Mississauga community due to the quality of film selections that build on social consciousness and respect for community.

We get new Artwork for THE SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE featuring the iconic Rainbow Road! The Film arrives April 5, 2023 in theatres via Universal Pictures Canada!

From Nintendo and Illumination comes a new animated film based on the world of Super Mario Bros. 

Directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic (collaborators on Teen Titans Go!, Teen Titans Go! To the Movies) from a screenplay by Matthew Fogel (The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part, Minions: The Rise of Gru), the film stars Chris Pratt as Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, Jack Black as Bowser, Keegan-Michael Key as Toad, Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong, Fred Armisen as Cranky Kong, Kevin Michael Richardson as Kamek and Sebastian Maniscalco as Spike. 

The film is produced by Illumination founder and CEO Chris Meledandri and by Shigeru Miyamoto for Nintendo. The film will be co-financed by Universal Pictures and Nintendo and released worldwide by Universal Pictures.

Genre: Action-Comedy

Cast: Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key, Seth Rogen, Fred Armisen, Kevin Michael Richardson, Sebastian Maniscalco

Screenplay: Matthew Fogel

Directors: Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic

Producers: Chris Meledandri, Shigeru Miyamoto

Today, Disney+ released the trailer for upcoming Original comedy series “UnPrisoned,” starring and executive produced by Kerry Washington and Delroy Lindo. From creator Tracy McMillan, the eight-episode series will premiere March 10^th on Disney+ in Canada.

Inspired by McMillan’s life, “UnPrisoned” is a half-hour comedy about a messy but perfectionist relationship therapist and single mom whose life is turned right-side-up when her dad gets out of prison and moves in with her and her teenage son.

The series stars Kerry Washington (Paige Alexander), Delroy Lindo (Edwin Alexander), Marque Richardson (Mal Kennedy), Faly Rakotohavana (Finn Alexander) and Jordyn McIntosh (Little Paige).

From ABC Signature, the series is executive produced by Tracy McMillan, Yvette Lee Bowser, who also serves as showrunner, Kerry Washington alongside Pilar Savone through their Simpson Street production company, and Delroy Lindo. Joy Gorman Wettels and Jen Braeden also executive produce. 

Boston Strangler” from 20th Century Studios and writer/director Matt Ruskin premieres March 17, 2023, exclusively on Disney+ in Canada. The trailer for the true-crime thriller about the trailblazing reporters who broke the story of the notorious Boston Strangler murders of the 1960s is available now.

“Boston Strangler” stars two-time Oscar® nominee Keira Knightley (“The Imitation Game,” “Pride & Prejudice”), Emmy® nominee Carrie Coon (“Fargo,” “The Gilded Age”), Alessandro Nivola (“Amsterdam”), David Dastmalchian (“Dune”), Morgan Spector (“Homeland”), Bill Camp (“Joker”), and Academy Award® winner Chris Cooper (“Adaptation”). Written and directed by Matt Ruskin (“Crown Heights”), the film is produced by Ridley Scott (“The Martian”), Kevin J. Walsh (“House of Gucci”), Michael Pruss (“American Woman”), Josey McNamara (“Promising Young Woman”), and Tom Ackerley (“I, Tonya”), with Michael Fottrell (“The Fate of the Furious”) and Sam Roston serving as executive producers. Sam Roston is overseeing for Scott Free and Bronte Payne for LuckyChap.

The film follows Loretta McLaughlin (Keira Knightley), a reporter for the Record-American newspaper, who becomes the first journalist to connect the Boston Strangler murders. As the mysterious killer claims more and more victims, Loretta attempts to continue her investigation alongside colleague and confidante Jean Cole (Carrie Coon), yet the duo finds themselves stymied by the rampant sexism of the era. Nevertheless, McLaughlin and Cole bravely pursue the story at great personal risk, putting their own lives on the line in their quest to uncover the truth.

Paramount+ today announced the premiere date and legendary cast lineup for the highly anticipated second season of QUEEN OF THE UNIVERSE. Hosted by five-time BAFTA TV Award winner Graham Norton, the new season will premiere exclusively on the service Friday, March 31 in Canada and the U.S, and on April 1 in the U.K., Latin America, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Australia. 

QUEEN OF THE UNIVERSE follows the world’s most talented drag queens as they battle it out for global domination, and countries go head-to-head spotlighting their top talent. 

Each episode will feature the world’s fiercest queens as they debut a new musical performance in front of a live audience and the “Pop Diva Panel” of judges in the hopes of being crowned the “Queen of the Universe.” This season, global superstar Mel B joins the returning judges including platinum-selling recording artist, three-time Emmy-winning producer and judge of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Michelle Visage; multi-Emmy and GRAMMY® nominee Vanessa Williams; and American drag superstar Trixie Mattel. 

Meet the QUEEN OF THE UNIVERSE season two cast:

• AURA ETERNAL (Palermo, Italy) Instagram: @aura_eternal

Having previously appeared on the second season of Drag Race Italia where she made it to the top three, Aura Eternal has already demonstrated sickening skills in her homeland. But now Aura’s ready to show the rest of the world she’s got vocal chops that equal her stunning looks and is ready to become the next singing drag queen global sensation!

• CHLOE V (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) Instagram: @dragchloe

With Brazil having won last season’s Queen of the Universe, Chloe V knows she’s got big stilettos to fill. But with a powerhouse voice and gag-worthy looks that could turn a drag queen green with envy, she’s confident nobody in the competition can knock her down and steal that crown!

• JAZELL ROYALE (Orlando, Florida, U.S.) Instagram: @jazellbarbieroyale

Jazell Royale is more than just a gorgeous face and an award-winning pageant queen, and the time is now for her star to shine. She may be known in the USA for her many titles and viral videos, but she hopes that the Queen of the Universe stage will allow her to be remembered for her biggest asset – her voice!

• LOVE MASISI (Amsterdam, Netherlands) Instagram: @lovemasisi

Having lived in several different countries throughout their adventurous life, Love Masisi is now proud to call the Netherlands home. After a previous appearance on Drag Race Holland Season 2, they’re ready to showcase their passion for music and spread a message of hope and love all over the world.

• MAXIE (Manila, Philippines) Instagram: @maxieandreison

Maxie may already be known in the Philippines as a top-tier performer and LGBTQ advocate, but now she’s ready to be known as a universal singing sensation! Although she’s appeared on TV several times beginning when she was just a kid, she’s never left her home country. Now she’s ready to step onto the Queen of the Universe stage for a shot at her dream.

• MILITIA SCUNT (San Francisco, California, U.S.) Instagram: @militiasf

Known in California for her edgy drag looks and her soulful singing voice, Militia Scunt is ready to conquer the universe and become the next singing drag queen superstar. A triple threat with singing, dancing, and style skills, she’s confident she’s got the goods to smack down the competition and bring the crown to the USA – period!

• MISS SISTRATA (Tel Aviv, Israel) Instagram: @misssistrata

Miss Sistrata, reporting for beauty! This former soldier is ready to walk onto the Queen of the Universe stage like the true diva that she is. And with vocal abilities and looks that leave audiences gagged and begging for more, she’s ready to make her mark on the competition.

• TAIGA BRAVA (Cancun, Mexico) Instagram: @taigabrava

Taiga Brava arrives to the main stage from the sunny shores of Cancun, ready to make both homeland and family proud of her vocal skills and jaw-dropping drag looks. With her effervescent personality and unshakeable confidence, she’s confident she’s got what it takes to bring the crown home to Mexico.

• TREVOR ASHLEY (Sydney, Australia) Instagram: @trevor_ashley

Trevor Ashley is a seasoned theater queen who’s been part of the Australian drag community for over 20 years. Despite her many career successes (including winning the Aussie equivalent of the Tony Award) this is her first televised singing competition – and the diva from Down Under is ready to deliver!

• VIOLA (Coventry, England, U.K.) Instagram: @playedbyviola

At only nineteen years old, Viola may be the youngest contender in the competition but don’t be deceived – she’s a talented musician who’s been working towards this opportunity her entire life. Having joined the drag community only a few years ago, this rising star is ready to show the universe just how bright she can shine.

Global drag icon and multi-Emmy® Award winner RuPaul serves as an executive producer on the series, alongside MTV Entertainment Studios and World of Wonder, the producers of the Emmy Award-winning franchise “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” 

Today, the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television (the Canadian Academy) announced the nominees for the 2023 Canadian Screen Awards in 145 television, film, and digital media categories, which also include the inaugural nominations in gender-neutral performance categories for lead and supporting performers in film and television.

The first season of CBC’s The Porter leads both television and overall 2023 Canadian Screen Award nominations with 19, including Best Drama Series and Best Lead Performer, Drama Series nominations for Aml Ameen, Ronnie Rowe Jr., and Mouna Traoré. Both CBC’s Sort Of and CBC Gem’s Detention Adventure received 15 nominations, followed by CBC’s Pretty Hard Cases with 11.

In film, Clement Virgo’s Brother tops nominations with 14, including Achievement in Direction and Performance in a Leading Role for Lamar Johnson. Stéphane Lafleur’s Viking follows with 13, while David Cronenberg’s Crimes of the Future boasts 11.

Revenge of the Black Best Friend leads digital media nominations with nine, including Best Web Program or Series, Fiction; followed by Avocado Toast The Series with seven and Tokens with four.

“From legendary directors like David Cronenberg to new voices like Bilal Baig, the 2023 Canadian Screen Award nominees reaffirm that our country has an immensely talented industry, and we are lucky to call them Canadian,” said Tammy Frick, CEO, Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. “Supporting these artists has never been more important, and we are proud to be at the centre of those efforts. I’m thrilled to share my heartfelt congratulations with all of the nominees and look forward to raising a glass to them in person this April.”

“The nominations for the 2023 Canadian Screen Awards shine a much-deserved spotlight on the brilliant creative minds behind some of the best Canadian television, film, and digital media works of the past year, and we could not be more excited to gather in person — for the first time in four years — to celebrate these tremendous achievements,” said John Young, Chair, Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television.

The 2023 Canadian Screen Awards will be presented in a series of seven intimate genre-based awards presentations, with esteemed members of the Canadian screen-based industry who brought us the best work from the last year, gathering in person at Meridian Hall in Toronto from Tuesday, April 11, 2023 through to Friday, April 14, 2023, all culminating with The Canadian Screen Awards with Samantha Bee, broadcasting on Sunday, April 16 at 8 PM (9 AT, 9:30 NT) on CBC and CBC Gem.

An intimate look at Canadian storytelling excellence on screen, The Canadian Screen Awards with Samantha Bee is an hour-long star-studded broadcast special featuring celebrity interviews, highlights from the awards presentations throughout Canadian Screen Week 2023, and the presentation of the Cogeco Fund Audience Choice Award. The special will also include exclusive access to this year’s Special Award recipients, including: Ryan Reynolds, recipient of the Humanitarian Award, presented by Paramount+; Catherine O’Hara, who will receive the Academy Icon Award, presented by CBC; and Simu Liu, the recipient of the Radius Award, presented by MADE | NOUS.

The full schedule for the 2023 Canadian Screen Awards is as follows:
Tuesday, April 11
12:00 PM ET – The Sports Programming Awards, presented by CTV
6:00 PM ET – The News, Documentary & Factual Awards

Wednesday, April 12
12:00 PM ET – The Children’s & Animation Awards, presented by Shaw Rocket Fund
6:00 PM ET – The Lifestyle & Reality Awards, presented by CTV

Thursday, April 13
12:00 PM ET – The Digital & Immersive Awards
6:00 PM ET – The Cinematic Arts Awards, presented by Telefilm Canada and supported by Cineplex

Friday, April 14
4:00 PM ET – The Comedic & Dramatic Arts Awards

Sunday, April 16
8:00 PM (9:00 PM AT, 9:30 PM NT) – The Canadian Screen Awards with Samantha Bee on CBC and CBC Gem

The 2023 Canadian Screen Awards Box Office opens today, Wednesday, February 22, 2023. Each of the awards presentations from Tuesday, April 11, 2023 to Friday, April 14, 2023 will include cocktail receptions for attendees, taking place before and after the shows. Canadian Screen Award nominees and guests can book their tickets online at academy.ca/boxoffice.

The nominees for the 2023 Canadian Screen Awards were chosen by voting members of the Canadian Academy and by nominating juries, conducted virtually with representatives from the film, television, and digital media industries. The membership will now cast their votes between Wednesday, February 22, 2023 and Friday, March 10, 2023 to determine the winners.

For the full list of 2023 Canadian Screen Award nominees, please visit academy.ca/nominees; view the full schedule for Canadian Screen Week 2023 at academy.ca/schedule.

Media accreditation for the 2023 Canadian Screen Awards opens on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. To receive updates and details for accreditation, as well as red carpet and press room opportunities, pre-register here. For promotional assets, including a fact sheet about the nominees and images, reference our digital toolkit.

About the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television

The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television is the largest non-profit professional arts organization in Canada with a membership of more than 4,000 emerging and established industry professionals. Founded in 1979, the Canadian Academy is dedicated to recognizing, celebrating, and advocating for Canadian talent in the film, television, and digital media sectors while remaining committed to nurturing all levels of talent through professional training, networking opportunities, and guidance. The Canadian Academy produces the Canadian Screen Awards, bringing together the screen-based industries annually to honour and celebrate the country’s top talent during Canadian Screen Week.

The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television proudly acknowledges the support of its Leading Media Partner, CBC; Premier Partner, Telefilm Canada; Platinum Partner, CTV; and its Lead Partners, Netflix, the Canada Media Fund, Cineplex, the Cogeco Fund, and WBD Access Canada.

For information on membership and programming visit academy.ca.