The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television (the Canadian Academy) is pleased to announce the third and final group of 2024 Special Award recipients: Patrick Huard, Michael MacMillan, and Denis Villeneuve, three talented forces in the Canadian 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, 2024.
âCongratulations to Patrick, Michael, and Denis, who round out our incredible slate of 2024 Special Award recipients,â said Tammy Frick, CEO, Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. âThey have all had a tremendous impact on the screen-based industries, both in Canada and abroad: Michaelâs leadership has helped redefine the Canadian media industry, with Blue Ant Media becoming one of the top broadcasting and media companies in Canada; Patrick has captivated audiences, providing us with some of the most iconic characters in Canadian film history; and Denisâ stunning award-winning filmmaking has inspired not only Canadians, but all who have had the pleasure of experiencing the intriguing worlds he creates in his films.â
The third and final group of the Canadian Academyâs 2024 Special Award honourees are:
The Academy Icon Award, presented to a Canadian individual or institution for their exceptional, ongoing contribution to the media industry at home or abroad, is awarded to Denis Villeneuve, Academy AwardÂź-nominated director, screenwriter and producer whose astute attention to detail and unique visuals have established him as one of the premier filmmakers working today. His highly acclaimed adaptation of Frank Herbertâs science fiction novel, Dune, received six Academy AwardsÂź, and five BAFTAs. Villeneuveâs latest film, Dune: Part Two, was released to critical acclaim and is currently the highest grossing movie of 2024 having surpassed $700 million worldwide. Villeneuveâs other directorial credits include Blade Runner 2049, Arrival, Sicario, Prisoners, Enemy, and Incendies.
The Earle Grey Award, recognizing a Canadian performer for their exceptional body of acting work in Canadian television and film, is presented to Patrick Huard, actor, comedian, director, author, host, and producer. With a career spanning over 30 years, Patrick is a multi-talented artist who has enjoyed great success in front of and behind the camera, as well as on stage and radio. One of Canadaâs and Quebecâs biggest stars, he has appeared in some of the countryâs highest-grossing films, including Les Boys and its two sequels; the record-breaking, Genie Award-winning comedy Bon Cop Bad Cop, which he also co-wrote (and is currently developing a TV series for); his feature directorial debut, Les 3 pâtits cochons and Starbuck. He has also starred in several successful Quebec TV series, including the hugely popular Taxi 0-22, which he also produced and directed. He has won numerous awards for his stand-up comedy and comedy writing, and has hosted several Juste pour rire galas, the Gala de lâADISQ and the SoirĂ©e des Jutra (now Prix Iris), as well as several radio programs.
The Industry Leadership Award, honouring innovation and leadership in Canadaâs media industry, is presented to Michael MacMillan, co-founder and CEO of Blue Ant Media. Under Michaelâs leadership, the global media company has become an international production studio and rights business, and now owns and operates eight free streaming channels internationally, in addition to a roster of pay TV broadcast channels in Canada. A member of the Order of Canada, Michael has volunteered with numerous community and industry organizations over many years. He is also a Senior Fellow at Massey College and co-author of the best-selling book Tragedy in the Commons.
The full list of 2024 Canadian Screen Awards Special Award honourees is as follows:
Academy Board of Directorsâ Tribute Award: Jeff Barnaby
Academy Board of Directorsâ Tribute Award: John Brunton
Academy Icon Award: Denis Villeneuve
Changemaker Award: Tonya Williams
Earle Grey Award: Patrick Huard
Gordon Sinclair Award for Broadcast Journalism: Paul Workman
Industry Leadership Award: Michael MacMillan
Lifetime Achievement Award: Marilyn Denis
Radius Award, presented by MADE | NOUS: Devery Jacobs
Radius Award, presented by MADE | NOUS: Lamar Johnson
Sustainable Production Award, presented by CBC: Jane Goodall: Reasons for Hope by Science North
Learn more about the Canadian Screen Awards 2024 Special Award recipients here and visit this link to find out when each Award will be presented.
To view the full list of nominees for the 2024 Canadian Screen Awards, visit academy.ca/nominees, and CanadianScreenWeek.ca to see the full schedule of events for the week.
About the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television
The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television is the largest non-profit professional arts organization in Canada with a membership of more than 4,000 emerging and established industry professionals. Founded in 1979, the Canadian Academy is dedicated to recognizing, celebrating, and advocating for Canadian talent in the film, television, and digital media sectors while remaining committed to nurturing all levels of talent through professional training, networking opportunities, and guidance. The Canadian Academy produces the Canadian Screen Awards, bringing together the screen-based industries annually to honour and celebrate the countryâs top talent during Canadian Screen Week.
ââThe Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television proudly acknowledges the support of its Leading Media Partner, CBC; Premier Partner, Telefilm Canada; Platinum Partner, Bell Media; and its Lead Partners, Netflix, the Canada Media Fund, the Canadian Media Producers Association, Cineplex, the Cogeco Fund, and WBD Access Canada.
For information on membership and programming visit academy.ca.
The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television (the Canadian Academy) is pleased to announce the second set of 2024 Special Award recipients, presented to three inspiring individuals and one game-changing production 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 Jane Goodall: Reasons for Hope by Science North, the inaugural recipient of the Sustainable Production Award, presented by CBC; their steadfast dedication to sustainable practices has set a high standard for the industry, and we take great pride in honoring their tremendous efforts,â said Tammy Frick, CEO, Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. âAnd to Devery, Lamar, and Paul, who have all made an enduring impact on Canada’s film and television landscape, infusing our screens with passion and unmatched skill. As we applaud your achievements, let us also acknowledge your remarkable dedication to your craft, embodying the essence of Canadian film and television.â
The second group of the Canadian Academyâs 2024 Special Award honourees are:
The Gordon Sinclair Award for Broadcast Journalism, recognizing a Canadian broadcast journalist for their exceptional body of work in broadcast journalism, is presented to Paul Workman, a journalist who spent 33 years as a foreign correspondent for CBC and CTV, where he covered monumental events throughout history including the first Gulf War, the fall of the Berlin Wall, the second Gulf War, the war in Kosovo, the death of the Princess of Wales, and the wars in Afghanistan and Ukraine.
The Radius Award, presented by MADE | NOUS, honouring an artist from Canada whose work is leaving a resounding global impact, is presented to award-winning actress, writer, director, and producer, Devery Jacobs, a socially conscious voice from KahnawĂ :ke Mohawk Territory, who uses her platform to advocate for Indigenous and LGBTQ2S+ rights.
The Radius Award, presented by MADE | NOUS, is also being presented to actor, director, dancer and artist, Lamar Johnson, who was recently nominated for an Emmy for his role as âHenry Burrellâ on HBOâs Emmy-nominated series The Last of Us, won the 2023 Canadian Screen Award for Performance in a Leading Role for Brother, and was previously named one of TIFFâs Rising Stars for his role in the Fox film The Hate U Give. Lamar will also star in the upcoming Netflix western drama series The Abandons.
The inaugural Sustainable Production Award, presented by CBC, is awarded to a production that has shown excellence in sustainable production and has had a measurable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and/or innovations in circularity and that has also contributed positively to the Canadian media landscape and local communities. The inaugural 2024 Sustainable Production Award, presented by CBC, goes to Jane Goodall: Reasons for Hope by Science North, a large format film based on Dr. Jane Goodallâs philosophy of hope for the world, where Science North was committed to minimizing its impact on the environment during the film production and work towards a net zero film by implementing a number of best practices.
These talented names join a group of previously announced Special Award honourees including Jeff Barnaby and John Brunton, recipients of the Academy Board of Directorsâ Tribute Award, Changemaker Award honouree Tonya Williams, and Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Marilyn Denis.
Learn more about the Canadian Screen Awards 2024 Special Award recipients here. The final group of 2024 Special Award recipients will be announced in the coming weeks.
To view the full list of nominees for the 2024 Canadian Screen Awards, visit academy.ca/nominees The full schedule of events for the week can be found at CanadianScreenWeek.ca.
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.
Today, the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television (the Canadian Academy) announced the nominees for the 2024 Canadian Screen Awards in 156 television, film, and digital media categories. The annual awards celebrating excellence on-screen will be presented over four days during Canadian Screen Week 2024, including The 2024 Canadian Screen Awards broadcast show, hosted by Mae Martin, airing on Friday, May 31 at 8 PM (9 AT, 9:30 NT) on CBC and CBC Gem.
Crave Original limited series Little Bird leads both television and overall 2024 Canadian Screen Award nominations with 19, including Best Drama Series and Best Lead Performer, Drama Series, presented by the Canada Media Fund, nominations for Darla Contois and Ellyn Jade. The final seasons of CBC comedies Sort Of and Workinâ Moms follow with 18 and 12 nominations, respectively.
In film, Matt Johnsonâs BlackBerry tops nominations with 17, making it the most nominated film in the history of the Canadian Screen Awards. Honours include Best Motion Picture, Achievement in Direction, and Performance in a Leading Role, Comedy for Jay Baruchel. Ariane Louis-Seizeâs Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person | Vampire humaniste cherche suicidaire consentant follows with 12, while Brandon Cronenbergâs Infinity Pool secures 11.
The Drop and How to Fail as a Popstar lead digital media nominations with five, including Best Web Program or Series, Fiction; followed by I Hate People, People Hate Me and Streams Flow From A River with four.
âIn a landscape as diverse and dynamic as ours, the 2024 Canadian Screen Award nominees highlight the breadth of talent our nation proudly nurtures,â said Tammy Frick, CEO, The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. âMy sincere congratulations to all the nominees, and I eagerly await gathering together to celebrate their achievements in May.â
âMy heartfelt congratulations to all of the 2024 Canadian Screen Award nominees,â said Thomas Santram, Chair, Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. âAs we continue to champion and uplift these storytellers, weâre honoured to recognize the vital role they play in shaping our cultural identity through these nominations.â
The 2024 Canadian Screen Awards will be handed out in a series of award shows at the CBC Broadcast Centre in Toronto all culminating with The 2024 Canadian Screen Awards broadcast show, hosted by Mae Martin, where viewers at home can tune in to be a part of all the excitement. The full schedule is as follows:
Tuesday, May 28, 2024
7:00 PM ET: The News, Entertainment, and Sports Awards, presented by CTV
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
12:30 PM ET: The Television Craft Awards
7:00 PM ET: The Television Program and Performance Awards
Thursday, May 30, 2024
12:30 PM ET: The Documentary, Factual, Lifestyle, and Reality Awards, presented by CTV
7:00 PM ET: The Cinematic Arts Awards, presented by Telefilm Canada, supported by Cineplex
Friday, May 31, 2024
4:00 PM ET: The 2024 Canadian Screen Awards Gala
8:00 PM (9 AT, 9:30 NT): The 2024 Canadian Screen Awards (broadcast show on CBC and CBC Gem)
The 2024 Canadian Screen Awards Box Office opens today, Wednesday, March 6, 2024. Each of the award presentations from May 28 to May 31 will include cocktail receptions for attendees, taking place before and after the shows. Canadian Screen Award nominees and guests can book their tickets online at academy.ca/boxoffice.
The nominees for the 2024 Canadian Screen Awards were chosen by voting members of the Canadian Academy and by nominating juries, conducted virtually with representatives from the film, television, and digital media industries. The membership will now cast their votes between Thursday, March 7 and Monday, March 25 to determine the winners.
For the full list of 2024 Canadian Screen Award nominees, please visit academy.ca/nominees; view the full schedule for Canadian Screen Week 2024 at CanadianScreenWeek.ca.
The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television (the Canadian Academy) announced today that Mae Martin, award-winning Canadian comedian, actor, writer, and producer, will host The 2024 Canadian Screen Awards, airing on Friday, May 31, 2024 at 8:00 PM (9:00 PM AT, 9:30 PM NT) on CBC and CBC Gem.
âWe are thrilled that Mae Martin will be hosting The 2024 Canadian Screen Awards,â said Tammy Frick, CEO, Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. âThey are the perfect fit for this show: a dynamic and accomplished Canadian who is breaking barriers and making waves globally both in front of and behind the camera, just like the many talented individuals who we will be celebrating during Canadian Screen Week 2024.â
Join comedian and host Mae Martin for The 2024 Canadian Screen Awards at the CBC Broadcast Centre in Toronto on Friday, May 31. The one-hour broadcast, airing at 8:00 PM (9 AT, 9:30 NT) on CBC and CBC Gem, promises an innovative blend of unpredictable, emotional award-show moments and unprecedented access to nominees and Special Award winners, offering audiences a celebratory look at the best in Canadian film and television. Produced by creative forces Roma Ahi and Katie Lafferty of Makers, this year’s broadcast will continue to redefine the award show and shine a spotlight on the achievements of our homegrown talent.
âI am elated to be hosting this celebration of all the amazing talent in Canada, and plan on asking a lot of people I admire for selfies,â said host Mae Martin.
Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Mae Martin is an award-winning comedian, actor, writer, and producer who presently hosts the hit comedy podcast Handsome alongside Tig Notaro and Fortune Feimster. They are best known for creating, starring, and co-writing Feel Good, a critically acclaimed drama-comedy series for which their stunning performance earned them a 2021 BAFTA TV Award nomination. Beloved for their stand-up comedy, Martinâs show Dope was nominated for âBest Comedy Showâ at the prestigious Edinburgh Comedy Awards, and their standup special SAP, directed by Abbi Jacobson, launched on Netflix in March 2023.
The nominees for the 2024 Canadian Screen Awards will be announced on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at 7:00 AM ET on academy.ca/nominees.
The full schedule for the 2024 Canadian Screen Awards can be found at CanadianScreenWeek.ca. For more information about the 2024 Canadian Screen Awards and Canadian Screen Week 2024, please visit Academy.ca.
(Photo credit: Joseph Sinclair)
The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television (the Canadian Academy) announced today that Canadian Screen Week 2024 will now take place from Sunday, May 26 to Saturday, June 1, a change from the originally set dates of April 2024. The 2024 Canadian Screen Awards, which honour the best in film, television, and digital media, will take place from Tuesday, May 28 through to Friday, May 31 at the CBC Broadcast Centre in Toronto. The nominees for the 2024 Canadian Screen Awards will now be announced on Wednesday, March 6 at 7:00 AM ET on academy.ca.
The Canadian Screen Awards broadcast show will air on CBC and CBC Gem on Friday, May 31. More information about this year’s show will be announced in the coming weeks.
âDue to venue availability in Toronto, we have made the decision to move Canadian Screen Week 2024 to May,â said Tammy Frick, CEO, Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. âWorking with CBC to hold the Awards at the CBC Broadcast Centre allows us to put on a series of high-calibre shows in a manner deserving of the excitement of the industry, showcasing the nominees under the brightest lights possible. This change ensures that the entire experience is of the utmost quality while also being efficient with resources. We look forward to hosting the Canadian screen-based industries and celebrating their achievements in May!â
The 2024 Canadian Screen Awards will take place at the CBC Broadcast Centre in Toronto, which will undergo a complete transformation to welcome the talented members of Canadaâs screen-based industries. Attendees can look forward to four days of celebrating the achievements of their peers with a series of awards shows and intimate cocktail receptions, giving guests the opportunity to gather with their community and commemorate the previous year in person.
The full schedule for the 2024 Canadian Screen Awards is as follows:
Tuesday, May 28, 2024
7:00 PM ET: The News, Entertainment, and Sports Awards
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
12:30 PM ET: The Television Craft Awards
7:00 PM ET: The Television Program and Performance Awards
Thursday, May 30, 2024
12:30 PM ET: The Documentary, Factual, Lifestyle, and Reality Awards
7:00 PM ET: The Cinematic Arts Awards, presented by Telefilm Canada, supported by Cineplex
Friday, May 31, 2024
4:00 PM ET: The 2024 Canadian Screen Awards Gala
8:00 PM (9 AT, 9:30 NT): The 2024 Canadian Screen Awards (broadcast
show on CBC and CBC Gem)
All nominees and guests will be able to book their tickets for the 2024 Canadian Screen Awards via the Box Office, which will open on March 6, 2024 on the Academyâs website.
The membership vote to determine the winners of the 2024 Canadian Screen Awards will now open on March 7, 2024, to coincide with the announcement of nominees. Those who are interested in joining the Canadian Academy are encouraged to do so by February 20, 2024 to participate.
Canadian Screen Week 2024 is also home to several events aimed at informing, supporting, and inspiring our industry. The Board Tribute Dinner, the Canadian Academyâs annual fundraising event to support our equity and inclusion initiatives, will now take place on Saturday, June 1, 2024. The Academy is also excited to introduce Members Forum, presented by the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA), a revamped version of our annual member-focused programming, taking place from Sunday, May 26, 2024 to Tuesday, May 28, 2024. Details on both events will be available in the near future.
The full schedule for Canadian Screen Week 2024 can be found at CanadianScreenWeek.ca. For further information, please visit academy.ca.
The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television is pleased to announce the official dates for Canadian Screen Week 2024.
The annual event, bringing together the screen-based industry to celebrate the countryâs top talent in the film, television, and digital sectors, will take place from Sunday, April 7 to Sunday, April 14, 2024.
Nominees for the 2024 Canadian Screen Awards will be announced on Thursday, February 22, 2024.
More information regarding the 2024 Canadian Screen Awards and the weekâs industry programming will be announced in the coming months.
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)
Today, the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television (the Canadian Academy) announced the nominees for the 2023 Canadian Screen Awards in 145 television, film, and digital media categories, which also include the inaugural nominations in gender-neutral performance categories for lead and supporting performers in film and television.
The first season of CBCâs The Porter leads both television and overall 2023 Canadian Screen Award nominations with 19, including Best Drama Series and Best Lead Performer, Drama Series nominations for Aml Ameen, Ronnie Rowe Jr., and Mouna TraorĂ©. Both CBCâs Sort Of and CBC Gemâs Detention Adventure received 15 nominations, followed by CBCâs Pretty Hard Cases with 11.
In film, Clement Virgoâs Brother tops nominations with 14, including Achievement in Direction and Performance in a Leading Role for Lamar Johnson. StĂ©phane Lafleurâs Viking follows with 13, while David Cronenbergâs Crimes of the Future boasts 11.
Revenge of the Black Best Friend leads digital media nominations with nine, including Best Web Program or Series, Fiction; followed by Avocado Toast The Series with seven and Tokens with four.
âFrom legendary directors like David Cronenberg to new voices like Bilal Baig, the 2023 Canadian Screen Award nominees reaffirm that our country has an immensely talented industry, and we are lucky to call them Canadian,â said Tammy Frick, CEO, Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. âSupporting these artists has never been more important, and we are proud to be at the centre of those efforts. Iâm thrilled to share my heartfelt congratulations with all of the nominees and look forward to raising a glass to them in person this April.â
âThe nominations for the 2023 Canadian Screen Awards shine a much-deserved spotlight on the brilliant creative minds behind some of the best Canadian television, film, and digital media works of the past year, and we could not be more excited to gather in person â for the first time in four years â to celebrate these tremendous achievements,â said John Young, Chair, Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television.
The 2023 Canadian Screen Awards will be presented in a series of seven intimate genre-based awards presentations, with esteemed members of the Canadian screen-based industry who brought us the best work from the last year, gathering in person at Meridian Hall in Toronto from Tuesday, April 11, 2023 through to Friday, April 14, 2023, all culminating with The Canadian Screen Awards with Samantha Bee, broadcasting on Sunday, April 16 at 8 PM (9 AT, 9:30 NT) on CBC and CBC Gem.
An intimate look at Canadian storytelling excellence on screen, The Canadian Screen Awards with Samantha Bee is an hour-long star-studded broadcast special featuring celebrity interviews, highlights from the awards presentations throughout Canadian Screen Week 2023, and the presentation of the Cogeco Fund Audience Choice Award. The special will also include exclusive access to this year’s Special Award recipients, including: Ryan Reynolds, recipient of the Humanitarian Award, presented by Paramount+; Catherine OâHara, who will receive the Academy Icon Award, presented by CBC; and Simu Liu, the recipient of the Radius Award, presented by MADE | NOUS.
The full schedule for the 2023 Canadian Screen Awards is as follows:
Tuesday, April 11
12:00 PM ET – The Sports Programming Awards, presented by CTV
6:00 PM ET – The News, Documentary & Factual Awards
Wednesday, April 12
12:00 PM ET – The Childrenâs & Animation Awards, presented by Shaw Rocket Fund
6:00 PM ET – The Lifestyle & Reality Awards, presented by CTV
Thursday, April 13
12:00 PM ET – The Digital & Immersive Awards
6:00 PM ET – The Cinematic Arts Awards, presented by Telefilm Canada and supported by Cineplex
Friday, April 14
4:00 PM ET – The Comedic & Dramatic Arts Awards
Sunday, April 16
8:00 PM (9:00 PM AT, 9:30 PM NT) – The Canadian Screen Awards with Samantha Bee on CBC and CBC Gem
The 2023 Canadian Screen Awards Box Office opens today, Wednesday, February 22, 2023. Each of the awards presentations from Tuesday, April 11, 2023 to Friday, April 14, 2023 will include cocktail receptions for attendees, taking place before and after the shows. Canadian Screen Award nominees and guests can book their tickets online at academy.ca/boxoffice.
The nominees for the 2023 Canadian Screen Awards were chosen by voting members of the Canadian Academy and by nominating juries, conducted virtually with representatives from the film, television, and digital media industries. The membership will now cast their votes between Wednesday, February 22, 2023 and Friday, March 10, 2023 to determine the winners.
For the full list of 2023 Canadian Screen Award nominees, please visit academy.ca/nominees; view the full schedule for Canadian Screen Week 2023 at academy.ca/schedule.
Media accreditation for the 2023 Canadian Screen Awards opens on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. To receive updates and details for accreditation, as well as red carpet and press room opportunities, pre-register here. For promotional assets, including a fact sheet about the nominees and images, reference our digital toolkit.
About the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television
The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television is the largest non-profit professional arts organization in Canada with a membership of more than 4,000 emerging and established industry professionals. Founded in 1979, the Canadian Academy is dedicated to recognizing, celebrating, and advocating for Canadian talent in the film, television, and digital media sectors while remaining committed to nurturing all levels of talent through professional training, networking opportunities, and guidance. The Canadian Academy produces the Canadian Screen Awards, bringing together the screen-based industries annually to honour and celebrate the countryâs top talent during Canadian Screen Week.
The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television proudly acknowledges the support of its Leading Media Partner, CBC; Premier Partner, Telefilm Canada; Platinum Partner, CTV; and its Lead Partners, Netflix, the Canada Media Fund, Cineplex, the Cogeco Fund, and WBD Access Canada.
For information on membership and programming visit academy.ca.
The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television (the Canadian Academy) unveiled today the complete list of recipients for the 2023 Special Awards, a series of achievement awards bestowed upon those in Canadaâs screen-based industry who have made outstanding contributions to the industry and society as a whole. These nine illustrious recipients will be recognized for their formidable accomplishments during Canadian Screen Week, taking place in Toronto from Tuesday, April 11, 2023 through to Sunday, April 16, 2023.
âOn behalf of the Canadian Academyâs Board of Directors, I offer a hearty congratulations to the nine remarkably talented recipients of this yearsâ Special Awards,â said John Young, Chair, Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. âEach one of these honourees is a testament to how hardworking, dedicated, and talented our homegrown creative community is, and we look forward to celebrating them at Canadian Screen Week 2023.â
âIt is truly inspiring to see such a powerful, diverse group of Special Award honourees who are a true representation of the amazing work that is being done by Canadians in film and television,â said Tammy Frick, CEO, Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. âFrom powerhouse performers to household names you trust and welcome into your homes each day, their impact stretches far beyond just our country’s borders and we are so proud they call Canada home.â
The Canadian Academyâs 2023 Special Award honourees are:
The Academy Board of Directorsâ Tribute, honouring a Canadian individual for their extraordinary impact on the growth of the Canadian media industry, is presented to Jennifer Podemski, an Anishinaabe/Ashkenazi actor, writer, director, and producer whose impressive career in television spans over 30 years, with on-screen credits including Reservation Dogs, Dance Me Outside, The Rez, Degrassi TNG, Blackstone, Empire of Dirt, and Departure.
The Academy Board of Directorsâ Tribute is also being given posthumously to Paul Pope, a giant in the Canadian media production community and an advocate for the industry in Newfoundland. Through his tireless promotion of the province, and the work of his company, Pope Productions, Pope was instrumental in bringing hundreds of film and TV projects to Newfoundland, with credits such as Hudson & Rex, Rare Birds, and Extraordinary Visitor.
The Academy Icon Award, presented to a Canadian individual or institution for their exceptional, ongoing contribution to the media industry at home or abroad, is awarded to Catherine OâHara, a prolific, multi-award-winning actress, writer, and comedian whose film credits include lead and supporting roles in Schittâs Creek, Beetlejuice, Home Alone, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, After Hours, Heartburn, The Life Before This, Penelope, Away We Go, Where the Wild Things Are, A.C.O.D., The Right Kind of Wrong, Nightmare Before Christmas, and many more.
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, is presented to the award-winning host of Cityline, Tracy Moore. Moore has shown an admirable commitment to diversity and inclusion on Cityline in front of and behind the camera, most notably through her work as the host of the Cityline Real on Race YouTube series and podcast and as co-producer and co-host of Citytvâs RTNDA award-winning race special Ending Racism: What Will it Take? Moore has also made a commitment to supporting young women and children with Citylineâs very first scholarship for BIPOC women, and was recently named a Trust 15 ambassador.
The Earle Grey Award, presented by eOne, recognizing a Canadian performer for their exceptional body of acting work in Canadian television and film, is presented to Peter MacNeill, an award-winning actor and veteran in the film and television industry. With no shortage of credits in both film and television, including Thom Fitzgeraldâs The Hanging Garden, for which he won the 1997 Genie Award for Best Supporting Actor, HBO Canada series Call Me Fitz alongside Jason Priestley (for which he was nominated for a Canadian Screen Award for Best Supporting Actor, Comedy), and his current role as Ken Finley-Cullen in eOne/CBC series Moonshine created by Sheri Elwood, MacNeillâs successful career has rightfully cemented him as a Canadian icon.
The Gordon Sinclair Award for Broadcast Journalism, recognizing a Canadian broadcast journalist for their exceptional body of work in broadcast journalism, is presented to Lisa LaFlamme, a journalist who has been at the forefront of the profession for over 30 years, tackling some of the biggest issues of our time and traveling the globe to deliver breaking news to Canadians.
The Humanitarian Award, in recognition of an extraordinary humanitarian contribution or act of compassion by a professional working in the Canadian media industry in the prior year, is presented to Ryan Reynolds, an actor, producer, screenwriter, and entrepreneur. Beyond Reynoldâs undeniable ability to entertain and captivate audiences, he has shown a dedication to philanthropy throughout his career with several generous donations to various charities, such as Canadaâs Water First Education and Training Inc. and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in an effort to support displaced families from Ukraine, as well as his annual âaesthetically challengedâ sweater holiday campaign that helps raise money for The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). Ryan has also made major contributions to the industry outside of his performances, as the co-founder of two different organizations aiming to offer underrepresented communities more access to creative careers: the Group Effort Initiative (GEI) and Creative Ladder.
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 Pierre Bruneau. Over the course of his career, Bruneau anchored TVAâs election night coverage for close to 40 municipal, provincial, and federal elections and hosted close to a dozen leadersâ debates. Highly regarded by the public, Bruneau is no stranger to awards; he has won the Artis Award for Best News Anchor 23 times and has received a long list of honours for his outstanding contributions to the community, including the Queenâs Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002.
The Radius Award, presented by MADE | NOUS, recognizing a Canadian whose work is making waves globally, is presented to Simu Liu, who made history as the star of the first Asian-fronted movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Destin Daniel Crettonâs Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings. Liu also starred in CBC comedy series, Kimâs Convenience, for five seasons, which went on to win the award for Best Comedy Series at the 2018 Canadian Screen Awards.
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