A recent regulation adjustment at the Canadian Screen Awards that limits awards to Canadian citizens and permanent residents is facing backlash from certain filmmakers who are increasingly collaborating across borders and utilizing international talent.
Numerous highly-nominated films and TV series this year showcase American leads, such as the post-apocalyptic thriller “40 Acres,” the steamy Crave hockey romance “Heated Rivalry,” and the Montreal-based comedy “Mile End Kicks.”
Matthew Miller, a producer of “Mile End Kicks” which garnered seven nominations, expressed disappointment in not being able to submit the film’s lead actress for consideration. The lead, Barbie Ferreira from New York City, is now ineligible for an award after the eligibility criteria changed last year.
Miller highlighted the challenges faced in marketing Canadian films, mentioning the importance of casting non-Canadians and importing stars to enhance the movies’ appeal. He emphasized the positive impact of casting Hollywood names alongside local talent, citing the success of his previous film “BlackBerry.”
While some fans of “Heated Rivalry” voiced discontent over American actor Connor Storrie’s ineligibility for an award compared to his Canadian co-star Hudson Williams, many industry insiders are commending the Screen Awards for promoting homegrown talent.
The Canadian actors’ union, ACTRA, views this move as a step towards elevating the Canadian entertainment industry. The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television expressed openness to reviewing the rules in the future based on feedback and industry insights.
Furthermore, R.T. Thorne, director of “40 Acres,” also saw his lead actress, Danielle Deadwyler, become ineligible due to the regulation change. Thorne suggested the creation of an award for international stars to recognize films with cross-border appeal.
The Canadian Academy previously experimented with an international drama category on television and emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue with the industry to shape rules collaboratively.