#FIRSTLOOK: PAUL SUN HYUNG-LEE, JEAN-MARC VALLEE AND PRIYANKA HONOURED WITH MURALS

In a tribute to Canadian excellence, three striking portrait-style murals will celebrate drag superstar Priyanka, award-winning Canadian actor Paul Sun Hyung-Lee, and one of Canada’s most celebrated filmmakers, the late Jean-Marc Vallée, whose visionary work left an indelible mark on cinema.

Starting today, the murals will appear in each of these culture figures’ hometowns: Priyanka’s vibrant tribute now brightens the heart of Toronto’s Gay Village at the corner of Church and Wellesley, and Paul Sun-Hyung Lee’s mural brings fresh energy to Calgary’s Inglewood neighborhood at The Blue Store (1344 9 Ave SE). To be unveiled later this week, Jean-Marc Vallée is immortalized with a stunning tribute on the Real by Fake building (1455 Rue Saint-Timothée) in Montreal, home to the special effects company that worked on many of his projects.

The mural series, part of the MADE | NOUS Hometown Hero campaign, celebrates the profound influence and achievements of these individuals who have shaped Canadian culture and inspire future generations of creative talent. Through their artistic contributions, Priyanka, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, and Jean-Marc Vallée have left their distinct mark on their hometown cities while making a lasting impact on the national and international stage. The presence of the murals aims to uplift the communities they have touched, fostering creativity and inspiration across the country.

“I remember thinking as a kid, I cannot WAIT to move to Toronto to be a big star! My life changed when I moved to the Gay Village,” said Priyanka. “As someone who found their voice and passion in the heart of Toronto, seeing myself on a mural in the Gay Village feels surreal! It’s a celebration of not just my journey, but of the entire LGBTQ+ community that has supported me every step of the way. I hope this mural inspires others to embrace their uniqueness, live their passion, and remember that anything is possible when you are your true self.”

“Growing up in Calgary, I never imagined I’d be part of something like this,” said Paul Sun Hyung-Lee. “It’s incredibly humbling to see my story reflected in the streets of my hometown. I hope this mural serves as a reminder to everyone that no goal is too big, and no journey is too small to make a lasting impact. Canada’s strength is in our diversity and our stories, and I’m proud to be part of that narrative.”

A statement from Alex & Émile Vallée, the sons of Jean-Marc Vallée: “Our father always believed that storytelling had the power to transcend boundaries and connect people on a deeply emotional level. This mural honors his spirit and his unwavering commitment to his craft. It’s a beautiful tribute to his roots here in Montreal, a city that shaped his vision and where his journey as a filmmaker began. We know he would be deeply moved by this gesture, and we hope it inspires future generations of artists to follow their passion.”

“As Canadians, we’re united by a shared pride of where we come from and the stories only we can tell. By recognizing these hometown heroes in the cities where their journeys began, we can inspire others to pursue their dreams and tell their stories, no matter where they start or where they land,” said Mathieu Chantelois, Executive Vice President, Marketing & Public Affairs, Canada Media Fund. “These murals stand as powerful reminders that greatness can come from anywhere, and that the next wave of Canadian talent is already rising in communities across our country.”

In addition to the murals, MADE | NOUS will donate $5,000 to local charities chosen by each Hometown Hero. Priyanka has selected ASAAP (Alliance for South Asian AIDS Prevention) and 2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations, with the donation being split between the two organizations. Paul Sun-Hyung Lee has chosen the Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada, and a donation in Jean-Marc Vallées honour will be made to the Jean-Marc Vallée Memorial Fund.

The murals were designed by Étienne Dicaire (Priyanka), Charmaine Wong (Paul Sun Hyung-Lee) and Zek (Jean-Marc Vallée).

#FIRSTLOOK: “AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER”

We get a first look today at some new stills from AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER, coming to Netflix!

SYNOPSIS:
Water. Earth. Fire. Air. The four nations once lived in harmony, with the Avatar, master of all four elements, keeping peace between them. But everything changed when the Fire Nation attacked and wiped out the Air Nomads, the first step taken by the firebenders towards conquering the world. With the current incarnation of the Avatar yet to emerge, the world has lost hope.

But like a light in the darkness, hope springs forth when Aang (Gordon Cormier), a young Air Nomad — and the last of his kind — reawakens to take his rightful place as the next Avatar. Alongside his newfound friends Sokka (Ian Ousley) and Katara (Kiawentiio), siblings and members of the Southern Water Tribe, Aang embarks on a fantastical, action-packed quest to save the world and fight back against the fearsome onslaught of Fire Lord Ozai (Daniel Dae Kim). But with a driven Crown Prince Zuko (Dallas Liu) determined to capture them, it won’t be an easy task. They’ll need the help of the many allies and colorful characters they meet along the way.

AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER is a live-action reimagining of the award-winning and beloved Nickelodeon animated series. Albert Kim serves as showrunner, executive producer, and writer. Jabbar Raisani and Michael Goi are executive producers and directors alongside directors Roseanne Liang (also a co-executive producer) and Jet Wilkinson. Dan Lin and Lindsey Liberatore serve as executive producers from Rideback.

Premiere Date: 2024
Episodes: 8 episodes x 1 hour
Executive Producer / Showrunner: Albert Kim
Executive Producers: Jabbar Raisani, Dan Lin, Lindsey Liberatore, Michael Goi
Cast: Gordon Cormier, Ian Ousley, Kiawentiio, Dallas Liu, Ken Leung, with Paul Sun-Hyung Lee and Daniel Dae Kim

#GILLERAWARDS: OMAR EL AKKAD’S “WHAT STRANGE PARADISE” AWARDED 2021 SCOTIABANK GILLER PRIZE

Canada’s greatest in the literary world were honoured tonight in Toronto at newly-reopened Park Hyatt Hotel at the 2021 Scotiabank Giller Awards. The Awards recognize accomplishments of Canadian Authors domestically and abroad. The Gala was hosted by Paul Sun-Hyung Lee (Kim’s Convenience) and Canadian Poet Rupi Kaur.

Winning top honours for the 2021 Scotiabank Giller Prize (worth $100k) was Author and Journalist Omar El Akkad for his novel, WHAT STRANGE PARADISE. The Book, published by Random House Canada, centers on a young Syrian boy named Amir rescued after his sunken dilapidated ship containing several people escaping their homelands, by a teenage girl named Vänna. The girl is determined to save the boy despite them not speaking a common language.

Those also named on the shortlist this year included:

• Angélique Lalonde for her story collection Glorious Frazzled Beings, published by House of Anansi


• Cheluchi Onyemelukwe-Onuobia for her novel The Son of The House, published by Dundurn Press


• Jordan Tannahill for his novel The Listeners, published by HarperCollins Canada


• Miriam Toews for her novel Fight Night, published by Knopf Canada, an imprint of Penguin Random House Canada

This year’s jury included Canadian authors Zalika Reid-Benta (Jury Chair), Megan Gail Coles and Joshua Whitehead, Malaysian novelist Tash Aw and American author Joshua Ferris.

Others in attendance tonight included the likes of :

MARGARET ATWOOD | THE HONOURABLE LISA MACLEOD
 THE HONOURABLE BOB RAE | ALLAN HAWCO
TAMARA JEM | RICK MERCER | ANDREW PYPER | LILY CHU | CHARLIE FORAN | CATHERINE HERNANDEZ |   BILAL BAIG | SOUVANKHAM THAMMAVONGSATANYA TALAGA | IAN WILLIAMS

Some snaps of the event below:

More on the Awards here. Missed the Awards? You can stream them on CBC Gem.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#SPOTTED: CASTS OF “ORPHAN BLACK”, “KIM’S CONVENIENCE”, YANNICK BISSON AND MORE AT THE 2017 ACTRA AWARDS IN TORONTO

Honouring outstanding performances this past year among ACTRA members, the 2017 edition of the ACTRA Awards (now in its 15th year) were held at The Carlu tonight in Toronto. The organization contains 22,000+ members and it negotiates contracts on behalf of its cultural workers. Its jurisdiction ranges from independent film production, commercials, radio and television drama, telephony, video games and web-based content.  ACTRA ensures members have protected minimum wage standards and working conditions. Several of Canada’s most notable  names in entertainment are a part of the organization.

It was a who’s-who of Canadian talent at the affair including man of the hour, Murdoch Mysteries’ Yannick Bisson who received the 2017 ACTRA Award of Excellence. Just last year he received the coveted Fan Choice Award at the Canadian Screen Awards, as a testament to his lasting popularity with over 60 credits over 35 years on his resume. He imparts a bit of wisdom to his peers, reminding them “There are literally hundreds of people on set at any given time to make actors look good. Be gracious, always.”.

The Cast of Kim’s Convenience were awarded the first-ever Series Ensemble Award, based on member votes.  Its star Jean Yoon, who was fashionably-late to the Gala, won Outstanding Performance – Female and made an impactful statement in her speech. “I’m really proud to be working on a show about immigrants in a time of nationalist intolerance”, says Yoon.  The Cast dedicated their award to all immigrant families, stating “You are here. You are welcome. And you are loved.”.

Aurora Browne, Carolyn Taylor and Jennifer Whalen of the Baroness Von Sketch troupe played hosting duties at the gala and in attendance were this year’s nominees: Grace Lynn Kung (The Death (and Life) of Carl Naardlinger), Tatiana Maslany (Two Lovers and a Bear), Kari Matchett (Maudi), Jean Yoon (Kim’s Convenience), Joey Klein (We’re Still Together), Simu Liu (Blood and Water), Eric Osborne (Degrassi: Next Class) and Gord Rand (Orphan Black). Other notables present included: Kristian Bruun, Tantoo Cardinal, Wendy Crewson, Shawn Doyle, Kevin Hanchard, Art Hindle, Amanda Joy, Eric Peterson, Leah Pinsent, Julian Richings, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee and Kate Trotter.

Awards presented this evening (winners in bold blue), including the brand new Ensemble Award (members’ choice):

 

Nominees for Outstanding Performance – Voice

Lilly Bartlam (Dot) Dot., “Bring the Thunder” (Industrial Brothers)
Linda Kash (Gina Falcone) Fugget About It, “Vagina’s Got Talent” (9 Story Media Group)
Pat Kelly and Peter Oldring (Various) This is That, Episode 406 (CBC)
Bryn McAuley (Suzi) Camp Lakebottom, “Ice Queen” (9 Story Media Group)
Scott McCord (Rudolph Mintenberg) Atomic Puppet, “AP vs Disastro II” (Mercury Filmworks)

 

Nominees for Outstanding Performance – Female

Brenda Bazinet (Judge Susan Reeves) Shoot the Messenger, “Careful What You Pray For” (Hungry Eyes Film & Television)
Grace Lynn Kung (Pam Naardlinger) The Death (and Life) of Carl Naardlinger (Cinéman Films)
Tatiana Maslany (Lucy) Two Lovers and a Bear (Max Films Productions)
Kari Matchett (Sandra) Maudie (Small Shack Productions Inc., Painted House Films, Parallel Films)
Jean Yoon (Umma) Kim’s Convenience, “Gay Discount” (Thunderbird Films)

 

Nominees for Outstanding Performance – Male

Simu Liu (Paul Xie) Blood and Water, Episode 1.8 (Breakthrough Entertainment)
Joey Klein (Bobby) We’re Still Together (Achromatic Media)
Eric Osborne (Miles Hollingsworth) Degrassi: Next Class, “#YesMeansYes” (DHX Media)
Gord Rand (Det. Duko) Orphan Black, “The Redesign of Natural Objects” (Temple Street Productions)
Paul Soles (Joe) My 90-Year-Old Roommate (LoCo Motion Pictures)

 

Nominees for Series Ensemble Award

Baroness Von Sketch Show
Kim’s Convenience
Murdoch Mysteries
Orphan Black
Schitt’s Creek

 

See some Snaps from the evening:

The Cast and Crew of ORPHAN BLACK, Nominees

 

Tatiana Maslany, Nominee

 

Yannick Bisson, 2017 ACTRA Award of Excellence Recipient

 

Kristian Bruun x Yannick Bisson

 

Joey Klein, Winner

 

Simu Liu, Nominee

 

Gord Rand, Nominee

 

Kari Matchett, Nominee

 

Grace Lynn Kung, Nominee

 

Jordan Gavaris x Kevin Hanchard, Nominees

 

Eric Osborne, Nominee

 

Art Hindle (previous Honouree) x Brooke Hindle

 

Olivia Chow, Author + Politician

It’s an #OrphanBlack Reunion at the #ACTRAAwards. #TatianaMaslany #GordRand #KristianBruun #KevinHanchard #CloneClub

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Feb 25, 2017 at 5:36pm PST

Handsome #MurdochMysteries star #YannickBisson accepting #ACTRAAwards Award of Excellence tonight.

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Feb 25, 2017 at 7:05pm PST

All photos taken on the NIKON D3300, video on the SAMSUNG S7.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)