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Awards, Featured

2025 WGC Screenwriting Awards Winners Announced

From a media release:

The Writers Guild of Canada (WGC) announced the winners of the 29th annual WGC Screenwriting Awards tonight at Koerner Hall in Toronto. The gala brought together hundreds of screenwriters, industry professionals, and fans—all in celebration of excellence in screenwriting for Canadian film, television, and digital media.

This year’s winners include Jagjiwan Sohal for Comedy Series (Late Bloomer, “The Turban”), Michael Konyves for Drama Series (Wild Cards, “The Infinity Thief”), Jason Buxton for Feature Film (Sharp Corner), Evany Rosen for Tweens & Teens (Davey & Jonesie’s Locker, “Orange is the New Snack”), and many more across 10 categories.

Special honours were also presented:

  • Leah Johnston received the Sondra Kelly Award, generously sponsored by AFBS.
  • Faisal Lutchmedial was awarded the Jim Burt Screenwriting Prize for Through the Eyes of an Ibis.
  • With supporting partner, the Canadian Academy, the Margaret Collier Award was presented to Andrew Wreggitt.
  • The prestigious Showrunner Award was awarded to Matt Schiller for his outstanding work in the kids and teen space.

Hosted by Andrew Phung (Kim’s Convenience, Run the Burbs) and Jonathan Langdon (Run the Burbs, Open Season: Call of Nature), the gala featured lively moments, and presentations by well-known industry professionals and creators, including maxine bailey (Executive Director, Canadian Film Centre), Joan Digba (Jane, Beyond Black Beauty), Mark Ellis (Allegiance, Flashpoint), Jason Filiatrault (The Order, Entanglement), Allan Hawko (Saint-Pierre, Republic of Doyle), Jamie Thomas King (The Tudors, The Light Before the Sun), Meg MacKay (This Hour Has 22 Minutes, Don’t Even), Thomas Santram (Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Cineplex Entertainment, and Chair of the Canadian Academy’s Board of Directors), Robina Lord-Stafford (Saint-Pierre, Wild Cards), Supinder Wraich (Allegiance, Sort Of), and Sugith Varughese (Kim’s Convenience, Transplant).

The WGC also unveiled the new award statue. Like screenwriting itself, the abstract design is open to interpretation. Each viewer may see something different — a folded script, a wing, a hand, or a torch. The artist, Luisé Cisneros Alavez, was inspired by the themes of creativity, freedom, unity, and diversity.

2025 WGC SCREENWRITING AWARDS WINNERS

CHILDREN’S
Open Season: Call of Nature, “Cash Camp Pt 1 & 2” | Written by Mike Girard

COMEDY SERIES
Late Bloomer, “The Turban” | Written by Jagjiwan Sohal

DRAMA SERIES
Wild Cards, “The Infinity Thief” | Written by Michael Konyves

DOCUMENTARY
Altona | Written by The Affolter Brothers (Heath Affolter, Nathan Affolter, Thomas Affolter, and Jon Affolter)

FEATURE FILM
Sharp Corner | Written by Jason Buxton

MOW & MINISERIES
Gilded Newport Mysteries: Murder at the Breakers | Written by Keri Ferencz

PRESCHOOL
Luna, Chip & Inkie Adventure Rangers Go, “Lights, Camera, Save Eagle Creek!” | Written by Shelley Hoffman & Robert Pincombe

SHORT FILMS (UNDER 60 MINUTES)
Let Me In | Written by Joel Buxton

SHORT SERIES (EPISODES UNDER 15 MINUTES)
Space Janitors, “Clones War” | Written by Brendan Halloran

TWEENS & TEENS
Davey & Jonesie’s Locker, “Orange is the New Snack” | Written by Evany Rosen

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Awards, Featured, Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent

Nominations announced for the 2025 Canadian Screen Awards

From a media release:

The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television (the Canadian Academy) announced today the nominees for the 2025 Canadian Screen Awards in 149 film, television, and digital media categories. The winners of the 13th edition of the annual awards will be unveiled across three days in Toronto, culminating with The 2025 Canadian Screen Awards, hosted by Canadian comedian Lisa Gilroy, streaming live in its entirety on Sunday, June 1 at 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT on the free CBC Gem streaming service.

Television series Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent tops both television and overall nominations with 20, including nods for Best Lead Performer, Drama Series, presented by the Canada Media Fund, for Kathleen Munroe and Aden Young; and Best Drama Series. Bones of Crows, Children Ruin Everything, and Run the Burbs all secure 12, followed by Paris 2024 Summer Olympics with 11.

In the film categories, Matthew Rankin’s Universal Language | Une langue universelle leads nominations with 13, including Best Motion Picture and Achievement in Direction. David Cronenberg’s The Shrouds follows with nine; Sam McGlynn’s Deaner ’89 and Karen Chapman’s Village Keeper both receive seven.

My Dead Mom earns the most digital media nominations with eight, including Best Web Program or Series, Fiction; followed by Stories from my Gay Grandparents with six and Everybody’s Meg with four.

“I am constantly amazed by the exceptional films, television shows, and digital projects that we have the privilege of celebrating at the Canadian Screen Awards, and this year is no different,” said Tammy Frick, CEO, Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. “Canadian creativity continues to reach new heights, and we are eager to honour the extraordinary work being produced in the greatest country in the world—Canada.”

Follow this link for a complete list of 2025 Canadian Screen Award nominees.

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Awards, Featured

Comedian Lisa Gilroy to take the stage as host of The 2025 Canadian Screen Awards live on CBC Gem

From a media release:

The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television (the Canadian Academy) announced today that Canadian Actress and Creator Lisa Gilroy will host The 2025 Canadian Screen Awards, live from the CBC Broadcast Centre in Toronto and streaming in its entirety on Sunday, June 1, 2025 at 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT on the free CBC Gem streaming service. 

“We are beyond excited to have Lisa Gilroy host The 2025 Canadian Screen Awards on CBC Gem — her infectious energy, quick wit, and undeniable charisma make her the perfect choice to lead our celebration of Canadian screen excellence,” said Tammy Frick, CEO, Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. “With the show streaming live on CBC Gem and Lisa at the helm, The 2025 Canadian Screen Awards will be truly unforgettable.”

Live from the CBC Broadcast Centre in Toronto, The 2025 Canadian Screen Awards is Canada’s biggest night in entertainment, with legendary icons and rising stars coming together to honour the very best in our homegrown film and television — all streaming on CBC Gem. Featuring unforgettable moments, heartfelt tributes to beloved entertainers, and a showcase of this year’s most celebrated content, The 2025 Canadian Screen Awards will be a uniquely Canadian evening celebrating the stories and talent that unite us all. 

“I’m over the moon to be hosting such an iconic Canadian event — I feel so lucky,” said Actress and Creator Lisa Gilroy. “Canada is home to some of the most talented people in the world and I can’t wait to celebrate them!”

Lisa Gilroy is a Canadian Screen Award nominated actor and creator living in LA. Most recently, she played Detective Green in the main ensemble of Taika Waititi’s critically acclaimed series for Hulu, Interior Chinatown. Recent TV appearances include Mindy Kaling’s Running Point (Netflix); a recurring role in Twisted Metal (Peacock); The Studio (Apple TV+) for director Seth Rogen; and Shrinking (Apple TV+). She is known for Amazon’s Jury Duty, her viral social media videos (notably her parody plea to rude fans) and her appearances on the popular comedy platform Dropout. Gilroy is an alumna of The Second City’s Touring Company in Toronto, The Groundling’s Sunday Company in LA and was featured in the 2022 Just For Laughs New Faces showcase in Montreal. Currently, Gilroy has a First Look deal with Sony Pictures Television, performs with the ASSSSCAT cast at The Upright Citizen’s Brigade and with Dinosaur Improv at the iconic Largo Theatre in Los Angeles.

Image courtesy of Kristina Ruddick.

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Allegiance, Awards, Featured

Banff World Media Festival unites Gala Awards & Rockie Awards in landmark event

From a media release:

The Banff World Media Festival (BANFF) is thrilled to announce that for the first time, the prestigious Banff Gala Awards and the Rockie Awards International Program Competition will unite in a single, must-attend event—creating an unparalleled celebration of industry excellence. This milestone event will honor both the entertainment industry’s most influential talent and business leaders and the most exceptional content from around the world. The highly anticipated in-person awards show will take place on Monday, June 9th at 5:30pm MT (4:30pm PT/ 7:30pm ET) during the Festival, bringing together industry leaders, talent, and creators for an unforgettable night of recognition and celebration.

The Banff Gala Honours recognize visionary executives, creatives, and changemakers shaping the global media landscape. Gala Honours recipients will be announced at a later date. Meanwhile, the Rockie Awards International Program Competition celebrates the best in television and digital media, with this year’s competition featuring 152 nominees from 22 countries across 30 categories, selected from entries submitted by 45 countries.

The Rockie Awards Grand Jury chooses the coveted Grand Jury Prize, selected from the top-scoring programs across the entire field of nominees. This year’s esteemed Grand Jury includes:

Hojin Kwon
Senior Executive Director
SBS (Seoul Broadcasting System)

Adam Lewinson
Chief Content Officer
Tubi

Meghan Lyvers
Executive Director, Original Scripted UK & Ireland
Sky

Sitarah Pendelton-Eaglin
EVP, Head of Unscripted Series
SHOWTIME/MTV Entertainment Studios & Paramount Media Networks

Christian Vesper
CEO, Global Drama and Film
Fremantle

“For the first time ever, we’re bringing together the prestigious Gala Awards and the Rockies into one incredible event. This will be a spectacular night celebrating the industry’s most influential leaders alongside the world’s top creative talent — all in one room, under one roof. With so many groundbreaking creators and executives in attendance, this year’s show promises to be an unforgettable, must-see celebration of excellence in global entertainment,” said Jenn Kuzmyk, Executive Director.

In addition to the Grand Jury Prize, the $25,000 Rogers Prize for Excellence in Canadian Content, awarded to the top Canadian production and the Prix Francophone for the top French language production will also be awarded as well as other special awards including the Carrie Hunter Emerging Talent Prize. In total, 30 awards will be bestowed in the category streams of Documentary & Factual, Arts & Entertainment, Children & Youth, Scripted, and Podcast. This year’s lineup also introduces two new categories – Best Performance in a Drama and Best Performance in a Comedy – which recognize outstanding recurring performances in a scripted comedic and dramatic series.

Leading nominations by company are:
● BBC – 28 nominations
● National Geographic – 7 nominations
● Hulu – 7 nominations
● Disney Television Studios – 5 nominations
● Audible – 5 nominations

Leading nominations by country are:
● USA – 54 nominations
● UK – 52 nominations
● CANADA – 35 nominations
● AUSTRALIA – 7 nominations
● BELGIUM – 5 nominations
● FRANCE – 5 nominations
● SOUTH KOREA – 5 nominations

Additional countries represented in the nominations are:
● CHINA
● FINLAND
● GERMANY
● INDIA
● IRELAND
● ISRAEL
● ITALY
● JAPAN
● MEXICO
● NEW ZEALAND
● NORWAY
● SINGAPORE
● SPAIN
● SWEDEN
● TAIWAN

See all the nominees here, including one for Allegiance‘s Supinder Wraich (pictured above).

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Awards, Featured

Nominations for the 2025 WGC Screenwriting Awards announced

From a media release:

Recognizing the talent behind the most engaging and powerful Canadian-made series, films, and shorts, the Writers Guild of Canada (WGC) is pleased to announce the nominations for the 29th annual WGC Screenwriting Awards. The Awards will take place at Koerner Hall in Toronto on Monday, April 28, co-hosted by Andrew Phung and Jonathan Langdon, and written by Anthony Q. Farrell.

In contention for the 2025 awards are scripts from Late Bloomer (Lakna Edirisinghe, Jagjiwan Sohal, Shebli Zarghami), Allegiance (Anar Ali, Sarah Dodd, Mark Ellis, Penny Gummerson, Stephanie Morgenstern), Open Season: Call of Nature (Mike Girard, Joel Buxton, Tom Berger), Popularity Papers (Kyah Green, JP Larocque, Vivian Lin), Wilfred Buck (Lisa Jackson), Sharp Corner (Jason Buxton), and many others.

Please see the complete list of categories and nominees below.

In addition to the 10 featured screenwriting categories, 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 prizes will be awarded, including the Jim Burt Screenwriting Prize, and the Sondra Kelly Award, which is generously supported by AFBS.

New this year, the Margaret Collier Award will be presented as part of the WGC Screenwriting Awards, with supporting partner, the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television (the Canadian Academy). Started in 1986 by the Canadian Academy at the annual Gemini Awards, and then as part of the Canadian Screen Awards in 2013, the Margaret Collier Award honours a Canadian writer or team of writers for their outstanding body of work in film or television. This distinguished award is named after Margaret Collier, who began her career at ACTRA in 1964, and played a pivotal role in establishing the Writers Guild of Canada, serving as its first Executive Director from 1991 to 1994.

CHILDREN’S

  • Camp Snoopy, “Sally’s Tooth” | Written by Carly DeNure
  • Hamsters of Hamsterdale, “The Potato King” | Written by Madeleine Patton
  • Open Season: Call of Nature, “Cash Camp Pt 1 & 2” | Written by Mike Girard
  • Open Season: Call of Nature, “Squirrel Down” | Written by Joel Buxton
  • Open Season: Call of Nature, “What a Chinook” | Written by Tom Berger
  • Zokie of Planet Ruby, “Los Muchos Amores de Earl” | Written by Dan Dillabough

COMEDY SERIES

  • Children Ruin Everything, “Bedtime” | Written by Andrew De Angelis
  • Don’t Even, “Skidmark, My Heart” | Written by Eva Thomas
  • Late Bloomer, “Heat Check” | Written by Lakna Edirisinghe
  • Late Bloomer, “The Turban” | Written by Jagjiwan Sohal
  • Late Bloomer, “Turn Down for What” | Written by Shebli Zarghami
  • Sort of, “Sort of Hospital Again” | Written by Tricia Fish

DRAMA SERIES

  • Allegiance, “8 x 6” | Written by Mark Ellis & Stephanie Morgenstern
  • Allegiance, “The Legacy” | Written by Penny Gummerson
  • Allegiance, “Pilot” | Written by Anar Ali
  • Allegiance, “Safe Harbours” | Written by Anar Ali & Sarah Dodd
  • Murdoch Mysteries, “Rhapsody in Blood” | Written by Christina Ray
  • Wild Cards, “The Infinity Thief” | Written by Michael Konyves

DOCUMENTARY

  • Altona | Written by Heath Affolter, Nathan Affolter, Thomas Affolter, and Jon Affolter
  • Botanical Jungle, “Peony Extravaganza” | Written by Thomas Conway & Michael Sykora
  • Wilfred Buck | Written by Lisa Jackson

FEATURE FILM

  • The Invisibles | Story by Andrew Currie/Screenplay by Andrew Currie & Colin Aussant
  • Out Come the Wolves | Story by Joris Jarsky, Adam MacDonald, and Enuka Okuma/Screenplay by Enuka Okuma
  • Sharp Corner | Written by Jason Buxton
  • We Forgot to Break Up | Story by Pat Mills & Zoe Whittall/Screenplay by Noel Baker

MOW & MINISERIES

  • Gilded Newport Mysteries: Murder at the Breakers | Written by Keri Ferencz
  • Guess Who | Written by Matt Wells, Ian Carpenter, and Aaron Martin
  • Legend of the Lost Locket | Written by Michelle Ricci

PRESCHOOL

  • Dylan’s Playtime Adventures, “Dylan the Firefighter” | Written by Emer Connon
  • Go Togo, “Arctic Chill” | Written by Celeste Koon
  • Let’s Go, Bananas!, “Yelloween” | Written by Brandon Hackett
  • Let’s Go, Bananas!, “Papa the Daddy” | Written By Aaron Eves
  • Luna, Chip & Inkie Adventure Rangers Go, “Lights, Camera, Save Eagle Creek!” | Written by Shelley Hoffman & Robert Pincombe
  • Luna, Chip & Inkie Adventure Rangers Go, “Who’s Your Mama?” | Written by Tony Tran
  • Vida the Vet, “Kipp’s Dizzy Mystery” | Written by Gillian Pike

SHORT FILMS (UNDER 60 MINUTES)

  • Jim Henson’s The Storyteller – The Seven Ravens | Written by Simon Racioppa
  • Let Me In | Written by Joel Buxton
  • Memento Mori | Written by Emily Hurson & Andrew Moodie

SHORT SERIES (EPISODES UNDER 15 MINUTES)

  • Get Up Aisha, “Exercise” | Written by Nisha Khan, Rabiya Mansoor, and Marushka Almeida
  • Near or Far, “The Phone Call” | Written by Duana Taha
  • Nesting, “Money” | Written by Rosa Laborde
  • Space Janitors, “Clones War” | Written by Brendan Halloran
  • Stories from my Gay Grandparents, “Dodging Balls” | Written by Perrie Voss & Scott Farley

TWEEN & TEENS

  • Davey & Jonesie’s Locker, “Orange is the New Snack” | Written by Evany Rosen
  • Media Stamped, “What’s in a Frame?” | Written by Nicole Stamp
  • Popularity Papers, “Let’s Sick Together” | Written by JP Larocque & Vivian Lin
  • Popularity Papers, “Odds Squads” | Written by Kyah Green & Vivian Lin
  • Popularity Papers, “The Wonderful Wizard of Mapleview Part 2” | Written by Vivian Lin
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