#FIRSTLOOK: MIKEY DUBS RECEIVES MISDIRECT: THE NICK NEMEROFF COMEDY GRANT

The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television (the Canadian Academy) announced today that Comedian Mikey Dubs of Victoria, British Columbia was selected as the second recipient of Misdirect: The Nick Nemeroff Comedy Grant. Now in its sophomore year, this initiative is aimed at celebrating and supporting emerging Canadian comedians who embody the spirit of late Canadian comedian, Nick Nemeroff, through a $10,000 grant intended to be utilized for their next television special, album, or another comedy-related project.

“This grant from the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television means the world to me, making it possible for me to film my first comedy special and share it with the world – something I have always aspired to do,” said Mikey Dubs. “The Nemeroff Family’s support makes a real impact in advancing the Canadian comedy scene – this grant is life-changing, and its impact is deeply appreciated by Canadian comics.”

Mikey Dubs is a Victoria, B.C. based stand-up comedian whose sharp wit and comedic timing blends everyday experiences with unexpected turns, challenging the audience’s perspective and keeping them laughing well after the show is over. He has been featured on some of Canada’s top comedy platforms including CBC’s The Debaters, CBC Radio’s Laugh Out Loud, JFL Originals, The New Wave of Standup at JFL Vancouver, as well as major festivals like Winnipeg Comedy Festival, Rifflandia Music Festival, and Bumbershoot. He has opened for notable acts such as Harland Williams, The Super Troopers, and Mick Foley. Off the stage, he has a passion for comedy as connection, taking part in community-driven shows and Laughter is Medicine workshops. Dubs will use the grant to fund a professional video recording of his stand-up, which will become available in the fall of 2026.

“Mikey’s comedic voice reflects the kind of originality and creative risk-taking that defined Nick Nemeroff’s work,” said Louis Calabro, Vice-President of Programming & Awards at the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. “We’re thrilled to recognize him as the sophomore recipient of the Misdirect Grant, and can’t wait to see where his talent takes him next.”

The recipient of Misdirect: The Nick Nemeroff Comedy Grant was selected by a jury of professional industry peers, who reviewed and assessed detailed and creative applications from across the country based on specific criteria, including the overall impact and viability of the project.

This grant was created in honour of Nick Nemeroff, a talented, young, Juno-nominated comedian known for his ingenious use of misdirection, wordplay, and boundary-pushing comedic techniques, who left an undeniable mark on the Canadian comedy scene prior to his untimely passing in 2022. Misdirect: The Nick Nemeroff Comedy Grant, which was created in the memory and spirit of Nick, seeks to nurture and amplify the next generation of comedic voices. For more information, please visit academy.ca/misdirect.

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 during Canadian Screen Week, as well as the Gémeaux Awards, which recognize the best in French-language television and digital media productions in Canada. For information on membership and programming visit academy.ca.

​​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.