Canadian Screen Week 2023 has concluded with celebrations taking place over four days at Toronto’s Meridian Hall, honouring the achievements of Canadian talent in film, television, and digital media.
History was made this year in the Film and Television categories with records being set. CBCâs The Porter went on to win a record 12 Canadian Screen Awards, leading television honours overall. Wins include: Best Drama Series; Best Direction, Drama Series, presented by Playback; Best Writing, Drama Series; and Best Guest Performance, Drama Series for Alfre Woodward. The award for Best Lead Performer, Drama Series went to Hamza Haq for CTVâs Transplant, making this his third consecutive win as a lead in the series.
In Comedy, the sophomore season of CBCâs Sort Of took home an inpressive seven Canadian Screen Awards. Among those wins was Best Comedy Series; Best Lead Performer, Comedy, presented by the Canada Media Fund, for Bilal Baig; Best Guest Performance, Comedy for Amanda Brugel; and Best Writing, Comedy, for Bilal Baig and Fab Filippo, marking back-to-back wins for the pair in this category.
Film honours were led by Clement Virgoâs Brother, which like The Porter, received a record 12 Canadian Screen Awards at The Cinematic Arts Awards, presented by Telefilm Canada and supported by Cineplex, on Thursday, April 13, including: Best Motion Picture; Achievement in Direction, and Adapted Screenplay for Clement Virgo; Performance in a Leading Role, presented by Telefilm Canada, for Lamar Johnson; and Performance in a Supporting Role for Aaron Pierre.
Special Awards were also handed-out through the week, culminating a star-studded conclusion to the week with the likes of Ryan Reynolds and Catherine O’Hara in-attendance. Honourees this year include:
–Ryan Reynolds, recipient of the Humanitarian Award, presented by Paramount+, was presented his award in a touching moment (see Reel below) by Everett Ho, SickKids patient ambassador, and Lisa Charendoff, Associate Director, Community Stakeholder Relations at SickKids Foundation. Winner Amanda Brugel also wanted Reynolds in on her victory photo!
–Catherine OâHara, recipient of the Academy Icon Award, presented by CBC, received her award from Karen Robinson, her former Schittâs Creek co-star.
–Simu Liu, recipient of the Radius Award presented by MADE | NOUS, recognizing a Canadian whose work is making waves globally
–Lisa LaFlamme, recipient of the Gordon Sinclair Award for Broadcast Journalism, recognizing a Canadian broadcast journalist for their exceptional body of work in broadcast journalism
–Pierre Bruneau, the recipeint of the Lifetime Achievement Award for exceptional work with an impact at home or abroad
–Peter MacNeill, recipient of the Earle Grey Award, presented by eOne for their exceptional body of acting work in Canadian television and film
–Tracy Moore, recipient of the Changemaker Award, which recognises 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
–Paul Pope (post-humous), the recipient of the Academy Board of Directorsâ Tribute
–Jennifer Podemski, recipient of the Academy Board of Directorsâ Tribute, honouring a Canadian individual for their extraordinary impact on the growth of the Canadian media industry
A Reel of Highlights from tonight’s Red Carpet:
The Canadian Screen Awards with Samantha Bee on Sunday, April 16, 2023 on CBC and CBC Gem at 8 PM (9 AT, 9:30 NT). The winner of the Cogeco Fund Audience Choice Award will be unveiled on the broadcast. Special guests also include Amy Poehler, Mae Martin, Adam DiMarco and Lamar Johnson.
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Director/Writer Luke Villemaire made GOLIATH seven years ago and the Film finally is ready to be seen, with an on-demand and digital release coming February 20, 2023. The Film centers on a young woman named Robin Walker (Jessica Sipos) who returns home to confront her family after the passing of her father. The reunion is tense as the family have several unresolved issues amongst themselves, yet Robin is coping with her own demons at once.
The gorgeous feature debut from Villemaire, features some compelling performances from its Ensemble led by Sipos, supported by Michelle Mylett, Jon Cor, Shannon Kook, Daniel Maslany, with Krista Bridges and Andrea Roth. The Drama touches upon themes of mental illness, grief and reconciliation.
We were so lucky to attend a special private screening of the Film with Producer Sheetal Maya Nanda and Villemaire, presented by Soho House. The Film was followed by a Q&A with Jeffrey Round. Some highlights from the evening:
Definitely worth a watch and a very accomplished, mature first film from a promising Toronto-based talent.
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Luke Villemaire)
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