The Canadian Screen Awards took center stage as leading contenders for the prestigious titles make headlines in the film and television industries. An absurdist film set in Winnipeg, titled “Universal Language”, directed by Matthew Rankin, emerged as a prominent player after winning five awards during the initial weekend ceremonies. This film is still in contention for additional accolades tonight, completing a multi-day celebration of Canadian cinema, television, and digital storytelling.
“Universal Language” is contending for the best film award, vying against a robust roster that includes “The Apprentice,” “Darkest Miriam,” “Gamma Rays,” “Village Keeper,” and “Who Do I Belong To.” Meanwhile, the Crave dramedy series directed by Jasmeet Raina, titled “Late Bloomer,” secured four awards at a gala designated for scripted television on Saturday and is competing for best comedy series tonight. It faces off against notable opponents such as CTV’s “Children Ruin Everything,” CBC’s “One More Time,” and Crave’s “Don’t Even” and “Office Movers.”
With the Canadian film and television landscape thriving, Edmonton-born comedian Lisa Gilroy hosted the awards ceremony, which aired live from Toronto on CBC and CBC Gem. Gilroy expressed her enthusiasm for showcasing local talent, emphasizing the challenges of creating television and film content in Canada. In her words, “I know how hard it is to get TV shows and movies made (in Canada), and I’m so excited to celebrate the stuff that has been made. It is so good and so funny. And we deserve to party.”
“Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent,” which garnered the most nominations overall with a total of twenty, is also competing for several awards tonight. The series previously won two trophies on Saturday, including those for best writing in a drama series and best sound in fiction. It is contending for the best drama series against CBC’s “Allegiance,” “Bones of Crows,” Hollywood Suite’s “Potluck Ladies,” and CTV’s “Sight Unseen.”
The competition for best lead performer in a drama series showcases actors Kathleen Munroe and Aden Young from “Law & Order Toronto,” who will compete against other talented performers including Grace Dove from Crave’s “Bones of Crows,” Mayko Nguyen from Citytv’s “Hudson & Rex,” and several others from different acclaimed series.
In the realm of comedy films, stars Rojina Esmaeili and Pirouz Nemati from “Universal Language” have secured nominations for best performance in a leading comedy film role. They find themselves in competition with Małgorzata Valentir from “Ababooned,” Paul Spence from “Deaner ’89,” and several others, including Cate Blanchett for the film “Rumours.” On the drama film side, nominees for best performance include Sebastian Stan from “The Apprentice,” Britt Lower from “Darkest Miriam,” and more.
In a surprising change of plans last Thursday, the Canadian Screen Awards announced that the ceremony would be broadcast live on television, stepping back from earlier decisions that limited the show to streaming only. This decision was prompted by scheduling conflicts with NHL games, which allowed for a two-hour live broadcast on Sunday evening. Previously, Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television CEO Tammy Frick had stated that a streaming-only format offered more flexibility, but it became clear that a television broadcast was essential for highlighting Canadian talent, as voiced by some disappointed nominees earlier this year.
This year’s Canadian Screen Awards ceremony represents a crucial moment for the celebration of local film and television achievements. With anticipation building, nominees and attendees alike await the outcomes of a night dedicated to honoring creativity, artistry, and storytelling across the Canadian landscape.
