TORONTO – The Canadian Screen Awards commenced with a special ceremony focusing on children’s and animated programming today. This year’s event showcased a variety of talent and creativity in the industry, highlighting significant contributions to children's entertainment in Canada.
The animated program "Super Team Canada," available on Crave, was one of the standout winners of the evening. The show is executive produced by Toronto-born actor Will Arnett, who also lends his voice to a character that is a former hockey player turned crime fighter. "Super Team Canada" was awarded the title of Best Animated Program, solidifying its status as a top contender in the field of children’s animation.
Will Arnett's involvement did not stop there; he also picked up the award for Best Voice Performance for his work in the series, showcasing his skills in bringing animated characters to life. The combination of Arnett’s star power and the show's unique premise has made "Super Team Canada" a beloved choice among younger audiences.
In addition to animation, the awards ceremony also recognized excellence in live-action programming for children. TVO's acclaimed live-action comedy "Odd Squad" received the award for Best Children’s Program. This engaging series follows a group of children who use math to creatively solve various challenges. Asha Soetan, a standout talent in the show, won the award for Best Lead Performer, reinforcing the importance of educational programming in entertaining formats.
Another notable winner was CBC’s "The Unstoppable Jenny Garcia," a poignant series that revolves around a teen hip-hop dancer battling leukemia. This powerful narrative earned two awards at the ceremony. Vancouver-born actress Josette Jorge was recognized with the Best Supporting Performer award, while author and screenwriter Catherine Hernandez received accolades for Best Writing in a Children’s Program, highlighting the quality of storytelling and character development within the show.
Toronto-native Katie Boland also left a mark at the ceremony by winning the Best Direction award for a children’s program. Her work on an episode of CBC's detective series "Macy Murdoch," a time-traveling spin-off of "Murdoch Mysteries," showcases her talent behind the camera and adds to her growing reputation in the industry.
The festivities of Canadian Screen Week will continue, with more awards scheduled to be presented on Thursday evening, celebrating achievements in cinematic arts. The upcoming ceremonies will cover various categories, including broadcast news, sports, and unscripted television, further representing the diversity and talent within Canada’s media landscape.
The pinnacle of Canadian Screen Week will occur on Sunday night when the top awards in film and television are announced. This year’s ceremony will be hosted by Andrew Phung and marks a significant milestone, as it will be broadcast across multiple networks and their streaming platforms, including CBC, CTV, and Global. This expanded reach aims to engage a broader audience and highlight the exceptional work being produced in Canada.
This report was originally published on May 28, 2026, and highlights the ongoing evolution and celebration of Canadian talent within the realm of children’s programming and beyond. As the Canadian Screen Awards continue to honor these achievements, they serve as a reminder of the vibrant storytelling and creative expression that define Canada’s entertainment industry.
Craig Macrae, The Canadian Press











