By Mr. Will Wong

Would you believe one of this Summer’s most anticipated blockbusters can be enjoyed right from home?

JACKPOT! stars Awkwafina, John Cena and Simu Liu. Directed by Paul Feig, this Action-Comedy arriving August 15, 2024 on Prime Video Canada, is set in the near future where a new lotto, the Grand Lottery, has arrived in California. To win it though, you’ve got to kill the winner before sundown to claim the riches, which are worth billions! Katie (Awkwafina) finds herself in trouble moving to L.A. and finding herself in possession of the winning ticket. She tnen finds herself in a race to save her life from these jackpot hunters. She’s protected by lottery protection agent Noel (Cena), and he must fend-off rival Louis (Simu Liu), the latter trying to get a commission off Katie!

We were delighted to sit-in on a conversation with Feig, Awkwafina, Cena and Liu today as they did the rounds to promote JACKPOT!

Paul Feig, who has brought us his comedic genius in Bridesmaids, Ghostbusters (2016) and The Heat, is asked what drew him to this project.

Feig: I originally receive a script titled Grand Theft Lotto, thought it sounded stupid and was not going to read it. It was days later that my producing partner Laura Fischer said, ‘You should read the script, it is really funny!’. I got into page 40 out of 100 and said, I have to do this Movie. It was too much fun. It was the Jacky Chan movie I always wanted to make. It’s funny, silly, emotional – a story about someone in over their head.

Awkwafina explains her excitement about getting to work with Feig.

Awkwafina: I was attached to the Movie already and we were looking for a Director, and Paul was interested, I was so happy. I’m a huge fan of everything he’s done since Freaks and Geeks. Also, I’ve been friends with him for some time.

Feig: We had dinner and we were both on the same page. We both wanted to make sure it felt real and grounded. It’s always dangerous doing a story about an Actor because it can be difficult to get an audience invested in someone wanting to become famous. Our goal was to make it relatable, and I think we did that.

John Cena talks about joining the project.

Cena: It’s just another day in my life – a bunch of Comedy and Action! Another day at office! I don’t think there’s anybody better to play amatueur protection agent than me!

Awkwafina takes us through her fitness journey prepping for her role as Katie in Jackpot!

Awkwafina: This did kick off my fitness journey for sure, especially in the opening sequence. Simu and I were already in action movie together and for that one I did not train. We were just hanging out at Westfield. This one I felt like it was important for me to work with the team, who are amazing and my stunt double Kiera O’Connor, and also working with John (Cena) too. I really appreciate the way John handles action scenes and is about safety. I felt very, very safe when doing scenes as a group.

Cena: You killed it, you looked great out there. You did a lot of stunts yourself and nailed the physicality.

Simu Liu describes for us his character Louis Lewis, who is seen as the villain.

Liu: Is he a bad guy or just a solid, ambitious Entrepreneur? When you’re introduced to him, he’s kind of a boss – everything John’s character wants to be. Noel is an amateur ambulance-chasing insurance salesman, who’s running after people to hire him. Louis has money and resources to rent out billboards and has got a whole compound working for him. If you won the Grand Lottery, who would you rather go with to protect you?

Feig: And nobody rocks a three-piece white suit like Louis.

Cena: What I love about the Action here is that it’s comical and realistic. There is a scene in a strip mall where we’re going through a karate studio, a yoga studio, etc. What I love about Paul‘s creativity when he said this is his Jacky Chan movie that he wanted to film – when you look at the way Jacky Chan tells a story, he’ll choreograph a fight when he gets on-set. He’ll see the audio guy or a loose chair and he’ll incorporate all those things into the action. I thought the stunt team did an incredible job at incorporating various things you’d find in a karate dojo and all that stuff yields itself to Comedy. When situations were safe, I was happy to do it. But I’m not going to sit here and say I wasn’t grateful to my stunt double. All it takes is for you to lose one of your testicles to find out that you’ve only got two more. Safety is now my prime concern. I’ll do whatever is asked of me, but when they want the stunt double to come in, Spencer (Thomas) is my guy!

Simu Liu recalls an incident where he sent a stunt perfomer to the hospital.

Liu: 90 to 95% of my movements were more straightforward – a couple falls and I had an amazing stunt double Will (Tang) who stepped in. Do you remember when I sent a stunt guy to the hospital?

Cena: Don’t let that sleuth fool you, he’s an athlete! He was taking Choreography and amplifying it!

Simu: What was his name? I did a batckick and couldn’t see where I was kicking, the wires got crossed and I felt so so bad!

Cena: He was back on-set within an hour!

Awkwafina: The whole stunt team was the best, without them, action movies cant exist.

Cena: They were actually happy finally to do Action-Comedy so that they could laugh at the stunts.

Paul Feig comments on his casting eclectic and talented Casts.

Feig: When I do Comedy, I have people that I work with who are ‘money in the bank’, where they can literall have one line and I know they’re going to make it into something… It was like a team of these up and coming Comedy people.

Dolly De Leon whom I saw in Triangle of Sadness and was so great. I couldn’t believe we got her. I just like to have a deep team of really talented Comedy people who will take what we have and make it into something else.

Don’t forget to stream JACKPOT! when it arrives August 15, 2024 on Prime Video Canada.

(Photo/video credit: Prime Video Canada)

The 2024 CCYAA Celebrity Classic capped off a day of fun-filled activities, including a food and shopping bazaar, FRESH FEST and a youth variety show, YOUTH JAM.

The fun took place last night at Mattamy Athletic Centre, drawing another star-studded who’s-who in talent including Jeremy Lin, Dominique Wilkins, Gordon Cormier, Jason Williams, Olivia Cheng, Julie Kim, The Brothers Sun stars Justin Chien and Sam Li, plus MANY more!

So wonderful seeing Simu and The CCYAA committed to the amazing work they do for our youth across the GTA! The way Simu always smiles when he sees me. So proud of him!

Some snaps:

An overview of events yesterday’s events:

CELEB CLASSIC 2024
BASKETBALL GAME (MAIN EVENT)
Watch a Hollywood actor, an NBA legend, your favourite YouTubers and more lay it all on the court for a good cause. Catch rival matchups, fierce competition and hilarious beef in this epic game you won’t want to miss.

Coaches: Dominique Wilkins and Jack Armstrong

FRESHFEST
Come experience FreshFest, a curated collective of Toronto’s leading Asian-owned businesses. From Chefs and makers to community leaders and supporters, FreshFest is the place to taste, sip, shop and play.

Vendors:

EAT
The Alley
Bungkus
PAI
Hong Shing
A-Sha x Super Noodle Company
Chef Suman Ali
Namwan
EATABLE Popcorn
Sisters & Co
Gushi Japanese Street Food
Roselle Desserts x Steven Tran Chocolates
DaanGo Cake Lab

SHOP
SoleStop
Chronic Ink
Osume
KayTran Eyewear
Dim Sum City
Banana Games & Hobbies
Jollybeast
Tuft Theory
Hey Fun Market
Mindzai
Kalamansi Collective
Pin Boy Fresh
Styll
Akira
draa
Arcadia Puzzles
ArtketGoods
Bowl Cut Paper Goods

YOUTH JAM VARIETY SHOW
A high-energy, family friendly show featuring performances and celebrity appearances inspiring the next generation to dream big and break barriers.

Learn more here.

(Photo/video credit: CCYAA/Mr. Will Wong)

Today we get a new Trailer for Netflix‘s ATLAS starring Jennifer Lopez and Simu Liu. It arrives May 24, 2024.

Details:

Director: Brad Peyton
Writers: Leo Sardarian and Aron Eli Coleite
Producers: Brad Peyton and Jeff Fierson for ASAP Entertainment; Joby Harold and Tory Tunnell for Safehouse Pictures; Jennifer Lopez, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, and Benny Medina for Nuyorican Productions; and Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter for Berlanti/Schechter Films
Executive Producers: Samson Mücke, Michael Riley McGrath

Cast: Jennifer Lopez, Simu Liu, Sterling K. Brown, Gregory James Cohan, Abraham Popoola, Lana Parrilla and Mark Strong

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

We kennot contain our excitement about Greta Gerwig’s BARBIE! The Fantasy-Comedy takes us away to Barbie Land, where Barbie (Margot Robbie) is rejected for her imperfections. This leads to both she and Ken (Ryan Gosling) heading-off to the real world where they discover themselves for the first time!

Kicking-off Kenada Day long weekend, two of the star-studded film’s Kens, played by Gosling and Simu Liu, got a grand welcome home to their native Kenada. Supported by their family and friends, the duo walked the glittery pink carpet at aptly-chosen hotspot Margo in Toronto. They graced the presence of hundreds of lucky contest winners, plus TV and Radio media, plus Influencers at the event, graciously giving their time to chat about what looks like a surefire summer smash for Warner Bros. Pictures Kenada.

The event literally transformed King St West. into Ken St. West.

Guests got to enjoy complimetary Barbie and Ken makeovers in a Barbie-fied Beauty Bar, dance their hearts out at the best dance party ever on the rooftop patio. There were fun and kitschy photo ops too, including one with a Kenada Beach backdrop – pink sands and all with the CN Tower overlooking it all. One lucky winner was awarded a trip for two to Los Angeles with tickets to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood, a one-year supply of NYX Cosmetics, and a signed Kenada surfboard.

This event was epic and though we already were too excited to see BARBIE, we are now at peak excite! So amazing seeing guests dress-up, channeling their inner Barbies and Kens. And yes, that was Gosling head-to-toe in Gucci. Judging by the sea of pink, Toronto certainly got the memo right.

See a Reel of highlights from the event:

Some Snaps from the night:

Warner Bros. Pictures Kenada release BARBIE nationwide on July 21, 2023 and beginning internationally on July 19, 2023. The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack featuring smash hit “Dance the Night” by Dua Lipa also is out July 21, 2023 via Warner Music Canada!

(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros. Pictures Canada/Mr. Will Wong)

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. CBC’s 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 CTV’s Transplant, making this his third consecutive win as a lead in the series.

In Comedy, the sophomore season of CBC’s 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 Virgo’s 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 O’Hara, recipient of the Academy Icon Award, presented by CBC, received her award from Karen Robinson, her former Schitt’s 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 Directors’ Tribute 

–Jennifer Podemski, recipient of the Academy Board of Directors’ 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)

By Mr. Will Wong

April Mullen‘s SIMULANT got the Red Carpet treatment tonight at Scotiabank Theatre in Toronto. The Sci-Fi Thriller was filmed in and around Toronto last year. Stars Sam Worthington, Robbie Amell, Masa Lizdek, Emmanuel Kabongo and Mullen were in attendance at the affair, brought to us by Mongrel Media and Telefilm Canada. Italia Ricci also came out to support her husband, Amell!

The Film looks at the consequences of Artificial Intelligence in a world where simulated versions of humans are looking to access the same things that their human counterparts have. At the center of the story is a woman named Faye (Jordana Brewster) who is torn between her love for her late husband Evan (Amell) and his surviving simulated version. The gorgeously-shot Feature certainly leaves audiences thinking and also stars Toronto’s Simu Liu as well.

We had the pleasure of chatting with Mullen and the Cast of SIMULANT.

Masa Lizdek plays an Android named Lisa. She has built a solid body of work appearing in productions like The Handmaid’s Tale, Saving Hope, Murdoch Mysteries and TIFF selection, THE WAITING ROOM. She tells us about this amazing opportunity, starring alongside a prolific Cast. All she had to do was be herself in the audition.

Lizdek: “‘I remember asking my agent, ‘Do you think I should go all out and put on this wig?’ and she was like, ‘Just go as yourself, look like your headshot. Don’t be extra, Masa. Just calm down’. Low and behold, being super-natural paid off, April liked what she saw and she offered me the role. I was more than happy to take that.”.

She tells about the extensive work that went into her makeup, costume and prosthetics.

Lizdek: “So they did a lifelike cast of me, silicon mold that was later silicon-cast, and then it was patinaed to give a nice skin tone. There was a styrofoam wig involved, we put on some lashes. We played a bit with teeth, I don’t think that worked out. Some contact lenses…”.

April Mullen who has been behind the lens in films like Wander, Below Her Mouth and series like The 100, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, Wynonna Earp and several more, helms SIMULANT. She tells us about her decision to jump aboard this project, which was filmed over 20-plus days under some unpredictable weather conditions.

Mullen: “At the beginning, I read the Script actually eight years ago with AI technology was not like what it is now at all. It felt a lot more far-fetch and Sci-Fi to be honest. But the ending tore me up so much that I couldn’t sleep. I didn’t know who I was rooting for of the main characters. The Simulants were almost more appealing than the human beings because they were so focussed on one role, which was love. It opened-up a whole can of worms in my brain because I’ve always been an advocate for humanity. I just couldn’t sleep and had to make this next film.”.

We ask Mullen what she hopes the audience will take away from this Film.

Mullen: “I hope audiences really look inward, think about what they saw and reflect on it because I think AI technology is getting closer and closer to becoming intimate partners in friendships and relationships. We’re losing connection between ourselves that we’re almost becoming more isolated because we’re entertained in our own little boxes. What I think is so beautiful about humanity is that we can touch hands – I see a father and daughter tying a shoe and I’m inspired to make Art. I don’t want to lose that.”.

Toronto’s own Robbie Amell talks about playing a dual role in one as the real Evan and the other, his simulated counterpart.

Amell: “The nice thing is when April and I talked about it, you’re not supposed to know that they’re Sims. They’re supposed to be very real. They’re supposed to be very real and the Sim should have all the memories that Evan had. So really I’m just playing one character until he finds out that he’s a Sim. And then things start to change a little bit. There’s that moment he opens the door and he just walks away from it. It’s built into his programming he’s not allowed in there, so it shouldn’t feel weird to him at all.”.

With the Film having Simu Liu‘s name literally in its title, we had to ask what it was like working with the Shang-Chi star.

Amell: “I’m a huge Marvel fan and a huge Simu fan. I saw Shang-Chi in theatres, I loved it. Immediately when we worked together, I asked him about the bus scene and he’s awesome. He’s super-fun, super-prepared and he knows his stuff, he’s very funny and super-talented. I’m very happy he’s getting the success he’s getting and I was super happy to work with him.”.

Avatar leading man Sam Worthington had a day off and Toronto was fortuante enough to have him back. He plays Artificial Intelligence Compliance Enforcement (AICE) agent Kessler (Sam Worthington), who is out to target SIMs. He reflects upon his experience filming in and around Toronto.

Worthington: “Well we had to drive down to Hamilton a lot, so that’s a long trip, but I like the people – they’re friendly.”.

He tells us what he felt was the toughest thing about embody Kessler.

Worthington: “Getting the costume right. I kinda built that from the outside. I kinda had a costume I wanted to wear… and then you have to convince the Director you’re on a different track.”.

Asides from the next installment of Avatar, he tells us what we can expect next.
Worthington: “I’m doing Kevin Costner‘s movies (Horizon) There’s four films.”.

A reel of highlights from the night:

Mongrel Media release SIMULANT in theatres April 7, 2023.

(Photo/video credit: Mongrel Media/Mr. Will Wong)

Today we get a brand-new Canadian Teaser Trailer for Greta Gerwig‘s BARBIE! Oh, we cannot wait till July 21st!

Synopsis:

To live in Barbie Land is to be a perfect being in a perfect place. Unless you have a full-on existential crisis. Or you’re a Ken.

From Oscar-nominated writer/director Greta Gerwig (“Little Women,” “Lady Bird”) comes “Barbie,” starring Oscar-nominees Margot Robbie (“Bombshell,” “I, Tonya”) and Ryan Gosling (“La La Land,” “Half Nelson”) as Barbie and Ken, alongside America Ferrera (“End of Watch,” the “How to Train Your Dragon” films), Kate McKinnon (“Bombshell,” “Yesterday”), Michael Cera (“Scott Pilgrim vs. the World,” “Juno”), Ariana Greenblatt (“Avengers: Infinity War,” “65”), Issa Rae (“The Photograph,” “Insecure”), Rhea Perlman (“I’ll See You in My Dreams,” “Matilda”), and Will Ferrell (the “Anchorman” films, “Talladega Nights”). The film also stars Ana Cruz Kayne (“Little Women”), Emma Mackey (“Emily,” “Sex Education”), Hari Nef (“Assassination Nation,” “Transparent”), Alexandra Shipp (the “X-Men” films), Kingsley Ben-Adir (“One Night in Miami,” “Peaky Blinders”), Simu Liu (“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”), Ncuti Gatwa (“Sex Education”), Scott Evans (“Grace and Frankie”), Jamie Demetriou (“Cruella”), Connor Swindells (“Sex Education,” “Emma.”), Sharon Rooney (“Dumbo,” “Jerk”), Nicola Coughlin (“Bridgerton,” “Derry Girls”) and Oscar-winner Helen Mirren (“The Queen”).

Gerwig directed “Barbie” from a screenplay by Gerwig & Oscar nominee Noah Baumbach (“Marriage Story,” “The Squid and the Whale”), based on Barbie by Mattel. The film’s producers are Oscar nominee David Heyman (“Marriage Story,” “Gravity”), Robbie, Tom Ackerley and Robbie Brenner, with Michael Sharp, Josey McNamara, Ynon Kreiz, Courtenay Valenti, Toby Emmerich and Cate Adams serving as executive producers.

Gerwig’s creative team behind the camera included Oscar-nominated director of photography Rodrigo Prieto (“The Irishman,” “Silence,” “Brokeback Mountain”), six-time Oscar-nominated production designer Sarah Greenwood (“Beauty and the Beast,” “Anna Karenina”), editor Nick Houy (“Little Women,” “Lady Bird”), Oscar-winning costume designer Jacqueline Durran (“Little Women,” “Anna Karenina”), visual effects supervisor Glen Pratt (“Paddington 2,” “Beauty and the Beast”), music supervisor George Drakoulias (“White Noise,” “Marriage Story”) and Oscar-winning composer Alexandre Desplat (“The Shape of Water,” “The Grand Budapest Hotel”).

Warner Bros. Pictures Presents a Heyday Films Production, a LuckyChap Entertainment Production, a Mattel Production, “Barbie.” The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures and released in theatres only nationwide on July 21, 2023 and beginning internationally on July 19, 2023.

The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) and CBC celebrated Canada’s biggest night in music this evening at The 52nd Annual JUNO Awards Broadcast. Hosted for the second time by Hollywood superstar Simu Liu, the awards were broadcast from Rogers Place in Edmonton, nationwide on CBC TV, CBC Gem CBC Radio One, CBC Music, CBC Listen and globally on CBCMusic.ca/junos. The first traveling JUNOS since 2019, the highly anticipated show opened with Calgary native and five-time JUNO Nominee, Tate McRae, making Albertans proud with her energetic performance of her pop-punk hit “she’s all i wanna be.”

Following his four major wins Saturday night at the 2023 JUNO Opening Night Awards Presented by Music Canada, The Weeknd becomes the second most awarded JUNO winner in history after adding Album of the Year* to his collection this evening. He has now amassed 22 wins in just a decade, breaking his tie with Bryan Adams while Anne Murray holds the top spot as the JUNOS’ most decorated artist with 25 awards.

“I am so honored to be recognized like this from my home country that I love so much. I’m so humbled by all this and could never thank fans enough,” said The Weeknd in a statement. 

Global phenomenon, singer, songwriter and producer, AP Dhillon, made JUNOS history tonight as the first artist to sing entirely in Punjabi on the JUNO Awards stage, performing his chart-topping hit “Summer High” to a cheering crowd. 

Canada’s hottest rising stars also performed and took home some of JUNO Week’s biggest awards. All first-time winners and musical collaborators, Banx & Ranx (Breakthrough Group of the Year* winners) together with Preston Pablo (Breakthrough Artist of the Year* winner) and Rêve (Dance Recording of the Year winner), had audiences out of their seats and dancing to the beat with a special mashup performance of their hit singles “Headphones,” “CTRL + ALT + DEL” and “Flowers Need Rain.” Preston Pablo’s award was given out during tonight’s Broadcast while  the others received theirs earlier in the weekend at the JUNO Opening Night Awards Presented by Music Canada.

Canadians were given the option to vote for the TikTok JUNO Fan Choice, which was awarded to Avril Lavigne. This marks the fourth time Avril has won the award bringing her total JUNO count to an impressive 10 awards.

From industry veterans to organizations and music legends, Canada’s flourishing hip hop community came together for a collaborative performance shining a spotlight on the 50th anniversary of the genre. With involvement from ADVANCE, Canada’s Black Music Business Collective, and the JUNO Rap Music Advisory Committee, the four-song medley was written and produced by award-winning artist and four-time JUNO Award Winner Kardinal Offishall, who hosted the segment alongside 2022 JUNO Award winner Haviah Mighty. Renowned recording artist Rich Kidd mixed the track, while veteran entertainer DJ Mel Boogie added her own unique spin to the music live on stage. The festivities began with Kardinal Offishall and hip hop pioneer Michie Mee performing her hit  “Jamaican Funk,” before launching into Dream Warriors’ timeless “My Definition of a Boombastic Jazz Style.” Four-time JUNO Award winner Choclair followed with his fast moving beat “Let’s Ride” and the showcase ended with TOBi serenading audiences with his lyrical rap single “Flowers.” The performance led into the presentation of Rap Album of the Year, which was awarded to TOBi, who wins in this category for the second time.

This evening’s broadcast included Nickelback’s highly anticipated induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, Presented by TD Group. Ryan Reynolds made a special virtual appearance to induct the group and celebrate the band for their incredible contributions to Canadian music,  which included a greeting from Michael Bublé who congratulated the band. Edmonton Oilers’ Captain, Connor McDavid, was also part of the festivities joining the stage to honour the band in-person. To cap the evening, Nickelback performed a medley of their chart-topping and most iconic rock tracks including “Rockstar,” “How You Remind Me,” and “Animals.” Both their Induction and Performance were presented by TD Bank Group. 

Four more longstanding Canadians artists will be inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2023, when the annual induction ceremony returns to Studio Bell, home to the National Music Centre on May 18. Renowned French Canadian singer Diane Dufresne, veteran jazz pianist Dr. Oliver Jones, country music superstar Terri Clark and rock legends Trooper will all be honoured for their astounding contributions to Canada’s music history, live. Tickets go on-sale April 7, 2023 at the National Music Centre box office. More information on the event can be found HERE.
 
MusiCounts recognized Canadian music educator, Jewel Casselman (Lakewood School,  Winnipeg, MB), not only for her impact on students, but also their community and the music education field, through the MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award, presented by the CST Foundation. She is the first elementary school teacher to win this award and after an astonishing 34 year career, and will retire at the end of this school year.

The 2023 JUNO Awards featured four more spectacular performances including the long awaited return of fan favorites Alexisonfire, who shared their heartfelt ballad “Sans Soleil” after winning Rock Album of the Year* Saturday night. Aysanabee in collaboration with Traditional Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year nominees Northern Cree performed a moving and choral rendition of “We Were Here,” while multi-platinum R&B powerhouse and tonight’s winner of Contemporary R&B Recording of the Year* Jessie Reyez spoke to fans with an electric and soulful performance of “Mutual Friend,” the first track off her latest album. Two-time JUNO Award winner for Country Album of the Year* Tenille Townes took audiences on an emotional journey with two of her most powerful tracks, “Where are You” and “The Sound of Alone.”
 
The evening’s impressive roster of notable presenters included actor and comedian Andrew Phung (Run the Burbs, Kim’s Convenience); nine-time JUNO Award winner Avril Lavigne; star of CBC’s Push Bean Gill; multi-platinum R&B powerhouse Jessie Reyez; TikTok’s KallMeKris; three-time JUNO Award nominee Lauren Spencer Smith; two-time JUNO Award winner Maestro Fresh Wes; 2023 JUNO nominated Digging Roots’ ShoShona Kish; Minister of Canadian Heritage The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez; Global Music Album of the Year nominee Pierre Kwenders; and multi-Platinum-selling artist, music producer, and actor Tyler Shaw.
 
Fans can see the complete list of winners and rewatch every performance and memorable moment from the 52nd Annual JUNO Awards broadcast on CBCMusic.ca/junos and CBC Gem.

Today it was announced that John Cena, Awkwafina, and Simu Liu are set to star in Prime Video’s action-comedy Grand Death Lotto, from director Paul Feig. Feig is directing the film from a script penned by Rob Yescombe (Outside the Wire). The film, which hails from Amazon Studios, will be produced by Roth/Kirschenbaum Films’ Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum, and Feigco Entertainment’s Laura Fischer and Paul Feig. John Cena, Zack Roth, and Rob Yescombe will executive produce.

In the very near future, the Grand Lottery has been established in economically challenged California. The only catch? Kill the winner before sundown and you can legally claim their prize. New LA transplant Katie (Awkwafina) accidentally finds herself with the winning ticket and must join forces with amateur jackpot protector Noel (John Cena) to make it to sundown in order to claim her multi-billion dollar prize, all while dealing with Noel’s protection rival Louis Lewis (Simu Liu), who also wants to get her to sundown in order to claim his rich protection commission.

The Amazon Original Movie will be available to stream on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. Production begins next week.

“Grand Death Lotto is the kind of original idea audiences have been craving, and there’s no one better than the endlessly talented Paul Feig to steer the ship,” said Jennifer Salke, Head of Amazon and MGM Studios. “We can’t wait to watch John Cena, Awkwafina, and Simu Liu bring this fun, action-packed script to life for our Prime Video customers around the world.”

“I love action comedy and extreme physical comedy and this movie has both in abundance, as well as a boatload of heart and hilarity,” said director Paul Feig. “This lotto will make winners of us all.”

John Cena recently starred as Peacemaker in the No. 1 HBO Max Original series of the same name. His upcoming credits include the tenth main installment in the Fast & Furious franchise Fast X, Matthew Vaughn-helmed spy thriller Argylle, Prime Video’s Ricky Stanicky, and the sequel to Vacation Friends.

Awkwafina will next be seen in Universal’s Renfield opposite Nicolas Cage and Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Additionally, she will star opposite Sandra Oh in an upcoming Untitled Sister Comedy Project for Hulu and the third season of Comedy Central’s Nora from Queens.

Simu Liu’s credits include Disney’s Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings and Warner Bros.’ upcoming feature Barbie.

Paul Feig is a DGA-winning and Emmy-nominated filmmaker, writer, producer, and author who most recently served as the director, producer, and co-writer of The School for Good and Evil, which debuted as the #1 film on Netflix in 88 countries worldwide upon release. In television, he is a writer, executive producer, and director of FOX’s Welcome to Flatch, which is currently airing its second season, and an executive producer of Minx, which will premiere its second season on Starz later this year. He has a proven track record of films that have grossed over one billion dollars worldwide including Bridesmaids, Last Christmas, The Heat, Ghostbusters, Spy, and A Simple Favor, the latter of which Feig will direct and produce a sequel.

Cena is represented by WME, Intenta Media, and JSSK. Awkwafina is represented by UTA, Artists First, Schreck Rose & Kovert Creative. Liu is represented by CAA, Authentic Talent & Literary Management, and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern. Feig is represented by CAA and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern. Yescombe is represented by A3 Artists Agency and Curtis Brown.

Literally THE MOVIE we’re waiting for in 2023. Check-out this bubbly new Teaser for Greta Gerwig‘s BARBIE starring Margot Robbie!

Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release BARBIE Summer 2023.

(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros. Pictures Canada)