For the ninth year, Hollywood Suite will be the exclusive Canadian home of the Film Independent Spirit Awards! The Awards, honouring the best in independent Film, now it their 37th year, will be hosted by both Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally!
Best Feature nominees this year are: CHIARA, CâMON CâMON, THE LOST DAUGHTER, THE NOVICE and ZOLA.
âIn a crowded awards season that can often see the same big-budget films lauded over and over again, the Film Independent Spirit Awards are a breath of fresh air,â commented David Kines, President Hollywood Suite. âThe awards are bold, smart, and hilarious. As an independent ourselves, we are proud to showcase the cream of the indie crop as the exclusive Canadian broadcaster of the awards for the 9th year.â
The Awards return again to an in-person format after going virtual last year.
The 2022 Film Independent Spirit Awards air Sunday, March 6 at 5pm ET on Hollywood Suite.
Do not forget to catch past Best Feature winners on Hollywood Suite. Schedule below:
The Grifters â Friday, March 4 at 9pm on HS90
Fargo â Saturday, March, 5 at 9pm on HS90
Rambling Rose â Saturday, March 5 at 10:40pm on HS90
Silver Linings Playbook â Sunday, March 6 at 7:35pm on HS00
Brokeback Mountain â Sunday, March 6 at 11:25pm on HS00
We’ve been so lucky to attend in past years in-person. See some of our coverage here.
Hollywood Suite has announced it will be the home of the 36th edition of the Film Independent Spirit Awards this year!
The star-studded event will honour films like FIRST COW, NEVER RARELY SOMETIMES ALWAYS, MINARI, MA RAINEYâS BLACK BOTTOM and NOMADLAND.
Among those nominated include: Julia Garner (THE ASSISTANT), Riz Ahmed (THE SOUND OF METAL), Carey Mulligan (PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN), Nicole Beharie (MISS JUNETEENTH) and Benedict Wong (NINE DAYS).
Regina King and the Cast of ONE NIGHT IN MIAMI will receive the Robert Altman Award.
Don’t forget you can catch previous Best Picture winners like:
MOONLIGHT
12 YEARS A SLAVE
BIRDMAN (OR THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE)
LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN
THE WRESTLER
LOST IN TRANSLATION
RIVERâS EDGE
THE PLAYER
STAND AND DELIVER
CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON
… all on Hollywood Suite!
Hosted by Saturday Night Liveâs Melissa Villaseñor, the ceremony will air live April 22, 2021 at 10pm ET on Hollywood Suite.
The 36th Film Independent Spirit Awards take place Thursday, April 22, 2021 and nominations were announced today. NEVER RARELY SOMETIMES ALWAYS takes the lead with a total seven nominations, with MINARI, MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM and NOMADLAND tying in second with six nods apiece. ONE NIGHT IN MIAMI, the Feature directorial debut of Oscar winner Regina King will be awarded the Robert Altman Award this year.
Interestingly, we see Chadwick Boseman, whom posthumously has been a frontrunner in the Support Actor category this Awards Season, is in the Lead Actor category here for his work in MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM.
The Spirit Awards’ commitment and diversity can be felt this year across several categories and in the Director race we have two Asian-American Filmmakers nominated in Lee Isaac Chung (Minari) and Chloe Zhao (Nomadland). Three out of five nominees in the category are female.
The Cast of HBO‘s I MAY DESTROY YOU starring, written, directed, produced by Michaela Coel also will be honoured for Best Ensemble Cast in a New Scripted Series.
Nominees are as follows:
Best Feature
âFirst Cowâ
âMa Raineyâs Black Bottomâ
âMinariâ
âNever Rarely Sometimes Alwaysâ
âNomadlandâ
Best Director
Lee Isaac Chung, âMinariâ
Emerald Fennell, âPromising Young Womanâ
Eliza Hittman,â Never Rarely Sometimes Alwaysâ
Kelly Reichardt, âFirst Cowâ
Chloe Zhao, âNomadlandâ
Best First Feature
âI Carry You With Meâ
âThe 40 Year Old Versionâ
âThe Sound of Metalâ
âMiss Juneteenthâ
âNine Daysâ
Best Female Lead
Nicole Beharie, âMiss Juneteenthâ
Viola Davis, âMa Raineyâs Black Bottomâ
Sidney Flanigan, âNever Rarely Sometimes Alwaysâ
Julia Garner, âThe Assistantâ
Frances McDormand, âNomadlandâ
Carey Mulligan, âPromising Young Womanâ
Best Male Lead
Riz Ahmed, âThe Sound of Metalâ
Chadwick Boseman, âMa Raineyâs Black Bottomâ
Rob Morgan, âBullâ
Steven Yeun, âMinariâ
Adarsh Gourav, âThe White Tigerâ
Best Supporting Female
Alexis Chikaeze, âMiss Juneteenthâ
Yeri Han, âMinariâ
Valerie Mahaffey, French Exitâ
Talia Ryder, âNever Rarely Sometimes Alwaysâ
Yuh-jung Youn, âMinariâ
Best Supporting Male
Coleman Domingo, âMa Raineyâs Black Bottomâ
Orion Lee, âFirst Cowâ
Paul Raci, âSound of Metalâ
Glynn Turmann, âMa Raineyâs Black Bottomâ
Benedict Wong, âNine Daysâ
Best Screenplay
âBad Educationâ
âMinariâ
âThe Half of Itâ
âNever Rarely Sometimes Alwaysâ
âPromising Young Womanâ
Best First Screenplay
Kitty Green, âThe Assistantâ
Noah Hutton, âLapsisâ
Channing Godfrey Peoples, âMiss Juneteenthâ
Andy Siara, âPalm Springsâ
James Sweeney, âStraight Upâ
Best Cinematography
Jay Keitel, âShe Dies Tomorrowâ
Shabier Kirchner, âBullâ
Michael Latham, âThe Assistantâ
HĂ©lĂšne Louvart, âNever Rarely Sometimes Alwaysâ
Joshua James Richards, âNomadlandâ
Best Editing
âI Carry You With Meâ
âThe Invisible Manâ
âResidueâ
âNever Rarely Sometimes Alwaysâ
âNomadlandâ
Robert Altman Award
âOne Night in Miamiâ
Best Documentary
âCollectiveâ
âCrip Campâ
âDick Johnson Is Deadâ
âTimeâ
âThe Mole Agentâ
Best International Film
âBacurauâ
âThe Discipleâ
âNight of the Kingsâ
âPreparations to be Together for an Unknown Period of Timeâ
âQuo Vadis, Aida?â
Piaget Producers Award
Kara Durrett
Lucas Joaquin
Gerry Kim
Someone to Watch Award
David Midell, âThe Killing of Kenneth Chamberlainâ
Ekwa Msangi, âFarewell Amorâ
Annie Silverstein, âBullâ
Truer Than Fiction Award
Cecilia Aldarondo, âLandfallâ
Elegance Bratton, âPier Kidsâ
Elizabeth Lo, âStrayâ
Best New Non-Scripted or Documentary Series
âAtlantaâs Missing and Murdered: The Lost Childrenâ
âCity So Realâ
âImmigration Nationâ
âLove Fraudâ
âWeâre Hereâ
Best Scripted Series
âI May Destroy Youâ
âLittle Americaâ
âSmall Axeâ
âA Teacherâ
âUnorthodoxâ
Best Female Performance in a Scripted Series
Elle Fanning, âThe Greatâ
Shira Haas, âUnorthodoxâ
Abby McEnany, âWork in Progress
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, âNever Have I Everâ
Jordan Kristine SeamĂłn, âWe Are Who We Areâ
Best Male Performance in a Scripted Series
Conphidance, âLittle Americaâ
Adam Ali, âLittle Americaâ
Nicco Annan, âP-Valleyâ
Amit Rahav, âUnorthodoxâ
Harold Torres, âZero, Zero, Zeroâ
Best Ensemble Cast in a New Scripted Series
âI May Destroy Youâ
Ensemble Cast: Michaela Coel, Paapa Essiedu, Wruche Opia,
Stephen Wight
Complete Nominee List and more here.
(Photo credit: Film Independent)
While the 2020 FILM INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARDS didn’t see a clean sweep for any particular Film, what made it most unique was the split of awards among deserving titles which may have been overseen on other circuits. Taking home top honours at this year’s Awards, held once again at Santa Monica Pier, was Lulu Wang‘s THE FAREWELL. The Film won Best Feature and Best Supporting Actress with Zhao Shuzhen, who sadly was unable to celebrate due to the Coronavirus situation in China. Wang‘s partner Barry Jenkins was with her to support her, showing his pride backstage.
UNCUT GEMS which surprisingly for many failed to garner an Academy Award nomination, performed very well at the Spirit Awards, rewarding Best Director to Co-Directors The Safdie Brothers and also Best Male Lead (Adam Sandler). Sandler gave a spirited speech delivered completely as a different character, before thanking his family, while the Safdie Brothers both delivered a comical speech which saw them talking over one another.
Much like the rest of Awards Season, RenĂ©e Zellweger took home Best Female Lead for her work in JUDY, marking her first Spirit Award win after three nominations. Returning Host Aubrey Plaza delivered an opening number, a version of Judy Garland‘s Get Happy with hilarious lyrics, delivering the chuckles once again.
Watch it here:
MARRIAGE STORY also saw recognition with the Film’s team being awarded the Robert Altman Award, along with its Director/Writer Noah Baumbach who was also awarded Best Screenplay. Baumbach gave thanks to his partner Greta Gerwig, telling the audience “Even though she made a Movie (Little Women) too expensive to be here, she is just as independent as any of us.”. This was Baumbach‘s first Spirit Award.
Watch Film Independent’s YouTube Channel for more clips and speeches here.
We were thrilled once again to partner with Hollywood Suite, exclusive Canadian Broadcaster of the Awards!
See some of our star-studded Snaps. Navigate Albums by selecting the right arrow.
So happy to be here with the Team from @hollywoodsuite: @camfess and Alicia Fletcher! The Blue Carpet starts soon and broadcast 5 PM ET. #SpiritAwards pic.twitter.com/1ovx6iUoSu
â MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) February 8, 2020
While Awards Season is about to conclude with the Academy Awards taking place tomorrow, we’ll look back at this year’s Spirit Awards as an unforgettable one!
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Film Independent)
It is with great pleasure to let you know that we’ll be returning to Santa Monica Pier once again this February for the 2020 Film Independent Spirit Awards! We’re partnering with our friends at Hollywood Suite from the Blue Carpet to provide you some star-studded coverage of the final Awards Show of the season before the Academy Awards! We’re super-excited to be in Hollywood again for some of that Awards Season excitement!
The Independent Spirit Awards take place Saturday, February 8, 2020 at 5:00 PM ET and air on Hollywood Suite in Canada and on IFC in the U.S.
Nominees are comprised of a mixed group of A-List and emerging talent and we’re thrilled some of our favourites like HUSTLERS, UNCUT GEMS, THE FAREWELL and MARRIAGE STORY get the love they deserved here.
See the Nominees:
BEST FEATURE
(Award given to the producer)
A HIDDEN LIFE
Producers: Elisabeth Bentley, Dario Bergesio, Grant Hill, Josh Jeter
CLEMENCY
Producers: Timur Bekbosunov, Julian Cautherley, Bronwyn Cornelius, Peter Wong
THE FAREWELL
Producers: Anita Gou, Daniele Melia, Andrew Miano, Peter Saraf, Marc Turtletaub, Lulu Wang, Chris Weitz, Jane Zheng
MARRIAGE STORY
Producers: Noah Baumbach, David Heyman
UNCUT GEMS
Producers: Eli Bush, Sebastian Bear McClard, Scott Rudin
BEST FIRST FEATURE
(Award given to the director and producer)
BOOKSMART
Director: Olivia Wilde
Producers: Chelsea Barnard, David Distenfeld, Jessica Elbaum, Megan Ellison, Katie Silberman
THE CLIMB
Director: Michael Angelo Covino
Producers: Noah Lang, Kyle Marvin
DIANE
Director: Kent Jones
Producers: Luca Borghese, Ben Howe, Caroline Kaplan, Oren Moverman
THE LAST BLACK MAN IN SAN FRANCISCO
Director/Producer: Joe Talbot
Producers: Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Khaliah Neal, Christina Oh
THE MUSTANG
Director: Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre
Producer: Ilan Goldman
SEE YOU YESTERDAY
Director: Stefon Bristol
Producer: Spike Lee
BEST DIRECTOR
Robert Eggers, The Lighthouse
Alma Harâel, Honey Boy
Julius Onah, Luce
Benny Safdie, Uncut Gems
Josh Safdie, Uncut Gems
Lorene Scafaria, Hustlers
BEST SCREENPLAY
Noah Baumbach, Marriage Story
Jason Begue, Shawn Snyder, To Dust
Ronald Bronstein, Benny Safdie, Josh Safdie, Uncut Gems
Chinonye Chukwu, Clemency
Tarell Alvin McCraney, High Flying Bird
BEST FIRST SCREENPLAY
Fredrica Bailey, Stefon Bristol, See You Yesterday
Hannah Bos, Paul Thureen, Driveways
Bridget Savage Cole, Danielle Krudy, Blow the Man Down
Jocelyn Deboer, Dawn Luebbe, Greener Grass
Andrew Patterson, Craig W. Sanger, The Vast of Night
JOHN CASSAVETES AWARD
(Award given to the best feature made for under $500,000; award given to the writer, director and producer)
BURNING CANE
Writer/Director/Producer: Phillip Youmans
Producers: Ojo Akinlana, Jakob Johnson, Karen Kaia Livers, Mose Mayer,
Wendell Pierce, Isaac Web, Cassandra Youmans
COLEWELL
Writer/Director: Tom Quinn
Producers: Joshua Blum, Alexandra Byer, Craig Shilowich, Matthew Thurm
GIVE ME LIBERTY
Writer/Director/Producer: Kirill Mikhanovsky
Writer/Producer: Alice Austen
Producers: Val Abel, Wally Hall, Michael Manasseri, George Rush, Sergey Shtern
PREMATURE
Writer/Director/Producer: Rashaad Ernesto Green
Writer: Zora Howard
Producers: Darren Dean, Joy Ganes
WILD NIGHTS WITH EMILY
Writer/Director/Producer: Madeleine Olnek
Producers: Anna Margarita Albelo, Casper Andreas, Max Rifkind-Barron
BEST MALE LEAD
Chris Galust, Give Me Liberty
Kelvin Harrison Jr., Luce
Robert Pattinson, The Lighthouse
Adam Sandler, Uncut Gems
Matthias Schoenaerts, The Mustang
BEST FEMALE LEAD
Karen Allen, Colewell
Hong Chau, Driveways
Elisabeth Moss, Her Smell
Mary Kay Place, Diane
Renée Zellweger, Judy
Alfre Woodard, Clemency
BEST SUPPORTING MALE
Willem Dafoe, The Lighthouse
Noah Jupe, Honey Boy
Shia LaBeouf, Honey Boy
Jonathan Majors, The Last Black Man in San Francisco
Wendell Pierce, Burning Cane
BEST SUPPORTING FEMALE
Jennifer Lopez, Hustlers
Taylor Russell, Waves
Zhao Shuzhen, The Farewell
Lauren âLoloâ Spencer, Give Me Liberty
Octavia Spencer, Luce
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Todd Banhazl, Hustlers
Jarin Blaschke, The Lighthouse
Natasha Braier, Honey Boy
Chananun Chotrungroj, The Third Wife
Pawel Pogorzelski, Midsommar
BEST EDITING
Julie BĂ©ziau, The Third Wife
Ronald Bronstein, Benny Safdie, Uncut Gems
Tyler L. Cook, Sword of Trust
Louise Ford, The Lighthouse
Kirill Mikhanovsky, Give Me Liberty
BEST INTERNATIONAL FILM
INVISIBLE LIFE (Brazil)
Director: Karim AĂŻnouz
LES MISĂRABLES (France)
Director: Ladj Ly
PARASITE (South Korea)
Director: Bong Joon-ho
PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE (France)
Director: CĂ©line Sciamma
RETABLO (Peru)
Director: Ălvaro Delgado-Aparicio L.
THE SOUVENIR (United Kingdom)
Director: Joanna Hogg
BEST DOCUMENTARY
(Award given to the director and producer)
AMERICAN FACTORY
Director/Producers: Steven Bognar, Julia Reichert
Producers: Julia Parker Benello, Jeff Reichert
APOLLO 11
Director/Producer: Todd Douglas Miller
Producers: Evan Krauss, Thomas Baxley Peterson
FOR SAMA
Director: Edward Watts
Director/Producer: Waad al-Kateab
HONEYLAND
Director: Tamara Kotevska
Director/Producer: Ljubo Stefanov
Producer: Atanas Georgiev
ISLAND OF THE HUNGRY GHOSTS
Director/Producer: Gabrielle Brady
Producers: Gizem Acarla, Samm Haillay, Alex Kelly, Alexander Wadouh
ROBERT ALTMAN AWARD
(Award given to one filmâs director, casting director and ensemble cast)
MARRIAGE STORY
Director: Noah Baumbach
Casting Directors: Douglas Aibel, Francine Maisler
Ensemble Cast: Alan Alda, Laura Dern, Adam Driver, Julie Hagerty, Scarlett Johansson, Ray Liotta, Azhy Robertson, Merritt Wever
BONNIE AWARD SPONSORED BY AMERICAN AIRLINES
(Bonnie Tiburzi Caputo joined American Airlines in 1973 at age 24, becoming the first female pilot to fly for a major U.S. airline. In her honor, the 3rd annual Bonnie Award will recognize a mid-career female director with a $50,000 unrestricted grant, sponsored by American Airlines.)
Marielle Heller
Kelly Reichardt
Lulu Wang
PRODUCERS AWARD
(The Producers Award, now in its 23rd year, honors emerging producers who, despite highly limited resources demonstrate the creativity, tenacity and vision required to produce quality, independent films. The award includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant.)
Mollye Asher
Krista Parris
Ryan Zacarias
SOMEONE TO WATCH AWARD, PRESENTED BY BULLEIT FONTIER WHISKEY
(The Someone to Watch Award Presented By Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, now in its 26th year, recognizes a talented filmmaker of singular vision who has not yet received appropriate recognition. The award includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant.)
PREMATURE
Director: Rashaad Ernesto Green
THE LAST BLACK MAN IN SAN FRANCISCO
Director: Joe Talbot
THE THIRD WIFE
Director: Ash Mayfair
TRUER THAN FICTION AWARD
(The Truer Than Fiction Award, now in its 25th year, is presented to an emerging director of non-fiction features who has not yet received significant recognition. The award includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant.)
17 BLOCKS
Director: Davy Rothbart
AMĂRICA
Directors: Erick Stoll, Chase Whiteside
BLACK MOTHER
Director: Khalik Allah
JADDOLAND
Director: Nadia Shihab
Above this, our Amanda Gilmore heads to Park City later this week to attend the Sundance Film Festival, delivering you highlights and reviews from some of the hottest Films to come out of the Festival!
Stay tuned to our Social Media for live coverage:
Instagram: @mrwillwong
Twitter: @mrwillw | @gilmoreamanda
Facebook: mrwillwongblog
Also be sure to follow Hollywood Suite’s coverage:
Twitter: @hollywoodsuite
Cameron Maitland: @camfess
(Photo credit: Film Independent)
Now in their 34th year, the FILM INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARDS took place in Santa Monica this past weekend, celebrating the achievement in Independent Film over the past year. Taking top honours was Barry Jenkins’ IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK, winning Best Feature. The Adaptation of the Novel by James Baldwin also was awarded Best Director and Supporting Actress, Regina King who the next day, would win an Oscar for the same performance.
As is consistent with most of this Awards Season, we’ve seen a split in the recognition of Films and the Spirit Awards were on-trend. CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME? and SUSPIRIA received two awards each, the former winning for Best Supporting Actor, Richard E. Grant and Best Screenplay, Jeff Whitty and Nicole Holofcener. Grant shared some inspiring words about his experience playing Jack Hock, himself having seen several of his friends die victims of HIV. He dedicated his award in memory of those who passed away as a result of the disease.
The Cast of SUSPIRIA received the prestigious Robert Altman Award, honouring its Female Ensemble including Chloë Grace-Moretz, Tilda Swinton, Mia Goth, Dakota Johnson and more. Its Cinematographer Sayombhu Mukdeeprom also was awarded for her work.
Hosted by Aubrey Plaza, the audience were treated to her expletive-filled dead-pan humour where several including Netflix nor even THE FAVOURITE Director Yorgos Lanthimos (equating the sound of his name to a Harry Potter spell, “You just shout Yorgos Lanthimos and someone gets fingered in a corset!”) were safe from her jokes. Kidding aside, she points out that 60% of Director nominees at the Spirit Awards this year were women, stating “Don’t get too excited, in this case 60% just means three women, but calling it 60% makes it sound way scarier to your uncles.”. On the growing phenomenon of Films getting digital releases over theatrical, she says, “I truly believe people should see movies how they’re meant to seen in the theatres.”.
Plaza‘s amazing Opening Monologue
Not only did Best Actress winner Glenn Close rule at the Awards, she and her adorable Havanese dog Pip charmed on the Blue Carpet, she dressed in a shimmery pink lamé suit, before getting her own private dinner hosted by Chanel at STK. Pip also attended.
The Cast of Suspiria also ruled the Blue Carpet with Mother Suspiriorum herself, Dakota Johnson, leading the charge and giving her time generously to fans who queued on the sand for a chance to see the stars.
See some of our Snaps:
Glenn Close x Pip
Aubrey Plaza
Barry Jenkins and “If Beale Street Could Talk” Team
Joaquin Phoenix
Josh Hamilton, Elsie Fisher x Bo Burnham
Jon Hamm
Dakota Johnson, Tilda Swinton, Mia Goth and the ladies of Suspiria
Chloë Grace Moretz x Riley Keough
John Waters
Ray Romano x Mark Duplass
Yalitza Aparicio x Javier Bardem
Taraji P. Henson x Shangela
You also cannot miss Shangela’s daring performance
Finn Wolfhard
Carey Mulligan x Zoe Kazan
Kiki Layne
Jeff Witty x Nicole Holofcener
Debra Granik
Toni Collette
Regina Hall
Regina King
Morgan Neville
Boots Riley
Richard E. Grant
Viggo Mortensen
Alfonso CuarĂłn
Alfonso CuarĂłn with Thomasin McKenzie
Complete list of winners here.
We attended together with our friends at Hollywood Suite, the exclusive broadcaster of the Spirit Awards and will never forget this amazing journey. Their Cam Maitland did an awesome job interviewing talent on the Blue Carpet which will air at later points. You can subscribe via your television provider at $6 per month, plus basic cable. Hollywoodsuite.com.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Photos taken on the Nikon D3400.
Thank you so much, Hollywood Suite for this amazing care package!
I’m thrilled to announce that I will teaming with them for the first time ever this year at the Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, California!
The #SpiritAwards hosted by Aubrey Plaza, take place 2.23.19 and air on Hollywood Suite 5 PM ET. Learn more.
Don’t forget also this Sunday 2.10.19, the #EEBAFTAs hosted by Joanna Lumley, air at 6 PM ET. Learn more. Hollywood Suite will be there bringing you their exclusive broadcast.
I’m thrilled to bring you some awesome coverage together with the Hollywood Suite team from the Independent Spirit Awards! Don’t forget to follow them on Instagram @HollywoodSuite and Twitter: @HollywoodSuite.
Hollywood Suite‘s official page.
Hollywood Suite is only available via subscription via a TV Provider for around $6/month (plus basic cable). All ordering information can be found here.
The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) and CBC celebrated Canadaâs Biggest Night in Music this evening at The 53rd Annual JUNO Awards Broadcast. Hosted by legendary singer, songwriter and pop superstar Nelly Furtado, the awards were broadcast from Scotiabank Centre in Halifax on CBC TV, CBC Gem, CBC Radio One, CBC Music, CBC Listen, and globally at CBCMusic.ca/junos and CBC Musicâs YouTube page.
JUNOSâ most decorated artist and Nova Scotian Anne Murray took to the stage to present the Group of the Year Presented by SiriusXM Canada to The Beaches. Following their win, The Beaches also took to the stage with a dynamic performance to cap off a stellar weekend for the band, winning Rock Album of the Year the previous night as well.
Two other performers went home with JUNO Awards this evening, TALK with Breakthrough Artist of the Year Presented by FACTOR, The Government of Canada and Canadaâs Private Radio Broadcasters and Charlotte Cardin won Album of the Year Presented by Music Canada for her hit album â99 nights.â Charlotte also went home with Pop Album of the Year the previous night.
Fans around the world were given the option to vote for the TikTok JUNO Fan Choice, which was awarded to Karan Aujla.
The eveningâs broadcast included the induction of Maestro Fresh Wes to the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, his Induction was Presented by JUNOS Premier Sponsor, TD. The honour was presented to him by Kardinal Offishall who also introduced Maestro Fresh Wes ahead of his incredible performance.
The MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award, presented by Anthem Entertainment, was awarded to, Stephen Richardson (Ăcole St. Joseph School, Yellowknife, NT) not only for his impact on students in kindergarten through to grade 12 but also his dedication to the Yellowknife community and the music education field. He is the first educator from the Northwest Territories to win this award and has been nominated for this award three times before.
The 2024 JUNO Awards Broadcast featured additional performances from some of Canadaâs brightest stars. Host Nelly Furtado took to the stage to wow the crowd with her performance followed by Karan Aujla (2024 Breakthrough Artist of the Year Presented by FACTOR, The Government of Canada and Canadaâs Private Radio Broadcasters nominee) and Ikky who impressed the audience with their performance. A powerful performance from Jeremy Dutcher & 2024 JUNO Award winner Elisapie ft. the fiery Miâkmaq fiddler Morgan Toney and artistic creator Sarah Prosper. A double award winner from the JUNO Opening Night Awards Presented by Music Canada, Songwriter of the Year Presented by SOCAN and Alternative Album of the Year, Aysanabee joined Alexandra StrĂ©liski and Allison Russell, winner of the 2024 JUNO Award for Music Video of the Year. Country artist Josh Ross took to the stage to put on an exhilarating performance.
The eveningâs star-studded roster of presenters included CBCâs This Hour Has 22 Minutes and Best in Miniature host, Aba Amuquandoh, Two-Spirit nurse practitioner and talented drag artist Anita LandBack, Canadian music legend Jim Cuddy, co-founder and executive director of the Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance John R Sylliboy, actor/comedian Jonny Harris from CBCâs Murdoch Mysteries and Still Standing, 2024 Single of the Year and Breakthrough Artist of the Year Presented by FACTOR, the Government of Canada and Canadaâs private Radio broadcasters nominee and pop singer/songwriter LU KALA, R&B/dancehall fusion and 2024 Reggae Recording of the Year nominee Omega Mighty, Minister of Canadian Heritage The Honourable Pascale St-Onge and JUNO Award winner and 2024 nominee William Prince. Crash Adams were the 2024 TikTok JUNO Fan Choice Award presenters and CBC Musicâs Odario Williams brought this Afterdark groove to the JUNO party as the Broadcast announcer.
Fans can rewatch every performance and memorable moment from the 53rd Annual JUNO Awards broadcast, on CBC Gem, CBCMusic.ca/junos and The JUNO Awards social channels.
The 2024 JUNO Awards Broadcast was produced by Insight Productions (a Boat Rocker company in association with CBC and The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS).
The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television (the Canadian Academy) is pleased to announce the first set of 2024 Special Award recipients, presented to four trailblazing individuals within Canadaâs vibrant screen-based industries. All of this yearâs Special Award honourees will be recognized for their outstanding contributions and successes during Canadian Screen Week 2024, taking place in Toronto from Sunday, May 26 through to Saturday, June 1.
âA heartfelt congratulations to our first group of Special Award recipients, all of whom have left an indelible mark on the heart of our nation’s film and television industries, enriching our screens with innovation, passion, and unparalleled talent,â said Tammy Frick, CEO, Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. âAs we celebrate their impactful journeys, let us recognize and honour their unwavering commitment to their craft, which not only upholds the spirit of Canadian film and television, but also inspires audiences worldwide.â
âOn behalf of the Canadian Academyâs Board of Directors, I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations to these four outstanding pillars of our industry,â said Thomas Santram, Chair, Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. âThese remarkable individuals embody the term âexcellenceâ with their unwavering dedication, talent, and creativity in everything they do, and we eagerly await the opportunity to honour them during Canadian Screen Week 2024.â
The first group of the Canadian Academyâs 2024 Special Award honourees are:
The Academy Board of Directorsâ Tribute Award, honouring a Canadian individual for their extraordinary impact on the growth of the Canadian media industry, is posthumously presented to Jeff Barnaby, whose uncompromising films paint a stark and scathing portrait of post-colonial Indigenous life and culture. He used magic realism, body horror, and sci-fi to pioneer what’s now known as Indigenous Futurism. A pioneer of contemporary Indigenous cinema, his fearless storytelling and vision continue to inspire a new generation of filmmakers.
The Academy Board of Directorsâ Tribute Award is also being given to John Brunton, Chair & Chief Executive Officer, Executive Producer, at Insight Productions. John has produced thousands of hours of television, much of it sold internationally, including three of Canadaâs highest rated shows of all time â The Amazing Race Canada, Big Brother Canada, and The Tragically Hip: A National Celebration, a live concert special watched by one in three Canadians. Over his 45-year career, John has been a tireless advocate for Canadian-centred stories across all genres and for the Canadian production industry at large. His passion, entrepreneurial spirit, and creativity have helped make Insight synonymous with first-rate programming around the world.
The Changemaker Award, which recognizes and honours those in the media community in Canada who are using their voice or platform to call out systemic racism and discrimination, supporting and amplifying the voices of those who are actively engaged in anti-racist work, and seeking structural transformations in media, film, and television in Canada that promote values of equity and inclusion, is presented to award-winning actress, producer and activist, Tonya Williams. Named one of the 2024 100 most influential Black Canadians for three years in a row, Tonya Williams has worked in the screen industry for the last 48 years in Canada and the US. Frustrated by the lack of racial diversity on and behind Canadian screens, Tonya founded Reelworld in 2000, to advance the opportunities for Black, Indigenous, Asian, South Asian, and People of Colour, making her instrumental in creating systemic change in the Canadian screen industry.
The Lifetime Achievement Award, honouring a Canadian individual for an exceptional lifetime of work that has had a profound impact on the media industry at home or abroad, is presented to Marilyn Denis. Marilynâs impressive 40-year career in television began reporting on weather, sports and entertainment. This led her to hosting Cityline for two decades and 13 successful seasons hosting CTVâs The Marilyn Denis Show. Marilyn continues to place her fans at the centre of it all, as she provides a unique blend of entertainment and topical lifestyle information to viewers across the country and listeners on CHUM 104.5.
Biographies, quotes, and headshots for each of these Special Award honourees can be viewed here.
Additional 2024 Special Award recipients will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information, visit canadianscreenweek.ca.
The South by SouthwestÂź (SXSWÂź) Conference and Festivals announced the 2024 Jury and Special Award winners of the 31st SXSW Film & TV Festival. Feature films receiving Jury Awards were selected from the Narrative Feature and Documentary Feature Competition categories, plus all other juried sections, including Shorts, Independent TV Pilots, Music Videos, Design and XR Experience Awards. Special Awards announced included the SXSW Best of Texas Award, the Kickstarter NextGen Award and the Janet Pierson Champion Award presented by Indiewire.
All 2024 film categories will be eligible for category-specific Audience Awards that will be certified by the accounting firm of Maxwell Locke & Ritter. Audience Award Voting will conclude on Saturday, March 16, 2024. Winners will be announced via sxsw.com that week.
âWhat an extraordinary week of film and TV premieres weâve had here at SXSW, and there is more to come through Saturday,â said Claudette Godfrey, VP, Film & TV. âOur theaters have been bursting with incredible and vocal audiences celebrating the exceptional and diverse work in our lineup, and weâre so excited to celebrate this yearâs jury and special award winners!â
The SXSW 2024 Film & TV Festival Award Winners:
FEATURE FILM GRAND JURY AWARDS
NARRATIVE FEATURE COMPETITION
Winner: Bob Trevino Likes It
Director/Screenwriter: Tracie Laymon, Producers: Tracie Laymon, Sean Mullin, Edgar Rosa, Felipe Dieppa
âTracie Laymonâs semi-autobiographical story of a struggling young woman who finds anchor in an unlikely connection feels at once familiar and yet surprising. Laymonâs sure hand transforms what might have been saccharine into something raw thanks to vulnerable lead performances from Barbie Ferreira and an unusually uncool John Leguizamo. Refreshingly real and wrenchingly bittersweet, Bob Trevino Likes It stole our hearts and earned this prize.â
Special Jury Award for Performance: Maria RodrĂguez Soto, Mamifera
âDetailed, unflinching, and unquestionably palpable, Maria RodrĂguez Soto in Liliana Torresâ Mamifera, an aching character study of motherhood, breathes life into a complex character by way of a probing and dedicated sense of curiosity and play. We are elated to recognize Maria RodrĂguez Soto with a SXSW Special Jury Award for Performance.â
Special Jury Award for Filmmaking: Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu, We Were Dangerous
âWe Were Dangerous, a spirited and affecting tale of female rebellion at a 1950s New Zealand reform institution for so-called delinquent girls, heralds the arrival of an exciting new filmmaking talent in Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu. Her feature film directorial debut confronts a sobering and all-too-relevant history with a sly sense of absurdity and the camaraderie of its three young leads, played by Erana James, Nathalie Morris and Manaia Hall.â
Narrative Feature Competition Jury: Jake Coyle, film writer and critic, The Associated Press; Robert Daniels, Associate Editor, RogerEbert.com; Joanna Robinson, podcaster and cultural critic, The Ringer
DOCUMENTARY FEATURE COMPETITION
Thank you to our Jury Award sponsor, The Hollywood Reporter: entertainmentâs #1 news source that champions Hollywoodâs world-class and world-changing documentaries and filmmakers through journalism.
Winner: Grand Theft Hamlet
Directors/Screenwriters: Pinny Grylls, Sam Crane, Producers: Rebecca Wolff, Julia Ton
âA unique mix of 16th century drama and 21st century online gameplay, Pinny Grylls and Sam Crane’s chronicle of two actors attempting a multiplayer production of Hamlet within Grand Theft Auto was easily one of the funniest, moving and profound works in competition. A stunning testament to the connection between storytelling and community, and proof that there are more ways in Heaven and Earth to craft a personal, nonfiction narrative â even when chased by police helicopters and shot at with rocket launchers.â
Special Jury Award for Bravery and Empathy: Carina Mia Wong, Alex Simmons, We Can Be Heroes
âCarina Mia Wong and Alex Simmonsâ documentary about a live-action role playing camp in upstate New York exemplifies a moving and hopeful approach to storytelling. Their empathetic direction gives voice to their subjects â a group of queer, neurodivergent and self-proclaimed nerdy adolescents â which leaves audiences rooting for them on and off the battlefield.â
Documentary Feature Competition Jury: Siddhant Adlakha, critic and entertainment journalist; David Fear, Senior Editor + Film Critic, Rolling Stone; Lovia Gyarkye, critic, The Hollywood Reporter
SHORT FILM COMPETITION GRAND JURY AWARDS Presented by You42
NARRATIVE SHORT COMPETITION
Winner: Dissolution
Director/Screenwriter: Anthony Saxe, Producers: Thomas Lopez, Anthony Saxe
âMerging decades of footage into a poignant short film that delves into the complexities of love and marriage. Showing exceptional directorial restraint. This introspective journey transcends time and space, leaving a lasting impact through its exploration of human connections and the fleeting nature of life. With stunning performances from the directorâs actual parents, Dissolution somberly pulls at the many threads which make up our lives.â
Special Jury Award: Sam Cutler-Kreutz, David Cutler-Kreutz, Trapped
âA tense story of a janitor father and a spoiled kid’s prank gone awry, delivering a suspenseful narrative brimming with surprising twists and turns. This short film has earned a Special Jury Award for its thematic resonance, masterfully exploring the consequences of actions, the weight of responsibility, and the complex dynamics of social economic disparity and privilege.â
Narrative Shorts Competition presented by You42 Jury: Clementine Quittner, Co-CEO, Small Ideas; Kristian Mercado Figueroa, filmmaker and previous winner of the Music Video and Animated Short Jury Awards at SXSW; Chris Rosati, Vice President of Development and Production; Monkeypaw
DOCUMENTARY SHORT COMPETITION
Winner: Remember, Broken Crayons Colour Too
Directors/Screenwriters: Shannet Clemmings, UrĆĄa Kastelic, Producers: Filippo Bonacci, Gabriel Grosclaude
âThis artfully crafted film showed a true confidence of vision. Directors Shannett Clemings and UrĆĄa Kastelic have displayed a remarkable amount of bravery in reclaiming a story of violence, bias, and hatred in a way that is both harrowing and enlightening. The cinematography and editing were exquisitely matched with the soul-stirring storytelling, blending elements of experimental narrative in with the non-fiction heart of the film.â
Special Jury Award: David Gauvey Herbert, Frank
âFrank is a tautly crafted yet story-rich documentary short that touches upon a range of themes — from aging, to kinship, to the trauma of violent crimes. David Gauvey Herbert captures the witty, enduring and at times melancholic legacy of a 99-year-old criminal defense attorney with deft tenderness and potency through striking visual language.â
Documentary Shorts Competition presented by You42 Jury: Loren Hammonds, Peabody and EmmyÂź Award-winning producer; Christine Kecher, Senior Commissioning Editor, Op-Docs; Tina Nguyen, VP of Documentary Programming, HBO
MIDNIGHT SHORTS COMPETITION
Winner: Transylvanie
Director: Rodrigue Huart, Screenwriters: Rodrigue Huart, David Alexander Cassan, Axel WĂŒrsten, Producer: Lucie Vigier
âEnigmatic tone, sweeping cinematography, and spectacular performances are rife in this contemporary execution of the classic vampire myth. Following the journey of a young vampire, the short oozes with tension, visual flair, and teeth (pun intended!). The mastery of the technical elements are seamlessly combined with the daring vision to create a piece that elevates itself beyond expectation.â
Special Jury Award: Eros V, Meat Puppet
“Creative, propulsive, and with outstanding technical rendering, Meat Puppet took an ambitious, wacky conceit and knocked it out of the park with hysterical absurdist humor, clever narrative choices, and heart underneath it all. From the editing to the effects, the film impressively kept us on our toes while also embodying the gonzo energy of a Midnight screening.â
Midnight Shorts Competition presented by You42 Jury: Mariama Diallo, writer-director; Alex Kim, Vice President of IP Scouting and Acquisitions, Monkeypaw; Nick Romano, Creative Executive, 18Hz
ANIMATED SHORTS COMPETITION
Winner: Wander to Wonder
Director: Nina Gantz, Screenwriters: Nina Gantz, Simon Cartwright, Daan Bakker, Stienette Bosklopper, Producers: Stienette Bosklopper, Maarten Swart, Annemie Degryse, Ben Tesseur, Steven De Beul
âA profoundly immersive stop motion short that combines an unapologetic dark, humorous, and heartfelt story. The filmmaker’s direction expertly navigates the sense of deep loss and artistic purpose through multi-layered storytelling devices and phenomenal stop-motion animation that resonates emotionally with audiences. It’s a rare story that leaves us craving more from its otherworldly setting and popular fictitious TV show premise.â
Special Jury Award: Phoebe Jane Hart, Bug Diner
âThis filmmaker cleverly uses stop motion to showcase her comedic voice in a fresh take on modern dating. The film’s quirky setting, hilarious voice acting, and overall direction add layers of charm, solidifying her talent as a standout filmmaker. We’re excited to watch her rise as a dynamic up-and-coming director.â
Animated Shorts Competition presented by You42 Jury: Bryan Dimas, award-winning animation and live-action Producer, Line Producer, Development, Warner Bros. Animation and Cartoon Network Studios; Angeline Izquierdo, creative force, Shadowmachine; Ivana KvesiÄ, director, Fantoche â International Animation Film Festival
MUSIC VIDEO COMPETITION
Winner: CĂ©len – ‘Mom told you so’
Director/Screenwriter: CĂ©cile Cournelle
âWe were blown away by the fresh, unique take on the experience of being a woman walking home alone in a city late at night through the lens of a video game. As compelling as it was anxiety-inducing, itâs an apt reflection of the perils people who look like the main character âCamilleâ and others on similar journeys face that command hyper-vigilance of their surroundings after dark. It is rare that a video transmits a confluence of thematic, poetic, and narrative layers with such impact and clarity.â
Special Jury Award for Technical Wizardry: Joe Nicolosi, The Burning Hell – ‘All I Need’
âOur special jury winner is being awarded for a technical feat in stop-motion and animation achieved by a small team. While visually astounding, this piece is emotionally compelling. It expresses a lot about companionship and tells a profound and shattering post-apocalypse era love story between two robots. We were immensely struck by the ambition of this project and how seamlessly it brings all its elements together.â
Music Video Competition presented by You42 Jury: Oualid Mouaness, director, writer, producer; Kimberly Stuckwisch, director, producer; Brittany Spanos, Staff Writer, Rolling Stone
TEXAS SHORTS COMPETITION
Winner: Jedo’s Dead
Director/Screenwriter: Sara Nimeh, Producers: Michael Mittelstaedt, Jeff Walker, Ellyn Church
âAn intimate portrayal of grief, this film follows two young siblings navigating their emotions as they try to process the death of their grandfather. The film lingers on the quiet moments, letting the siblingsâ emotional journey â confusion, despair, and anger â take center stage. The cinematography accentuates the theme of loss with shadows and dark spaces while letting natural light from windows stream in to suggest an afterlife. Weaving in aspects of their Middle Eastern culture and traditions, it tells a moving story about loss thatâs universal.â
Special Jury Award: Fatima Wardy, Hair Care
âTaking a number of creative risks, this film is a fantastical portrayal of a young Ivorian-Americanâs trip to the hair braider. At times surreal, this ambitious short tells a story about culture and connection while playing with different visual forms, including animation, fiction, and television, taking the âbarber shopâ storyline to a whole new level.â
Texas Shorts Competition presented by You42 Jury: Cat Cardenas, writer, photographer; Barak Epstein, filmmaker; Chelsea Hernandez, filmmaker
INDEPENDENT TV PILOT COMPETITION
Winner: Marvin Is Sorry
Showrunners/Screenwriters: Brett Morrow, Alex Gehrlein, Jack Gacek, Director: Clint Pang, Producers: Aidan Erbter, Kenzie Packer
âImbued with a serio-comical tone and particular brazenness, combined with an unlikely pair of very charismatic, very problematic leads, the end of this pilot story stuck its landing by its sheer force of a sharp-edged point of view that feels super timely. For promising an ongoing entanglement of messy characters and an apt level of sticky story to unpack, and for its quest to interrogate if not skewer todayâs media influencersâ disingenuous and self-serving co-opting tactics for the sake of audience/fan base. We give the Jury award to Marvin is Sorry.â
Special Jury Award for: Zeke Nicholson, Halfrican American
âFor being so deeply real and lived in from the first frame to the last. Itâs a warm, engaging pilot that makes you want to stay longer and hang out with each member of the excellently written and performed ensemble. The authenticity in this exploration of identity, community, and family will stick with us and itâs exciting to think of what the filmmaker will create from here.â
TV Pilot Competition Jury: Kat Candler, filmmaker; Christine DĂĄvila, freelance producer; Caroline Vanstrom, Director of Development and Production, Fifth Season
POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION
Winner: 7 Beats Per Minute
Designer: John Godfrey
âThe poster’s design effortlessly captivated us, skillfully balancing mysterious calmness with unconventional composition choices. From the strategic use of empty spaces to the non-traditional placement of the title and billing block, every decision contributed to an aesthetically pleasing and thought-provoking visual narrative.â
Special Jury Award: If I Die in America
Designer: Andrei Captan
âFeaturing a sophisticated, confident, and effective design, this poster cleverly conceals multiple concepts which reveal themselves upon closer inspection. Through detailed illustrations and strategic use of negative space, the deliberate and smart choices in the design create a visually compelling narrative that not only captures attention but effectively communicates the essence of the film.
Poster Design Competition Jury: Oliver Barrett, artist, designer; Jenny Jacobi, CEO, Mutant; Kevin Tong, freelance graphic designer
XR EXPERIENCE COMPETITION
Winner: The Golden Key
Directors: Marc Da Costa, Matthew Niederhauser
âThe Golden Key ingeniously fuses cutting edge experiments in generative AI technology with the oldest storytelling traditions, allowing us to collectively share in the creation of new narratives while sparking our individual imaginations in an endless cycle of creativity. Awarded for its innovative approach to immersive storytelling, its addictive application, and its uncanny ability to organically build community.â
Special Jury Award:
Winner: Soul Paint
Directors: Sarah Ticho, Niki Smit, Producer: Anna Firbank, Screenwriter: Sarah Ticho
âSoul Paint is epic and intimate in its scope and potential. This finely-tuned experience gives XR new possibilities for its application across disciplines and research that explores and interrogates the human experience. This piece encourages us to engage in creative play while also inspiring us to actively discover and share our innermost feelings without judgment.â
XR Experience Competition Jury: Jimmy Cheng, Atlas V / Karman Line / Sandman Studios; Jacqueline Lyanga, Founder, Executive Director, Global Cinematheque; Landon Zakheim, Executive Director, Co-Founder Overlook Film Festival
SXSW Special Awards
Janet Pierson Champion Award presented by Indiewire
To honor Janet Pierson, Director Emeritus of the SXSW Film & TV Festival after 15 years of leadership, a prize was created in 2023 called the Janet Pierson Champion Award. As part of IndieWireâs dedication to elevating Film & TV creators, IndieWire is proud to present the Janet Pierson Champion Award rewarding innovation and excellence in the art of storytelling to Kara Durrett.
Janet Pierson Champion Award
Winner: Kara Durrett
âKara Durrett, President of Pinky Promise Films is known for her tireless work championing filmmakers and helping them develop sustainable careers. She has produced more than a dozen films, including nine SXSW Film & TV Official selections between 2018 and 2024. The SXSW World Premiere of the short film Caroline was shortlisted for the 2019 Academy Awards. The SXSW World Premiere of Topside won a Special Jury Award for Directing in 2020. Other films include: Save Yourselves!, Ayar, If You Were the Last, The Starling Girl, and this yearâs World Premiere of I Donât Understand You. Kara clearly has an incredible filmmaking future ahead of her, and we cannot wait to see what she brings us next.â
Kickstarter NextGen Award
Over the past 15 years, Kickstarter â the go-to crowdfunding platform for creative projects â has helped trailblazers like Spike Lee, Issa Rae, Andrew Ahn, and Phoebe Waller Bridges get the funds they need to bring their projects to life. Continuing Kickstarter’s legacy of championing generation-defining creatives, the Kickstarter NextGen Award recognizes a first-time filmmaker whose bold and inspiring work promises to offer audiences a new and fresh perspective.
Kickstarter NextGen Award Winner: Family
Director/Screenwriter: Benjamin Finkel, Producers: Lynette Howell Taylor, Samantha Housman, Benjamin Finkel
âThis chilling and disorienting film has the viewer calling into question what is real and what is imagined, and who â if anyone â is the narrator we can rely on. The film is anchored by an exceptional performance from the young lead, portraying her character’s fear and confusion in the face of dislocation and grief. As viewers, we were safe in the hands of this accomplished cast, who in turn were safe in the hands of the debut writer-director. The Kickstarter NextGen Award goes to Director Benjamin Finkel for his film Family.â
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