#FIRSTLOOK: HEATED RIVALRY’S KSENIA DANIELA KHARLAMOVA, PIPER GILLES AND PAUL POIRIER AT “MAD HOT BALLET”

Heated Rivalry Star Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova Joins Olympic Medalists Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier at MAD HOT BALLET: Reverie Gala. This is the National Ballet of Canada’s Annual Fundraising Gala, held on June 2, 2026, MAD HOT BALLET: Reverie took place at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts.

MAD HOT BALLET has raised over $17 million since its inception in 2007. More here.

(Photo credit: George Pimentel)

#CDNSCREENAWARDS: 2026 CANADIAN SCREEN AWARD BROADCAST GALA WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Winners from The 2026 Canadian Screen Awards were revealed on the evening of Sunday, May 31, 2026 live at the CBC Broadcast Centre in Toronto. The show was hosted by Andrew Phung and presenters included Shamier Anderson, Lauren Ash, Eden Grinshpan, Allan Hawco, Anna Lambe, Laurence Leboeuf, Mae Martin, Peter Mooney, Priyanka, George Stroumboulopoulos, Karine Vanasse, and Supinder Wraich.

Special Awards
Dave Foley presented Mike Myers with the Academy Icon Award, presented by NBC Universal.

Hudson Williams presented Sophie Nélisse with the Radius Award, presented by MADE | NOUS.

Ron MacLean presented Hazel Mae with the Gordon Sinclair Award for Broadcast Journalism.

Additionally, Eugene Levy presented a touching tribute to the late Catherine O’Hara.

Complete list of winners from tonight’s Broadcast Gala:

Best Lead Performer, Comedy

North of North

CBC/APTN (CBC/APTN)

(Northwood Entertainment, Red Marrow Media)

Anna Lambe

Performance in a Leading Role, Drama | Meilleure interprétation dans un premier rôle, drame

Grace Glowicki – Honey Bunch

Radius Award

Sponsor | MADE | NOUS

Sophie Nélisse

Performance in a Leading Role, Comedy | Meilleure interprétation dans un premier rôle, comédie

Jay McCarrol – Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie

Gordon Sinclair Award for Broadcast Journalism

Hazel Mae

Best Lead Performer, Drama Series

Sponsor | The Canada Media Fund

Heated Rivalry

Crave 

(Accent Aigu Entertainment)

Hudson Williams

Best Motion Picture | Meilleur film

Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie – Matthew Miller, Matt Greyson

Cogeco Fund Audience Choice Award

Heated Rivalry

Crave

(Accent Aigu Entertainment)

Jacob Tierney, Brendan Brady

Best Comedy Series

Sponsor | Lionsgate Canada

North of North

CBC/APTN (CBC/APTN)

(Northwood Entertainment, Red Marrow Media)

Stacey Aglok MacDonald, Alethea Arnaquq-Baril, Miranda de Pencier, Garry Campbell, Anya Adams, Susan Coyne, Teresa M. Ho, Mike Goldbach, Fabrizio Filippo, Patricia Curmi

Academy Icon Award

Sponsor | NBCUniversal

Mike Myers

Best Drama Series

Sponsor | Blink49 Studios

Heated Rivalry

Crave

(Accent Aigu Entertainment)

Jacob Tierney, Brendan Brady

_____

This week, the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television (the Canadian Academy) unveiled the winners of the 2026 Canadian Screen Awards, celebrating the very best in film, television, and digital media and honouring the momentous achievements of the screen-based industries over the past year.

The final group of winners were announced tonight during The 2026 Canadian Screen Awards, which was broadcast and streamed live on CBC, CBC Gem, Crave, CTV, Global, and STACKTV for the first time. The ceremony saw Heated Rivalry win Best Drama Series, presented by Blink49 Studios, and the Cogeco Fund Audience Choice Award, while Hudson Williams took home Best Lead Performer, Drama Series, presented by The Canada Media Fund, for his role in the show. Anna Lambe received the award for Best Lead Performer, Comedy for her role in North of North, which was also named Best Comedy Series, presented by Lionsgate Canada.

In film, Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie was awarded Best Motion Picture and Performance in a Leading Role, Comedy for Jay McCarrol; Performance in a Leading Role, Drama went to Grace Glowicki for Honey Bunch.

Kicked off by a celebratory musical number from host Andrew Phung, The 2026 Canadian Screen Awards was an unforgettable evening that moved audiences with clever laughs, heartfelt tributes, and immense pride for the wealth of creative talent within Canada.

A selection of the 2026 Special Award recipients were celebrated by their peers: Dave Foley presented Mike Myers with the Academy Icon Award, presented by NBCUniversal; Hudson Williams honoured Sophie Nélisse with the Radius Award, presented by MADE | NOUS, and Ron MacLean presented the Gordon Sinclair Award for Broadcast Journalism to Hazel Mae. On stage, Myers, Nélisse, and Mae each shared sincere appreciation for the recognition.

“This year marked a bold and unprecedented step forward for both our screen industries and the Canadian Screen Awards, which united three of our nation’s leading broadcasters — Bell Media, Corus, and CBC — in a truly collaborative effort to showcase and celebrate fresh, undeniably Canadian stories and the minds behind them,” said Tammy Frick, CEO, Academy of Canadian Television. “Canadian creators continue to produce distinctive work that is resonating with more and more audiences at home and around the world. With such a rush of momentum, the Canadian Screen Awards is proud to have celebrated the richness of today’s Canadian film and television with more ways to watch than ever.”

This year, the Canadian Screen Awards recognized excellence in 146 film, television, and digital media categories through a series of six award presentations during Canadian Screen Week 2026. Heated Rivalry led both television and overall winners with 16, a record for Canadian Screen Award wins in a single year, followed by North of North with nine and Canada’s Drag Race with eight. The inaugural Spotlight Award categories saw Wayward win the Spotlight Award for Best Series, while Amanda Brugel received the Spotlight Award for Best Performance for her role in The Handmaid’s Tale. Similarly, Julie Nolke was named the inaugural Creator of the Year.

In film, 40 Acres took home nine awards, including the John Dunning Best First Feature Film Award for director R.T. Thorne, while Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie received six and Honey Bunch three. In the digital media categories, County Blooms: A Flower Powered Adventure won three, while Cows Come Home was awarded two.

The vast majority of the 2026 Canadian Screen Awards were handed out live in Toronto at the CBC Broadcast Centre (from May 28 to May 30) in a series of five award shows, hosted by notable Canadian personalities: Devo Brown, Anne-Marie Withenshaw, Heather Butts,

Jennifer Hsiung, Jess Allen, as well as Ennis Esmer and Jackie Pirico. Additional Special Award recipients were also honoured during the award ceremonies: Mile End Kicks received the Sustainable Production Award, presented by CBC, while maxine bailey was honoured with the Changemaker Award.

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 3,500 emerging and established English and Francophone 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 development, networking opportunities, and guidance that contribute to industry growth, inclusion, and mentorship. The Canadian Academy annually produces the Canadian Screen Awards, bringing together the screen-based industries to honour and celebrate the country’s top talent in Canadian film, digital media, and English-language television, as well as the Gémeaux Awards, which recognize the best in French-language television and digital media productions in Canada.

​​The 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, Cineplex, and the Cogeco Fund.

For information on membership and programming visit academy.ca.

(Photo credit: George Pimentel Photography)

#SPOTTED: HUDSON WILLIAMS IN TORONTO FOR 2026 CANADIAN SCREEN AWARDS

In case you weren’t aware, it’s Canadian Film and Television’s moment this week, Canadian Screen Week, reason enough to bring Canada’s darling Hudson Williams back to the City for the celebrations. The breakout star of HEATED RIVALRY just wrapped Thriller Apparatus in the City this spring and will hopefully be receiving his flowers tomorrow night at the Canadian Screen Awards Broadcast Gala. He’s nominated for Best Lead Performer, Drama Series this year for his performance as Shane Hollander. The Series itself has received a whopping 18 nominations, already winning in 13 categories! Williams’ Co-Star Sophie Nélisse already took home Best Supporting Performance, Drama, with Jacob Tierney winning for Writing and Directing as well.

We spotted Williams arriving in the City for the awards, and he was incredibly gracious to stop for some autographs and photos. We’ve been aboard the ride since Heated Rivalry debuted late last year on Crave, and it’s been nothing short of magical seeing the Cast’s stars soar so high.

We’re rooting for you Hudson, bring home the gold!

Some highlights from the sighting:

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#CDNSCREENAWARDS: 2026 CANADIAN SCREEN AWARD SCRIPTED TELEVISION AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Winners from The Scripted Television Awards were revealed on the evening of Saturday, May 30, 2026 at the CBC Broadcast Centre in Toronto. The show was hosted by Ennis Esmer and Jackie Pirico, and presenters included Tope Babalola, Valerie Creighton, Giacomo Gianniotti, Arianna Shannon, Jason Washington, Harrison Weinreb, and Jennifer Whalen.

The next and final group of winners will be shared tomorrow evening, following The 2026 Canadian Screen Awards.

Complete list of Scripted Television winners:

THE SCRIPTED TELEVISION AWARDS

Best Lead Performer, TV Movie

Dying in Plain Sight
Lifetime (Corus Entertainment)
(Neshama Entertainment)
Raffa Virago

Best Writing, TV Movie

Dateless to Dangerous: My Son’s Secret Life

Lifetime (Corus Entertainment)

(Neshama Entertainment)

Caitlin English

Best Direction, TV Movie

Dying in Plain Sight

Lifetime (Corus Entertainment)

(Neshama Entertainment)
Michelle Ouellet

Best Picture Editing, Web Program or Series

County Blooms: A Flower Powered Adventure – Grow With the Flow
(JPo & Co Entertainment Inc.)
Jessica Graore

Best Picture Editing, Drama

Sponsor | Rolling Pictures

Heated Rivalry – I’ll Believe In Anything

Crave

(Accent Aigu Entertainment)

Véronique Barbe

Best Picture Editing, Comedy

Late Bloomer – New Canadian

Crave

(Blink49 Studios)

Baun Mah

Best Sound, Fiction

Heated Rivalry – I’ll Believe In Anything

Crave

(Accent Aigu Entertainment)

Vincent Riendeau, Martin M Messier, Joe Scandella, Natalie Fleurant, Simon Meilleur, Eric Med Lagacé, Peter Lopata, Valéry Dufort-Boucher

Best Direction, Web Program or Series

Cows Come Home – The Teeth
(Belleview Creative INC & Katie Chats INC)
Katie Uhlmann

Best Visual Effects

Heated Rivalry – I’ll Believe In Anything

Crave
(Accent Aigu Entertainment)

Simon Devault, Philippe Massonnat, Christophe Trepanier, Felix Arsenault

Best Achievement in Make-Up

Canada’s Drag Race – The Slayoffs: Teams Edition

Crave

(Blue Ant Studios, Blue Ant CDR 5 Inc.)

Viktor Peters

Best Achievement in Hair

North of North – Carnivores

CBC/APTN (CBC/APTN)

(Northwood Entertainment, Red Marrow Media)

Chrystal Lotz, Tasha Cadotte

Best Costume Design

Heated Rivalry – I’ll Believe In Anything

Crave

(Accent Aigu Entertainment)

Hanna Puley

Best Original Music, Comedy

North of North – Top of the World

CBC/APTN (CBC/APTN)

(Northwood Entertainment, Red Marrow Media)

Caleb Chan, Brian Chan

Best Original Music, Drama

Heated Rivalry – Rookies

Crave

(Accent Aigu Entertainment)

Peter Peter

Best Writing, Web Program or Series

About That with Andrew Chang – Charlie Kirk Shooting: Why Kill Him?
(CBC)
Andrew Chang, Courteney Dorrington

Best Production Design or Art Direction, Fiction

Heated Rivalry – I’ll Believe In Anything

Crave 

(Accent Aigu Entertainment)

Aidan Leroux, Alder Dunlap, James McCrindle

Best Writing, Comedy

North of North – Top of the World

CBC/APTN (CBC/APTN)

(Northwood Entertainment, Red Marrow Media)

Stacey Aglok MacDonald, Alethea Arnaquq-Baril

Spotlight Award for Best Writing

Wayward – Mirror
Netflix
(Sphere Media and Objective Fiction for Netflix)
Kayla Lorette

Spotlight Award for Best Direction

Ginny & Georgia – Is That a Packed Lunch?

Netflix

(Blue Ice Pictures)

Sharon Lewis

Spotlight Award for Best Series

Wayward
Netflix
(Sphere Media and Objective Fiction for Netflix)
Mae Martin, Jennifer Kawaja, Bruno Dubé, Mohamad El Masri, Andrea Glinski, Anna Beben

Spotlight Award for Best Performance

The Handmaid’s Tale
Crave
(Hulu, MGM, Take 5 Productions Inc.)
Amanda Brugel

Best Supporting Performance, Web Program or Series

18 to 35
(1000615249 Ontario Corp.)
Jean Yoon

Best Lead Performance, Web Program or Series

Settle Down

(Border2Border Entertainment)
Alexander Nunez

Best Guest Performance, Drama Series

Heated Rivalry – Hunter
Crave
(Accent Aigu Entertainment)
Nadine Bhabha

Best Guest Performance, Comedy

North of North – Top of the World / Lost and Found

CBC/APTN (CBC/APTN)

(Northwood Entertainment, Red Marrow Media)

Tanya Tagaq

Best Supporting Performer, Drama

Heated Rivalry

Crave
(Accent Aigu Entertainment)
Sophie Nélisse

Creator of the Year

Julie Nolke
(Feeling Peckish Inc.)
Julie Nolke

Best Photography, Drama

Heated Rivalry – I’ll Believe In Anything

Crave

(Accent Aigu Entertainment)

Jackson Parrell

Best Photography, Comedy

Late Bloomer – Weekend at the Matthias’

Crave
(Blink49 Studios)

Gayle Ye

Best Achievement in Casting, Fiction

Heated Rivalry

Crave

(Accent Aigu Entertainment)

Jenny Lewis, Sara Kay

Best Original Music – Original Song

Heated Rivalry – Olympians – “It’s You”

Crave

(Accent Aigu Entertainment)
Peter Peter

Best Web Program or Series, Fiction

Cows Come Home
(Belleview Creative INC & Katie Chats INC)
Katie Uhlmann, Lindsey Middleton, Hari Ramesh, David Carruthers, Keri Ferencz

Best Direction, Comedy

Sponsor | Cinespace Studios

North of North – Carnivores

CBC/APTN (CBC/APTN)

(Northwood Entertainment, Red Marrow Media)

Zoe Hopkins

Best Writing, Drama Series 

Heated Rivalry – I’ll Believe In Anything

Crave 

(Accent Aigu Entertainment)

Jacob Tierney

Best Direction, Drama Series

Sponsor | DGC Ontario

Heated Rivalry – I’ll Believe In Anything
Crave
(Accent Aigu Entertainment)

Jacob Tierney

Best TV Movie

Dying in Plain Sight

Lifetime (Corus Entertainment)

(Neshama Entertainment)

Vanessa Aprile-Welfle, Suzanne Berger, Kyle Cooper, Hannah Pillemer, Jason Wan Lim, Arnie Zipursky, Bonnie Zipursky, Dayna Zipursky

Best Supporting Performer, Comedy

North of North

CBC/APTN (CBC/APTN)

(Northwood Entertainment, Red Marrow Media)

Maika Harper

Best Ensemble Performance, Comedy

Sponsor | e=mc² productions

North of North

CBC/APTN (CBC/APTN)
(Northwood Entertainment, Red Marrow Media)
Anna Lambe, Maika Harper, Braeden Clarke, Zorga Qaunaq, Jay Ryan

Full Canadian Screen Week 2026 Schedule:

Thursday, May 28, 2026
11:30 AM ET: The Children’s Television Awards
6:00 PM ET: The Cinematic Arts Awards, presented by Telefilm Canada, supported by Cineplex

Friday, May 29, 2026
11:30 AM ET: The Broadcast News & Sports Awards, presented by CTV News, Crave, and TSN
6:00 PM ET: The Unscripted Television Awards, presented by Crave

Saturday, May 30, 2026
6:00 PM ET: The Scripted Television Awards

Sunday, May 31, 2026
8:00 PM ET: The 2026 Canadian Screen Awards
Broadcasting and streaming on CBC, CBC Gem, Crave, CTV, Global, and STACKTV

#SPOTTED: THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER WOMEN IN ENTERTAINMENT CANADA

On Thursday night, The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada honoured Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor Andrea Martin (ICON Award); award-winning entertainer, actress, producer, and New York Times bestselling author Lilly Singh (Equity in Entertainment Award); acclaimed actor and producer Malin Akerman (IMPACT Award); Heated Rivalry author Rachel Reid (Changemaker Award) and North of North creators Stacey Aglok MacDonald and Alethea Arnaquq-Baril (Breakthrough Award), along with a power list of producers, directors, performers, artists and trailblazers who are leading the country’s creative industry. 

The day-long event featured a summit with panels speaking directly to women in the entertainment industry, followed by a cocktail reception and evening awards ceremony.

To access the full Hollywood Reporter Power List, click here. 

The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada is a first-of-its-kind summit and awards event that brings the industry together across film, television, and music to celebrate and recognize the achievements of Canadian women who are driving the industry forward in their respective fields.

Some Snaps from the night:

We were on the Carpet and here are the highlights:

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#FIRSTLOOK: LIMITED-EDITION FLEECE JACKETS FROM “HEATED RIVALRY” ON SALE JUNE 3, 2026

Accent Aigu Entertainment and Province of Canada announced today that pre-orders for the limited-edition fleece jacket inspired by the series Heated Rivalry will open on June 3 exclusively through the Province of Canada website. Ten percent (10%) of net profits from the fleece Jacket sales will support You Can Play, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing LGBTQ+ inclusion and belonging in sport.

Additionally, both the National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) will each match contributions for every jacket sale, up to $25,000 CAD per organization for a combined total of $50,000 CAD in support of You Can Play’s mission and impact within the community.

Made in Canada with thoughtfully curated materials from around the world, and designed as a collector’s item in collaboration with costume designer Hanna Puley, this fleece jacket will be available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Final design details will be unveiled on the pre-order date.

“We chose You Can Play because their unwavering dedication to inclusivity mirrors the very heart of Heated Rivalry,” said Jacob Tierney, Chief Creative Officer, and Brendan Brady, CEO of Accent Aigu Entertainment. “Teamwork, respect, and the courage to be yourself are values that You Can Play brings to life every day. We’re proud to support their work creating spaces where everyone truly belongs.”

“We’ve taken the time to create a beautiful product that we believe the fans will appreciate,” said Julie Brown and Jeremy Watt, Co-Founders of Province of Canada. “This has been a meaningful project for us to work on, and we’re proud to create it in Canada with a strong focus on sustainability, quality, and care. We’re honoured to have been able to collaborate with the Heated Rivalry team on such an iconic piece.”

“Sport has the power to bring people together and partnerships like this show what’s possible when storytelling, community, and sport come together to support inclusion. We’re grateful to the Heated Rivalry team, Province of Canada, the NHL, and the NHLPA for standing with You Can Play and helping us continue the work of making hockey and sports everywhere a place where everyone belongs,” said David Palumbo, President and Chair of You Can Play.

This limited-edition jacket with its unique design based on the show will be produced and distributed by Province of Canada, a Canadian-owned and operated apparel company known for its commitment to quality craftsmanship and responsible manufacturing.

Initially seen in season one, episode two ofHeated Rivalry as part of the Canadian team’s uniform worn by Shane Hollander, the costume piece fleece quickly became a standout among fans, generating significant demand across social media.

ABOUT ACCENT AIGU ENTERTAINMENT
Founded in 2023 by writer, director, and producer Jacob Tierney and Brendan Brady, Accent Aigu Entertainment is a next-generation production company focused on developing and producing premium scripted content for global audiences. Jacob and Brendan bring a wealth of experience from the Canadian film and television landscape, along with a strong creative partnership and shared professional ethos that underpin the company’s vision. Accent Aigu’s current slate includes the international hit series Heated Rivalry, which premiered in November 2025, with a second season already in development. Visit accent-aigu.ca for more information.

ABOUT PROVINCE OF CANADA
Province of Canada is a Toronto-based clothing brand that manufactures all their products in Canada and is focused on thoughtful design, quality materials, and products that celebrate Canadian culture in a modern way. Built on a mix of nostalgia, sport, and everyday essentials, the brand creates pieces that feel familiar and purposeful — designed to be worn often and kept for a long time.

ABOUT YOU CAN PLAY

You Can Play is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing LGBTQ+ inclusion and belonging in sport. Through education, partnerships, and advocacy, You Can Play works with leagues, teams, and sport organizations to ensure all athletes and participants are respected and judged solely on their performance and character. Founded in 2012, You Can Play is a trusted partner across professional, amateur, and community sport, helping build safer, more inclusive environments at every level of play.
Youcanplay.org

ABOUT NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
The National Hockey League (NHL), founded in 1917, consists of 32 Member Clubs. Each team roster reflects the League’s international makeup with Players from more than 20 countries represented, all vying for the most cherished and historic trophy in professional sports – the Stanley Cup. Every year, the NHL entertains more than 670 million fans in-arena and through its partners on national television and radio; more than 191 million followers – League, team and Player accounts combined – across Facebook, X, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube; and more than 100 million fans online at NHL.com. The League broadcasts games in more than 250 countries and territories through its rightsholders including ESPN, TNT Sports and NHL Network in the U.S.; Prime Video, Sportsnet and TVA Sports in Canada; and via SiriusXM NHL Network Radio™, Sports USA and TuneIn; and reaches fans worldwide with games available to stream in nearly 200 countries and territories (listed here) via NHL.TV on DAZN.

Fans are engaged across the League’s digital assets on mobile devices via the free NHL App; across nine social media platforms; on SiriusXM NHL Network Radio™; and on NHL.com, available in eight languages and featuring unprecedented access to Player and team statistics as well as every regular-season and playoff game box score dating back to the League’s inception. NHL Productions develops compelling original programming featuring unprecedented access to Players, coaches and League and team personnel for distribution across the NHL’s social and digital platforms.

The NHL is committed to building healthy and vibrant communities using hockey to celebrate fans of every race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status. The NHL’s social impact platform, NHL Unites, reinforces that the official policy of the sport is one of inclusion on the ice, in locker rooms, boardrooms and stands. For more information, visit NHL.com.

ABOUT NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PLAYER’S ASSOCIATION
The National Hockey League Players’ Association, established in 1967, is a labour organization whose members are the players in the National Hockey League. The NHLPA works on behalf of the players in varied disciplines such as labour relations, product licensing, marketing, international hockey and community relations, all in furtherance of its efforts to promote its members and the game of hockey. In 1999, NHLPA Goals & Dreams was launched as a way for the players to give something back to the game they love. Over the past 26 years, tens of thousands of deserving children in 45 countries have benefited from the players’ donations of hockey equipment. NHLPA Goals & Dreams has donated more than $27 million to grassroots hockey programs, making it the largest program of its kind. For more information on the NHLPA, please visit www.nhlpa.com.

ABOUT HEATED RIVALRY
Created by award-winning writer, director, and producer Jacob Tierney, Heated Rivalry is the epic story of hockey’s steamiest secret between two of the sport’s biggest stars, Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie), whose rivalry is matched only by their magnetic pull toward each other. What starts as a secret fling between two rookies turns into a years-long journey of love, denial, and self-discovery. Based on the Game Changers book series by Rachel Reid, Heated Rivalry is produced by Accent Aigu Entertainment

#FIRSTLOOK: ACCENT AIGU ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCE NEW LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE

Accent Aigu Entertainment, the production company behind the internationally acclaimed hit series Heated Rivalry, announced today a new leadership structure and several key appointments as it builds on its recent creative and commercial momentum and enters its next phase of growth. Founded by Jacob Tierney and Brendan Brady, Accent Aigu Entertainment is marking a significant milestone in its continued evolution with these appointments.

As part of the company’s new leadership structure, Tierney and Brady, who previously served as Co-Presidents, will continue to guide Accent Aigu Entertainment’s strategic direction and creative vision while assuming the roles of Chief Creative Officer and Executive Producer, and Chief Executive Officer and Executive Producer, respectively.

“Accent Aigu has experienced incredible success over the past year, and we’re excited about where we are headed next,” said Tierney and Brady. “As we continue to grow, it’s important for us to bring in people who not only have deep experience in their fields, but who also understand the kind of company we want to be. Jayme, Craig, Lori, and Liane each bring thoughtful leadership, creative insight, and a shared commitment to storytelling as we continue building a strong foundation for long-term success.”

Appointed to the executive team as President, Jayme Alter Wilson will lead strategy and operations alongside Tierney and Brady. Alter Wilson brings extensive strategic, business, and legal expertise from her role as a Partner in the Media, Entertainment and Sports group at Dentons, where she worked with clients across film, television, music, advertising, and other creative industries. Having advised Accent Aigu Entertainment since its inception, this appointment formalizes Alter Wilson’s longstanding relationship with the company in a new capacity. She will officially assume the role in June 2026.

Craig Merritt has been named Chief Financial Officer, a newly created position in which he will oversee all production and corporate financial activities. Merrit brings decades of management and finance experience with a focus on the entertainment sector, having worked with both large public companies and owner-managed private operations.

Also joining the expanded leadership team is Lori Fischburg as Head of Production and Producer. Fischburg has a wealth of experience as a line producer on a number of high-profile productions, including Heated Rivalry, on which she also serves as a producer. In her new role, she will oversee Accent Aigu’s growing production slate.

Liane Cunje joins as Development Executive and Producer. Cunje has held a wide range of roles across the film and television industry, including managing TIFF’s festival programming and serving as its industry selection programmer. She has also produced a number of independent feature films. She will oversee development across Accent Aigu’s expanding slate while also serving as a producer on Heated Rivalry.

ABOUT ACCENT AIGU ENTERTAINMENT
Founded in 2023 by Jacob Tierney and Brendan Brady, Accent Aigu Entertainment is a next-generation production company focused on developing and producing premium scripted content for global audiences. Jacob and Brendan bring a wealth of experience from the Canadian film and television landscape, along with a strong creative partnership and shared professional ethos that underpin the company’s vision. Accent Aigu’s current slate includes the international hit series Heated Rivalry, which premiered in November 2025, with a second season already in development. Accent Aigu Entertainment is repped by CAA.

#INTERVIEW: INSIDE OUT FILM FESTIVAL 2026 WITH ADAM SHANKMAN, JUJUBEE, CAROLE POPE, LIZA WEIL, KADEN CONNORS, HARRISON BROWNE AND MORE

The rainbow carpet was rolled out last night at TIFF LIGHTBOX as the 36th annual Inside Out 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival has kicked off, running till May 31, 2026 in-person and virtually. Showcasing 101 films – 72 shorts and 29 features – the Festival is highlighted by opening night gala, Adam Shankman‘s STOP! THAT! TRAIN! featuring a star-studded Cast including iconic RuPaul, Jujubee, Ginger Minj, Brooke Lynn Hytes, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Rachel, Bloom, Nicole Richie, Chris Parnell, and several more. Pailin Wedel‘s HEALS closes the Festival. Hot off its great reception at Hot Docs, ANTIDIVA: The Carole Pope Confessions also screens as part of the Spotlight on Canada programme, along with Nick Butler‘s (who used to work at TIFF) LUNAR SWAY which Douglas Smith, Noah Parker, Liza Weil, and Heated Rivalry‘s Kaden Connors.

Following the premiere of STOP! THAT! TRAIN! which draw laughs and cheers, the Opening Night part took place on the main floor at TIFF Lightbox, with DJ BIA on the turntables, beverages pouring and charcuterie and sweets for guests. Mubi Canada provided photobooth services, as guests queued for photo ops with Shankman and Jujubee.

We were thrilled to chat with some of the talent and notables in attendance at the Festival last night which included:

• Carly Beath – Executive Director, Inside Out
• Jenna Dufton – Festival Director, Inside Out
• Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto
• Adam Shankman – Stop! That! Train!, Director
• Jujubee – Stop! That! Train!, Actor/Drag Queen
• Michelle Mama – Antidiva: The Carole Pope Confessions, Director
• Carole Pope – Antidiva: The Carole Pope Confessions, Film Subject
• Nick Butler – Lunar Sway, Director/Writer
• Liza Weil (Gilmore Girls) – Lunar Sway, Actor
• Kaden Connors (Heated Rivalry) – Lunar Sway, Actor
• Ajahnis Charley – In The Closet, Director/Writer
• Andrew Chappelle (Hamilton – Original Broadway cast) – I’m Gonna Kill You, Director/Writer
• Harrison Browne (Heated Rivalry), Pink Light, Director/Writer
• Emmy Tran, 2026 Inside Out Film Festival identity Artist
• Star Doll, Canada’s Drag Race
• Karamilk, Canada’s Drag Race
• Makayla Couture, Canada’s Drag Race
• Dahlia Doll, Canada’s Drag Race
• Tara Nova, Canada’s Drag Race
• Hollywood Jade, Canada’s Drag Race
• D.W. Waterson, Backspot, Director/Writer

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More on this year’s lineup and tickets here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#FOOD: MCDONALD’S CANADA RING-IN SUMMER WITH NEW PERMANENT LINE-UP OF COLD DRINKS

McDonald’s Canada is officially entering its beverage era. With the launch of a new, permanent line-up of cold drinks, now available at participating restaurants from coast-to-coast, the brand is putting beverages front and centre – transforming them from a sidekick to the star of the show.

Designed to stand out on the menu, these flavour forward drinks are equal parts playful and premium – bringing bold colours, craveable textures, and unexpected twists such as strawberry flavoured popping pearls and freeze-dried dragonfruit.

Bold colours, playful toppings, and silky, sweet cold foam take centre stage in McDonald’s Canada’s new, permanent line-up of McCafé cold beverages, featuring a wide variety of flavours across vibrant Crafted Sodas, fruit-forward Refreshers and Cloud Iced Coffees.

Bold colours, playful toppings, and silky, sweet cold foam take centre stage in McDonald’s Canada’s new, permanent line-up of McCafé cold beverages, featuring a wide variety of flavours across vibrant Crafted Sodas, fruit-forward Refreshers and Cloud Iced Coffees.

“This launch marks a major shift for McDonald’s Canada,” said Annemarie Swijtink, President and CEO of McDonald’s Canada. “Beverages are no longer a side offering – they’re a core part of how we show up for our guests. We set out to create a beverage line-up that feels fresh, craveable and here to stay – bringing bold flavours together with premium touches. This is a long‑term commitment to evolving our menu with our guests at the centre.”

The new line-up is built around three categories: McCafé® Crafted Sodas, Refreshers and Cloud Iced Coffees.

The all-new McCafé® Crafted Sodas offer a trendy fusion of familiar flavours with an indulgent, modern twist. Served in clear cups to show off their vibrant colours and topped with a silky cold foam, the line-up includes:

Sprite® Berry Bliss: A bold take on Sprite®, made with an electric blue raspberry flavoured syrup, Topped with a silky sweet cold foam. Served over ice.
Orange Dream: A nostalgic spin on Sprite®, made with an orange cream flavoured syrup and topped with a silky sweet cold foam. Served over ice.
Creamy Strawberry Coke®: An indulgent twist on Coca-Cola®, made with a strawberries & cream flavoured syrup and topped with a silky sweet cold foam. Served over ice.
The new McCafé® Refreshers drinks are a fruit-flavoured explosion. The collection features:

Mango Pineapple Refresher: A refreshing lemonade beverage made with real lemon juice concentrate, with the sweet taste of mango and pineapple. Topped with strawberry flavoured popping pearls. Served over ice.
Strawberry Watermelon Refresher: A refreshing lemonade beverage made with real lemon juice concentrate, with the sweet taste of strawberry and juicy watermelon. Topped with freeze-dried strawberries. Served over ice.
Blackberry Passionfruit Refresher: A refreshing lemonade beverage made with real lemon juice concentrate, with the sweet and tart taste of blackberry and passionfruit. Topped with freeze-dried dragonfruit. Served over ice.

Finally, the new McCafé® Cloud Iced Coffees feature cool and refreshing McCafé® Premium Roast Coffee, brewed from 100% Arabica beans and served over ice. Topped with a silky, sweet cold foam, they are available in regular, French Vanilla, Sugar-Free Vanilla and Salted Caramel flavours.

$1 +tax small Fountain Drinks and Iced Coffee return on May 19, 2026

To ring-in the occasion HEATED RIVALRY star Robbie G.K. made an appearance at East Room last night, taking time out to chat with and take photos with inflluencers to draw attention to this new launch, and we were there! The Canadian Singer and Actor proclaims the Sprite Berry Bliss his favourite!

Some highlights:

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A post shared by William Wong (@mrwillwong)

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A post shared by William Wong (@mrwillwong)

While the new drinks introduce a new premium line-up, McDonald’s is also reinforcing its commitment to predictable value with the highly anticipated return of its longstanding Summer Drink Days program. From May 19 to September 7, Canadians can enjoy $1 +tax Small Fountain Drinks and Iced Coffees all summer long in-restaurant.* And guests using the McDonald’s app can redeem an offer for $1 +tax any size Fountain and $1 + tax small/ medium Iced Coffee.**

From spontaneous pit stops to everyday rituals, McDonald’s Canada’s summer beverage line-up brings a little extra joy to every sip. By pairing playful new flavours and premium touches with the return of $1 +tax small Fountain Drinks and Iced Coffee, this dual approach delivers something for every taste and budget – reinforcing McDonald’s as a go‑to stop for Canadians all summer long.

*Excludes flavoured iced coffee and additional toppings. Not valid with any other offer. At participating McDonald’s restaurants in Canada. Product availability varies by restaurant. Prices exclude delivery.

**Excludes flavoured iced coffee and additional toppings. Must select offer in-app to redeem. See offer terms for details. At participating McDonald’s restaurants in Canada. App download and registration required.

About McDonald’s Canada
In 1967, Canada welcomed the first McDonald’s restaurant to Richmond, British Columbia. Today, McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada Limited has become part of the Canadian fabric, with McDonald’s restaurants serving nearly two million guests every day and employing almost 100,00 people across Canada. More than 90 per cent of McDonald’s 1,500 Canadian restaurants are locally owned and operated by independent franchisees, with the remaining restaurants corporately owned and operated by McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada Limited. Of the almost $2 billion spent on food and paper by McDonald’s restaurants, over 80 per cent is purchased from suppliers in Canada. For more information on McDonald’s Canada, visit mcdonalds.ca.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#INTERVIEW: DEPARTURE HONOURS 2026 – JACOB TIERNEY, SARAH MCLACHLAN, LILLY SINGH, MAGGIE KANG AND MORE

Honouring Canadian Trailblazers and their groundbreaking accomplishments, the second edition of DEPARTURE HONOURS took place last night at Toronto’s Koerner Hall with a star-studded group of notables in attendance. The Departure Festival + Conference is a re-incarnation of what formerly was Canadian Music Week, running from May 4–10, 2026, that acts as a hub for music, technology, art, and media. It combines a high-level industry conference with a city-wide festival featuring live music, comedy showcases, and film

Honoured this year were:

Lilly Singh (Trailblazer Award): Recognized for her impact as a creator and trailblazer.

Bruce Allen (Lifetime Achievement Award): Honoured for his decades-long career in music management, representing artists like Bryan Adams and Michael Bublé.

Sarah McLachlan (Allan Slaight Humanitarian Award): Recognized for her philanthropic work and musical contributions.

Maggie Kang (Cultural Innovator Award): The creator/director of KPop Demon Hunters, who was also awarded a Key to the City of Toronto during the festival earlier in the day.

Jacob Tierney (Creative Impact Award): Writer, director, and producer known for Heated Rivalry and Letterkenny.

The Remix Project (Industry Achievement Award): Recognized for their work in empowering youth in creative industries. 

Heated Rivalry star Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova was in attendance to present Tierney with his award.

The Gala was hosted by CTV personalities Traci Melchor and Tyrone Edwards.

Some highlights from the Red Carpet as we were joined by special contributor Angela McLean, including last night’s Honourees, who reflect upon their success and their path to where they are now:

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There still are several exciting conferences, film screenings, showcases, and more to check out. Details are at departureto.com.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)