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Awards, Featured

Banff World Media Festival sets 2026 Rockie Honourees

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From a media release:

The Banff World Media Festival (BANFF) today announced its highly anticipated Showrunner Super Panel, alongside its 2026 Rockie Awards Gala Honourees, recognizing outstanding talents whose work has made a significant impact on the global entertainment industry. The prestigious Rockie Awards, including the Program Competition awards, will be hosted by Emmy Award-winning actor, director, writer, and executive producer Allana Harkin (Full Frontal with Samantha Bee) on Tuesday, June 16 at 6:00 PM MT (5:00 PM PT / 8:00 PM ET).

As part of its 2026 programming lineup, BANFF will present its Showrunner Super Panel, bringing together an extraordinary lineup of award-winning and in-demand creators behind some of today’s most talked-about series and films. Representing a true who’s who of contemporary television writing and production, this rare gathering offers an unfiltered look at the creative forces shaping the industry today and where it’s heading next.

The panel will feature:

  • Nick Antosca, award-winning writer, creator, and showrunner whose work spans critically acclaimed series including Channel Zero (SYFY), the Emmy®-winning limited series The Act (Hulu), Brand New Cherry Flavor (Netflix), and A Friend of the Family (Peacock). He also executive produced Chucky, Candy, and Murdaugh: Death in the Family, and is currently showrunner and executive producer of Cape Fear for Apple TV+.
  • R. Scott Gemmill, Emmy®, Golden Globe, Critics’ Choice and Humanitas Award-winning television writer, producer, and showrunner with decades of experience shaping some of television’s most successful dramas including JAG, ER, and NCIS: Los Angeles. He is the creator and showrunner of the Emmy Award-winning hit series The Pitt.
  • Amy B. Harris, an acclaimed writer, producer, and showrunner known for her work on Sex and the City, The Comeback and The Wilds and as the creator of The Carrie Diaries, whose upcoming series Every Year After premieres June 10 on Prime Video.
  • Lee Sung Jin, Golden Globe Award and three-time Emmy® Award winning creator, executive producer, writer and director of the critically acclaimed, multi-award winning Netflix series BEEF. Lee made his directorial debut with Season One’s finale, starring Steven Yeun and Ali Wong in Emmy-winning performances. For Season Two, Lee returned to write every episode and direct half the critically praised new season, starring Golden Globe winner Oscar Isaac, three-time Academy Award nominee Carey Mulligan, Golden Globe nominee Cailee Spaeny, Golden Globe nominee Charles Melton, Academy Award winner Youn Yun Jung, and Actor Award winner Song Kang Ho. He also served as Executive Producer on Alex Russell’s award-winning film LURKER, which premiered to rave reviews at the Sundance and Berlin International Film Festivals. Next, Lee is writing X-MEN for Marvel, which reunites him with director Jake Schreier. 
  • Glenn Kessler, Emmy®-winning writer, producer, and showrunner who co-created Damages and executive produced Bloodline, currently co-showrunning the Fox series Memory of a Killer alongside Aaron Zelman.
  • Oren Uziel is a renowned writer, director, and producer currently serving as co-showrunner and executive producer of Spider-Noir starring Nicolas Cage. The highly anticipated new series, produced by Sony Pictures Television exclusively for MGM+ and Prime Video, will premiere on May 25 on MGM+’s linear channel and globally May 27 on Prime Video. Oren’s credits also include The Lost City, 22 Jump Street, and The Cloverfield Paradox.
  • Aaron Zelman, Emmy®-nominated writer, producer, and showrunner known for Law & Order, Damages, and Bloodline, currently co-showrunning the Fox series Memory of a Killer alongside Glenn Kessler.

“The Showrunner Super Panel brings together some of the most compelling creative minds working in television today,” said Pam Silverstein, Head of Programming, BANFF. “These are the storytellers behind the shows audiences are watching and talking about around the world. This session offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from them, how they create, lead, and continue to push the boundaries of storytelling in a rapidly evolving industry.”

BANFF is also proud to unveil its 2026 Rockie Awards Gala Honourees:

CANADIAN AWARD OF DISTINCTION: Jason Priestley (Private Eyes West Coast, Wild Cards, 90210)

Presented by the Canada Media Fund (CMF/FMC) and MadeNous, the award is given to a Canadian whose body of work exemplifies outstanding achievement in the entertainment industry. Past honourees include:  Stephan James, Simu Liu, Eric McCormack, Kim Cattrall, Sheila Hockin and Jean-Marc Vallée.

CREATIVE VOICE AWARD: Mae Martin (Wayward)

The creative voice award is bestowed on an executive or creative talent that has created outstanding work that breaks through, inspiring and connecting global audiences. Past honourees include Renée Elise Goldsberry, Rose Matafeo and Jennifer Podemski.

SIR PETER USTINOV COMEDY AWARD: Ken Jeong (Community)

The award recognizes a creative talent who has made an outstanding comedic contribution to the media industry. Past honourees include: Tom Green, Kenan Thompson, Sean Hayes, John Cleese, Tracey Ullman, Bob Newhart, Tantoo Cardinal, John Candy, Bill Hader, Ana Gasteyer and Craig T. Robinson.

CAREER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Tantoo Cardinal (Killers of the Flower Moon, Dances with Wolves)

The Career Achievement Award recognizes individuals whose extraordinary work has made a significant impact on the screen-based industries. Past honourees include: Alanis Obomsawin, Dan Rather, Christine Baranski, Larry King, Ed Asner, William Shatner, James Burrows and David Attenborough.

COUNTRY OF HONOUR: Spain

This distinguished recognition highlights Spain’s global influence on the entertainment industry and its trailblazing producers, media companies, and content creators.

“The Rockie Awards Honourees represent the very best of creative excellence and global impact in our industry,” said Jenn Kuzmyk, Executive Director, BANFF. “From iconic performances to bold, original storytelling, Tantoo, Jason, Mae, and Ken have each shaped the cultural conversation in meaningful ways.”

The Banff World Media Festival and Rockie Awards remain a premier gathering for the global media industry, offering more than 1,200 networking sessions and over 25,000 meetings connecting creators, producers, studios, streamers, brands, and decision-makers. BANFF 2026 will once again serve as a key destination for deal-making, thought leadership, and forward-looking conversations shaping the future of the industry.

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Awards, Featured, Heated Rivalry, North of North, Small Achievable Goals

North of North and Heated Rivalry topline Canadian Screen Award nominations

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From a media release:

The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television (the Canadian Academy) announced today the nominees for the 2026 Canadian Screen Awards, recognizing excellence across 146 categories in film, television, and digital media. The 14th annual awards will be presented over four days in Toronto during Canadian Screen Week 2026. The celebrations will culminate in The 2026 Canadian Screen Awards, hosted by Andrew Phung, broadcasting and streaming on Sunday, May 31 at 8:00 PM (9:00 AT, 9:30 NT) on CBC, CBC Gem, Crave, CTV, Global, and STACKTV.

Television series North of North tops both television and overall nominations with 20, including Best Comedy Series, presented by Lionsgate Canada; Best Ensemble Performance, Comedy; and Anna Lambe for Best Lead Performer, Comedy. Heated Rivalry scores 18 nominations, including Best Drama Series, presented by Blink49 Studios, followed by Small Achievable Goals with 12.

In film, 40 Acres leads nominations with 10, including Best Motion Picture; and nods for R.T. Thorne for both Achievement in Direction and the John Dunning Best First Feature Film Award. Following with eight nominations are Follies | Folichonneries, Honey Bunch, and Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie, while Blue Heron and Mile End Kicks both receive seven.

Settle Down earns the most digital media nominations with nine, including Alexander Nunez for Best Lead Performance, Web Program or Series; followed by 18 to 35 with five; and Coming Home, Cows Come Home, and Dying Seconds with four each.

“Canada’s creative community has experienced an extraordinary year, with bold storytelling and world-class talent capturing attention at home and around the globe,” said Tammy Frick, CEO of the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. “The momentum we’re seeing across film, television, and digital media speaks to the power of our industry, and we’re proud to celebrate the innovation and diverse voices that carry Canada’s screen sector to new heights.”

The 2026 Canadian Screen Awards also features the debut of the Spotlight Award categories, which are presented to eligible Canadians working on non-Canadian certified television series. Wayward leads the inaugural Spotlight Award nominations with seven, including the Spotlight Award for Best Series. The Way Home received four nominations, followed by Jane with three.

For a complete list of 2026 Canadian Screen Award nominees, please visit academy.ca/nominees.

Winners will be unveiled during Canadian Screen Week 2026, taking place from Wednesday, May 27 to Sunday, May 31 at the CBC Broadcast Centre in Toronto. Over the course of six award presentations, nominees and winners will be recognized alongside this year’s Special Award recipients, leading up to the finale: The 2026 Canadian Screen Awards. Hosted by Andrew Phung, the ceremony will be broadcast and streamed on Sunday, May 31 at 8:00 PM ET on CBC, CBC Gem, Crave, CTV, Global, and STACKTV. For a full listing of 2026 Canadian Screen Awards and programming, visit CanadianScreenWeek.ca.

Nominees for the Canadian Screen Awards are 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 26, 2026 and Monday, April 13, 2026 to determine the winners. 

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Awards, Featured

CBC, Bell Media, and Corus come together to broadcast The 2026 Canadian Screen Awards on May 31

From a media release:

The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television (the Canadian Academy) announced today a landmark partnership that will bring three of Canada’s top broadcasters together to simulcast The 2026 Canadian Screen Awards, a first-of-its-kind award show that will extend this annual celebration of Canadian film and television to more Canadians than ever. Happening on May 31 at the CBC Broadcast Centre in Toronto, The 2026 Canadian Screen Awards will broadcast and stream at 8:00 PM ET on CBC, CBC Gem, Crave, CTV, Global, and STACKTV.

Taking the stage as host is Canadian actor and comedian Andrew Phung, an eight-time Canadian Screen Award winner for his iconic roles in both Kim’s Convenience and Run the Burbs. 

“At this pivotal and transformational moment for our industry, it is invigorating to see three powerhouse Canadian broadcasters unite to present The 2026 Canadian Screen Awards,” said Tammy Frick, CEO, Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. “This unprecedented collaboration underscores the strength of our creative community, and the importance of celebrating Canadian stories on a national stage. We are also thrilled to welcome this year’s host, Andrew Phung, whose genuine rapport, infectious energy, and deep connection with audiences across the country make him a standout choice to lead our celebration of Canadian excellence.”

“As the lead broadcaster of the Canadian Screen Awards and the national public broadcaster, we are always looking for new ways to celebrate and elevate our incredible talent in Canada,” said Sally Catto, General Manager, Entertainment, Factual and Sports, CBC. “We are thrilled to join forces with Bell Media and Corus to champion Canadian storytelling, and bring the awards to more audiences across Canada than ever before.”

“Through this collaboration with the Academy and our Canadian broadcast and streaming partners, Bell Media is proud to help amplify the Canadian Screen Awards.  We look forward to joining Canadians in celebrating homegrown storytelling and honouring the exceptional talent that defines excellence in Canadian film and television,” said Justin Stockman, VP, Content Development & Programming, Bell Media.

“Corus is proud to join our fellow broadcasters in delivering this important celebration of Canadian excellence to audiences across the country,” said Jennifer Abrams, SVP of Content and Marketing, Corus Entertainment. “Canadian storytelling has always been a cornerstone of our programming, and we’re deeply committed to investing in culturally relevant original content that is intentionally shaped by what audiences are passionate about. We’re delighted to celebrate and amplify that storytelling when The 2026 Canadian Screen Awards airs on Global and STACKTV.”

Hosted by actor and comedian Andrew Phung, The 2026 Canadian Screen Awards is Canada’s biggest night in entertainment, honouring homegrown film and television excellence alongside living legends and rising stars. Taking place in Toronto and simulcast on CBC, CBC Gem, Crave, CTV, Global, and STACKTV for the first time ever, The 2026 Canadian Screen Awards will feature meaningful tributes to entertainment icons and never-before-seen TV moments, inviting viewers into a distinctly Canadian celebration of the stories that unite us all.

“I am so over-the-moon excited to be hosting the 2026 Canadian Screen Awards – I’ve wanted this gig for years!” said Andrew Phung. “Canadian Screen Week is such a highlight for our industry, and I’m so excited to spotlight the people and Canadian stories that make our industry so special. Personally, the Canadian Academy has meant so much to me. I won my first Canadian Screen Award in 2017 and it elevated my career in ways I couldn’t have imagined.”

Comedian, actor, and host Andrew Phung’s infectious and relatable personality has made him one of Canada’s top and most recognized comedic performers. He is best known for his award-winning performance on the hit CBC original and Netflix show, Kim’s Convenience, where he won five Canadian Screen Awards in the category of Best Supporting Actor, Comedy. Andrew is also the co-creator, executive producer, and star of the CBC original and Hulu series Run the Burbs, for which he won the 2025 Canadian Screen Award for Best Lead Performer, Comedy. His other recent television credits include LOL: Last One Laughing Canada on Amazon Prime Video Canada, and he’s the host of the new cooking competition series Big Burger Battle on Corus’ Flavour Network.

The 2026 Canadian Screen Awards will be presented as part of Canadian Screen Week 2026, which takes place from Wednesday, May 27 to Sunday, May 31 in Toronto. The full schedule of events can be found on CanadianScreenWeek.ca. 

The nominees for the 2026 Canadian Screen Awards will be announced on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 7:00 AM ET on Academy.ca/nominees. Additionally, the Canadian Academy has several exciting announcements that will be shared in the lead-up to Canadian Screen Week 2026, including this year’s class of Special Award recipients. For more information, please visit Academy.ca.

Image courtesy of George Pimentel.

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Awards, Featured

Banff World Media Festival unveils esteemed grand jury for 2026 Rockie Awards

From a media release:

The Banff World Media Festival (BANFF) today announced the distinguished Grand Jury for the 2026 Rockie Awards International Program Competition. Comprised of senior executives representing some of the world’s most influential media companies, the Rockies Grand Jury will select the highly anticipated award from among the top-scoring programs across competition categories.

The Rockie Awards will take place on the evening of Tuesday, June 16, 2026 during BANFF, celebrating outstanding television and content from around the globe. The Festival will also present its prestigious Gala Awards, honoring visionary leaders, celebrated talent and industry changemakers.

The 2026 Rockie Awards Grand Jury includes:

Flory Bramnick, Executive Vice President, Distribution and Networks, North America, Sony Pictures Television

Sally Catto, General Manager of Entertainment, Factual & Sports, CBC (above)

Lori Conkling, Head of TV and Film Licensing, Netflix

Lisa Holme, Head of Content, Roku Media

Yongsun Soh, Managing Director, A+E Global Media Korea

“The Rockie Awards Grand Jury represents an extraordinary depth of experience and creative leadership across platforms, genres, and territories,” said Jenn Kuzmyk, Executive Director. “Their collective insight ensures that the Grand Jury Prize continues to recognize excellence that resonates globally.”

Together, the Grand Jury brings a global perspective spanning content commissioning, distribution, streaming, and international markets reflecting the Rockie Awards’ reputation as one of the most prestigious and respected content competitions in the global media landscape.

Past recipients of the Rockie Awards Grand Jury Prize include Hell Jumper (2025), The Last of Us (2024), Eternal Spring (2023), Help (2022), I May Destroy You (2021), Fleabag (2020), Sharp Objects (2019), Big Little Lies (2018), among others. 

Submissions for the 2026 Rockie Awards International Program Competition are open through January 23, 2026, with nominees to be announced in March.

About the Rockie Awards
The Banff World Media Festival’s prestigious  The Rockie Awards recognize the best content and most influential entertainment industry executives, talent and creators in the world across television, film, podcasts, music on screen and creator content. Timed during a key awards FYC window and nomination voting, the Rockies include entries from up to 50 countries each year, and winners are selected by an international industry jury of 150+ influential senior entertainment and media professionals. The Rockies truly represent the best content in the world.

About the Banff World Media Festival
Now in its 47th year, the Banff World Media Festival (BANFF) is one of the most important global conferences and content development marketplaces – gathering top creators, producers, showrunners, talent, networks, studios, streamers, press and media companies. BANFF’s intimate, retreat-style event serves as a leading destination for development, co-production and co-venture partners and offers an unparalleled opportunity for international decision-makers to connect, map the future of the industry, and execute new business deals.  Summit Series keynotes, and renowned panels  feature the industry’s most inspiring creative and business leaders and give global profile to the most talked-about shows. BANFF continues to deliver important fellowships and initiatives including: the BANFF Spark Accelerator for Women in the Business of Media: Producers Edition, the Netflix-BANFF Diversity of Voices Initiative, and the Indigenous Screen Summit and Pitch Forum. Together these programs have provided more than 1,000 opportunities for under-represented professionals in the Canadian media industry.

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Awards, Featured

Nominations announced for the 2026 WGC Screenwriting Awards

From a media release:

The Writers Guild of Canada (WGC) is pleased to announce the nominations for the 30th annual WGC Screenwriting Awards, marking three decades of recognizing the writers behind Canada’s most engaging and powerful series, films, and shorts. The Awards will take place at Koerner Hall in Toronto on Monday, April 27, hosted by Ali Hassan, and written by Kurt Smeaton.

Nominated for the 2026 Awards are scripts from North of North (Alethea Arnaquq-Baril, Garry Campbell, Aviaq Johnston, JP Larocque, Stacey Aglok Macdonald, Linsey Stewart), Bet (Simon Barry, Amanda Fahey, Laura Good, Tabia Lau, Kurt Mungal, Chris Roberts), Lana Longbeard (Emer Connon, Alex Ganetakos, Lienne Sawatsky), Mittens & Pants (Phil McCordic, Katherine Sandford), 18 to 35 (Rahul Chaturvedi, Kaveh Mohebbi), and many others.

Please see the complete list of categories and nominees below.

In addition to the nine featured screenwriting categories, the 30th anniversary awards will also present several special honours. One WGC member will be awarded the prestigious Showrunner Award, a special prize honouring a recognized showrunner who has demonstrated great writing and leadership skills. Other special awards include the Alex Barris Mentorship Award, the McGrath Service Award, and the Margaret Collier Award, presented with supporting partner the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television (the Canadian Academy).

CHILDREN’S

  • Dino Dex, “Dino Discovery” | Written by J.J. Johnson
  • Jane, “Pan troglodytes” | Written by J.J. Johnson
  • Lana Longbeard, “Going Overboard” | Written by Alex Ganetakos
  • Lana Longbeard, “It Takes Two to Durango Tango” | Written by Lienne Sawatsky
  • Lana Longbeard, “Lana the Something Super Great and Totally Awesome” | Written by Emer Connon

COMEDY SERIES

  • North of North, “Bad Influences” | Story by Aviaq Johnston & JP Larocque, Teleplay by Aviaq Johnston & Garry Campbell
  • North of North, “Dumpcano” | Written by Garry Campbell
  • North of North, “Joy to the Effing World” | Written by Alethea Arnaquq-Baril & Linsey Stewart
  • North of North, “Top of the World” | Written by Stacey Aglok Macdonald & Aletha Arnaquq-Baril
  • North of North, “Walrus D*ck Baseball” | Written by Moriah Sallaffie & Garry Campbell

DRAMA SERIES

  • Family Law, “It’s the End of the World as We Know It” | Written by Ken Craw
  • Family Law, “Play It Straight” | Written by Corey Liu
  • Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent, “Tango Romeo” | Written by Tassie Cameron
  • Murdoch Mysteries, “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” | Written by Jenny Lee
  • Sight Unseen, “Family Matters” | Written by Lisa Codrington & Kay Shioma Metchie
  • Surrealestate, “Night Terrors” | Written by Justin Rawana

DOCUMENTARIES

  • Beavers From Above | Written by Michael McNamara
  • In the Room | Written by Brishkay Ahmed

FEATURE FILMS

  • Blueberry Grunt | Written by Sherry White
  • Dinner With Friends | Written by Tania Thompson & Sasha Leigh Henry
  • Honey Bunch | Written by Madeleine Sims-Fewer & Dusty Mancinelli
  • Nika & Madison | Written by Eva Thomas and Michael McGowan
  • Paige Darcy: Reluctant Detective | Written by Alice Moran

PRESCHOOL

  • Hop, “Benny’s Book Scare” | Written by Renae J. Ruddock
  • Mittens & Pants, “Mittens & Pants Christmas Special” | Written by Phil McCordic
  • Mittens & Pants, “Pants in the Box” | Written by Katherine Sandford
  • Paw Patrol, “Pups Save the Sea Sponges” | Written by Jeff Sager
  • Woolly Woolly, “Big BeeBee” | Written by Naomi Jardine

SHORT FILMS (UNDER 60 MINUTES)

  • I am Pleased | Written by Vanessa Magic
  • Now, I Am A Bear | Written by Jason Filiatrault

SHORT SERIES (EPISODES UNDER 15 MINUTES)

  • 18 to 35, “Bed Math and Beyond” | Written by Rahul Chaturvedi
  • 18 to 35, “Buck Mustang” | Written by Kaveh Mohebbi
  • Dying Seconds, “Have I Told You About This Hockey Card” | Written by Brendan Halloran
  • Fugget About It: Fan Favourites, “Gina’s Eleven… Minus Eight” | Written by Willem Wennekers
  • One Man’s Treasure – A Fool’s Fortune, “The Beginning” | Written by Thomas Conway

TWEENS & TEENS

  • Bet, “First Blood” | Written by: Tabia Lau
  • Bet, “Ice Breaker” | Written by: Amanda Fahey
  • Bet, “Meet the Parents” | Written by Chris Roberts
  • Bet, “The Hunt” | Written by Laura Good
  • Bet, “The Recital” | Written by Simon Barry & Kurt Mungal
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