The popular hockey series “Heated Rivalry” was the big winner at the Canadian Screen Awards, taking home top honors such as best drama series and best lead performer for Hudson Williams. The show had a successful night, winning a total of 16 Screen Awards in its debut season after already securing 13 awards the previous day. Another Canadian hit, the CBC/Netflix comedy “North of North,” also had a strong showing, winning best comedy series and best lead performer for Anna Lambe, adding to its seven awards from the previous gala. The series, shot in Nunavut, received 20 nominations.
In the motion picture category, “Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie” claimed the top prize, beating out R.T. Thorne’s “40 Acres.” Toronto-born musician Jay McCarrol won the award for best leading performance for the film, bringing the movie’s total awards to six.
Fans gathered at the CBC Broadcast Centre in Toronto to catch a glimpse of “Heated Rivalry” stars Hudson Williams and Sophie Nélisse. The show, known for its romance between two hockey players portrayed by Williams and Connor Storrie, has gained international acclaim.
Hosted by Calgary-born actor Andrew Phung, the gala celebrated Canadian content that has garnered mainstream recognition. Comedian Mike Myers received the Icon Award for his contributions to the industry, with tributes from former colleagues Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, and Will Arnett.
The Canadian Screen Awards made history by broadcasting on multiple networks and streaming platforms for the first time, showcasing and supporting Canadian talent. The event also paid tribute to the late Catherine O’Hara, with a touching tribute from Eugene Levy and an emotional in memoriam segment.
The winners in major categories included “Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie” for Best Motion Picture, Grace Glowicki for Performance in a Leading Role in Drama, Jay McCarrol for Performance in a Leading Role in Comedy, Hudson Williams for Best Lead Performer in a Drama Series, and Anna Lambe for Best Lead Performer in a Comedy. “Heated Rivalry” and “North of North” won Best Drama Series and Best Comedy Series, respectively.
Furthermore, Sophie Nélisse received the Radius Award, while Mike Myers was honored with the Academy Icon Award. The Gordon Sinclair Award for Broadcast Journalism went to Hazel Mae, and the Cogeco Fund Audience Choice Award was won by “Heated Rivalry.”