From a media release:
The Writers Guild of Canada (WGC) celebrated 30 years of outstanding screenwriting in Canadian television, film and digital media tonight at the annual WGC Screenwriting Awards, held at Koerner Hall in Toronto. The gala brought together hundreds of screenwriters, industry professionals, and fans.
Created in 1997 to recognize excellence in Canadian screenwriting, and raise the profile of screenwriters, the WGC Screenwriting Awards have grown as the Canadian industry has expanded. Over the years, we have celebrated writers whose work has shaped Canadian culture, and reached audiences around the world.
This year’s award winners demonstrate the breadth of talent across nine categories, and include Katherine Sandford for Preschool (Mittens & Pants, “Pants in the Box”), Garry Campbell for Comedy Series (North of North, “Dumpcano”), Kaveh Mohebbi for Short Series (18 to 35, “Buck Mustang”), and many more.
Special honours were also presented:
- Simon Barry was honoured with the prestigious Showrunner Award.
- Jeremy Boxen received the McGrath Service Award for exceptional service to the Guild.
- Lawrence S. Mirkin was presented with the Alex Barris Mentorship Award.
- Ian Weir received the Margaret Collier Award, presented with the Canadian Academy as supporting partner.
Hosted by Ali Hassan (Run the Burbs, Sort Of, Laugh Out Loud) and written by Kurt Smeaton (Children Ruin Everything, Kim’s Convenience), the gala featured lively moments, and presentations by well-known industry professionals and creators, including Nadine Bhabha (Heated Rivalry, Letterkenny), Laura Good (Bet, The Bletchley Circle: San Francisco), Penny E. Gummerson (Allegiance, Cardinal), Tattiawna Jones (Dinner with Friends, Murdoch Mysteries), Celeste Koon (Dino Dex, Go Togo), Phil McCordic (Mittens & Pants, Zerby Derby), Jennifer Podemski (Nika & Madison, Little Bird), Sarah Podemski (Coroner, Warrior Strong), Tamara Podemski (The Borderline, Saint-Pierre), Bruce Smith (Street Legal, 19-2), Jacob Tierney (Heated Rivalry, Letterkenny), Sugith Varughese (Kim’s Convenience, Transplant), and Jean Yoon (18 to 35, Kim’s Convenience).
2026 WGC SCREENWRITING AWARDS WINNERS
CHILDREN’S
Lana Longbeard, “Lana the Something Super Great and Totally Awesome” | Written by Emer Connon
COMEDY SERIES
North of North, “Dumpcano” | Written by Garry Campbell
DRAMA SERIES
Family Law, “Play It Straight” | Written by Corey Liu
DOCUMENTARY
In the Room | Written by Brishkay Ahmed
FEATURE FILM
Honey Bunch | Written by Madeleine Sims-Fewer & Dusty Mancinelli
PRESCHOOL
Mittens & Pants, “Pants in the Box” | Written by Katherine Sandford
SHORT FILM
Now, I Am A Bear | Written by Jason Filiatrault
SHORT SERIES
18 to 35, “Buck Mustang” | Written by Kaveh Mohebbi
TWEENS & TEENS
Bet, “The Hunt” | Written by Laura Good
Image courtesy of Yvonne Stanley
