Comedian Mae Martin has been selected as the host for the upcoming 55th annual Juno Awards, as announced by the event organizers. Building on their recent hosting role at the Canadian Screen Awards in 2024 and the successful launch of their show, “Wayward,” on Netflix last year, Martin will be the first solo comedian to host the Juno ceremony since Russell Peters in 2009.
Reflecting on their early experiences in the industry, Martin shared their excitement about hosting the prestigious event in Toronto. They expressed their hope for a more relaxed and lively atmosphere, akin to a live music show, to engage the audience.
Scheduled to take place on March 29 in Hamilton, Martin’s hosting debut follows their previous Juno nomination for comedy album of the year. This comes after a series of repeat hosts at the Juno Awards, including Michael Bublé, Nelly Furtado, and Simu Liu in recent years.
The event will feature performances by acclaimed artists such as R&B/soul musician Daniel Caesar and folk/roots singer-songwriter William Prince, with additional appearances by Hamilton’s Arkells and Toronto’s the Beaches. Furthermore, music icon Joni Mitchell will be honored with a lifetime achievement award, and Nelly Furtado will be inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
Martin’s role as host coincides with a pivotal moment in the Canadian entertainment landscape, marked by a renewed focus on the value and uniqueness of Canadian artistic contributions. The Juno Awards are seen as a platform to celebrate and promote Canadian talent amid shifting cultural dynamics and international trade challenges.
With changes in award categories and eligibility criteria, the 2026 Juno Awards aim to showcase diverse talent and support the growth of Canada’s hip-hop community. The event, set to take place at Hamilton’s TD Coliseum on March 29, will be broadcast live on various CBC platforms, including CBC-TV, CBC Radio One, and CBC Music, as well as streaming on CBC Music’s YouTube channel.