#FIRSTLOOK: CANADIAN FILM CENTRE TO HONOUR JENNIFER PODEMSKI, RICK MERCER, AND DON MCKELLAR

The Canadian Film Centre (CFC) is pleased to announce that acclaimed Canadian film and television luminaries Jennifer Podemski, Rick Mercer, and Don McKellar will each be honoured with the inaugural Norman Jewison Founder’s Council Award at the 2025 CFC Gala: Growing Futures, taking place on June 12, 2025 at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto. Tickets to the CFC Gala are available here.

This marks the first year of the Norman Jewison Founder’s Council Award, which will be presented annually at the Gala to up to three recipients whose work reflects the legacy of CFC’s founder Norman Jewison. Developed by CFC’s Founder’s Council, the award recognizes film and television visionaries whose work embodies Norman’s legacy, are committed to social justice in their storytelling, and/or have made a global impact in the industry.

“This award celebrates the spirit and legacy of Norman Jewison – a filmmaker who has made a lasting mark on the industry,” said Steven DeNure, Chair of the CFC Founder’s Council. “Jennifer, Rick, and Don each exemplify creativity, courage, and leadership and have made significant contributions to the screen industry in Canada and abroad. We’re pleased to recognize their remarkable achievements with this inaugural award.”

The Norman Jewison Founder’s Council is a non-fiduciary consultative body established by the Board to champion the CFC, its mission, vision and initiatives. The work of the Founder’s Council enhances CFC’s fundraising activities, connections to industry, innovation and expertise. Current members include: Eric Belcher, Don Carmody, Neal Clarence, Suzette Couture, David Cronenberg, Steven DeNure (Chair), Blake Goldring, Christina Jennings, Kevin Jewison, George Lewis, David W. Middleton, Bob Munroe, Gary Slaight, and Barbara Williams with Kate Alexander Daniels joining this fall.

The Norman Jewison Founder’s Council Award is the Council’s first initiative and will serve as a tribute to Jewison’s immeasurable impact. The 2025 honourees will attend the CFC Gala to receive their awards.

The CFC Gala brings together industry leaders, artists, and supporters to help raise vital funds that contribute to robust hands-on programs that train the next generation of Canadian screen creatives. The highly anticipated and lively evening will include a performance by Toronto’s top mentalist Kevin Hamdan and music from DJ Fly Lady Di.

For more information, visit cfccreates.com.