An absurdist dramedy set in an alternate-reality Winnipeg and a TV movie featuring a demon-slaying gunslinger emerged as the main attractions at the Canadian Screen Awards held on Saturday. The event recognized outstanding achievements in the cinematic arts, forming part of several weekend ceremonies dedicated to honoring the best in Canadian film, television, and digital media.
The film “Universal Language,” directed and starring Matthew Rankin, dominated the film categories, securing five awards in total. This French- and Farsi-language film distinguished itself by winning accolades for best casting and art direction among others. Its performance underscored its critical acclaim within a competitive field of Canadian cinematic productions.
On the television side, the Tubi original movie special “Wynonna Earp: Vengeance,” which serves as a revival of the beloved cult supernatural series that concluded in 2021, garnered significant recognition, winning six awards. The production received top honors, including best TV movie and best lead performer in a TV movie, awarded to Melanie Scrofano from Ottawa, who reprises her iconic role as the sharp-shooting heroine Wynonna Earp in this special presentation.
Additionally, the Crave dramedy series “Late Bloomer,” created by Jasmeet Raina, also made a noteworthy impact in the television categories, taking home four awards. Among these accolades was the coveted title for best writing in a comedy show. Meanwhile, Family Channel's equestrian drama “Beyond Black Beauty” similarly triumphed, claiming four trophies, including best youth fiction program, highlighting its appeal to younger audiences.
The film “The Apprentice,” a collaborative effort among Canada, Ireland, and Denmark that explores the early years of U.S. President Donald Trump, also had a strong presence at the awards, achieving three wins. Notably, Jeremy Strong received the best supporting actor award for his portrayal of attorney Roy Cohn, further adding to the film's critical recognition within the festival.
In the realm of scripted television, “Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent” led all nominees with an impressive total of 20 nominations, ultimately securing two awards. The production won best writing in a drama series and best sound in fiction, affirming its creative and technical excellence within a competitive television landscape.
Furthermore, Montreal's Jacob Tierney received the award for best direction in a comedy show for the series finale of the popular Crave comedy “Letterkenny.” In another highlight, Vancouver’s Marie Clements took home the award for best direction in a drama series for her work on the CBC/APTN historical drama “Bones of Crows,” showcasing the diverse talents of Canadian directors across genres.
The climax of the Canadian Screen Awards is set for Sunday, with winners in major categories, such as best film and best TV comedy and drama, to be revealed during a live broadcast on CBC, hosted by comedian Lisa Gilroy. This highly anticipated announcement will crown the overall winners and add to the excitement of the awards weekend.
This awards ceremony underscores the continuous growth and recognition of Canadian talent in both film and television, reflecting a vibrant and diverse landscape of storytelling that resonates with audiences domestically and beyond.
