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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

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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

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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

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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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Awards, Featured

Academy CEO Tammy Frick previews The 2025 Canadian Screen Awards

This weekend marks the most important in Canadian TV and film. The celebration of homegrown media by the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, spotlights the best in front of and behind the camera with glitzy events in Toronto and online, culminating in the Canadian Screen Awards, hosted by Lisa Gilroy, this Sunday at 8 p.m. on CBC and CBC Gem.

Academy CEO Tammy Frick (pictured above) says things have kicked into hyper drive as she and the team head into the weekend. And, with Friday’s News, Entertainment, Sports, Documentary, Factual, Lifestyle and Reality awards; Saturday’s Cinematic Arts and Scripted Television awards; and Sunday’s gala, we’re not surprised things are moving fast.

Frick shared her thoughts on this year’s categories, the importance of celebrating Canadian content, and more.

How has the awards preparation gone so far?
Tammy Frick: Really well. Behind the scenes is just so incredible to watch all of this come together. I think people would be totally amazed. We should just run around with GoPros and create a little documentary at some point to show people the complexity of how this all comes together. But I’ll say emotionally, it’s so heartfelt at the end of it, when you see it all come together and you see people in the room and the beautiful speeches, the acceptance speeches, and just the moments that happen. So it’s so incredibly worth it, but it’s a lot of work. I have to give so much credit to our Academy internal team and our external producers. The patience, the level of professionalism that they bring to this is really impressive.

Is there an unofficial or official theme to this year’s awards?
TF: Last year we were really moving towards this feeling that, of course, the insiders partake in the show and want to watch the show and are so incredibly interested. So we’re just elevating that entertainment value. We want insiders to be engaged, and we also want the broader audience to be fully entertained. Our host, Lisa Gilroy, she’s so incredibly talented, witty, energetic, and just really knows how to connect with an audience. We’re excited to have her on stage, and we truly feel that a great awards program needs a lot of humour built in, and that’s the direction we’re taking with the show.

Canadian Screen Awards host Lisa Gilroy

What are your thoughts on the proposed tariffs on U.S. productions being filmed outside of America?
TF: It’s a big conversation that’s taking place right now, and there are a lot of different viewpoints and there’s a lot of uncertainty. I think the Academy’s position we believe in unequivocally, is that Canadian talent is amazing, and it resonates not just here in Canada, but it is a global, it’s content that’s taken in globally and is equally as successful in a broader world. I think we just really need to remind people that we’re resilient and we need to stay united, and that our creative talent out there are our true storytellers and their level of authentic storytelling resonates not just here in Canada, but abroad.

This week is really a celebration of Canadian television and film. How do you feel about the state of the industry and the content?
TF: The world has evolved in how the public takes in content. We now have the introduction of streamers, and everything’s just so accessible. And when we look at the nominees, this isn’t just an opportunity for the Academy to celebrate this wonderful talent, a peer group that comes together to truly spotlight what’s happening in the industry. And then we take it a little step further, and there’s still that discoverability piece. We’re completely aware that the moment is homegrown. Canadians are really paying attention across various industries, and we’re taking advantage of that moment. We truly feel that this awards program will even further spotlight our domestic talent because people are just paying attention in a much bigger way, which is a great thing.

Looking at the TV drama and comedy categories, I’m impressed with the breadth of storytelling being represented.
TF: What a way to truly celebrate Canada because the selection is so incredibly diverse. We’re telling these authentic stories that are resonating, and that’s why we see them on these lists.

Can you tell me a little bit about Sunday’s live Canadian Screen Awards?
TF: We have some pretty incredible presenters that’ll be up there on stage. Some special moments that we have built in as well. We have our Special Award winners. We have a wonderful tribute to Donald Sutherland planned. It’ll be a moment for everyone to just take a moment to remember and to pay their respects. The full In Memoriam piece will have a live performance by Murray Lightburn, who’s also nominated for Best Music in a Feature Documentary.

Are there any TV shows that you’ve been addicted to?
TF: I’m a huge Andrew Phung fan, I just love Run the Burbs. At the end of my day when I feel I just need some silliness, that’s the kind of stuff I watch. Children Ruin Everything, I’ve got a couple of kids, so it’s like PTSD. I tend to really lean into those comedy moments, and that keeps me going.

Stream or watch the Canadian Screen Awards this weekend and Sunday.

Images courtesy of George Pimentel Photography

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