The Canadian Screen Awards will pay tribute to actor Mike Myers, sportscaster Hazel Mae, and other notable individuals during this year’s Canadian Screen Week. Myers, Mae, Canadian Film Centre executive director Maxine Bailey, and filmmaker Chandler Levack’s movie “Mile End Kicks” will be honored for their significant impact and remarkable achievements in film and television.
Tammy Frick, CEO of the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television, expressed that these honorees not only inspire aspiring storytellers but also showcase Canada’s exceptional talent and innovation in the screen arts to the world. Canadian Screen Week is scheduled to take place in Toronto from May 27 to May 31, culminating in the Canadian Screen Awards ceremony recognizing excellence in the country’s cinema, television, and digital media.
Mike Myers, a Toronto native known for his roles in “Saturday Night Live,” “Austin Powers,” and “Shrek,” will receive the prestigious Academy Icon Award this year. Acknowledged as one of the most versatile performers of his generation, the Canadian Academy highlights Myers’ extensive contributions to film and television as an actor, writer, producer, and director. Myers, a 62-year-old Primetime Emmy winner and officer of the Order of Canada, has an impressive portfolio of over 80 film and television credits to his name.
Hazel Mae, a prominent figure in Canadian sportscasting, particularly at Toronto Blue Jays games, will be presented with the Gordon Sinclair Award for Broadcast Journalism. The award recognizes her exceptional body of work, including capturing the highs and lows of the Blue Jays’ journey during the previous World Series. Mae, who grew up in Toronto, is also a recipient of the Jack Graney Award from the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum for her contributions to the sport.
Maxine Bailey, the executive director of the Canadian Film Centre, will be honored with the Changemaker Award for her efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in Canadian media. Recognized for her work in advancing equity and inclusion by addressing racism and discrimination, Bailey has been instrumental in driving systemic change within the industry. Under her leadership, the film center aims to foster a more inclusive and accessible environment within the screen industry.
Chandler Levack’s film “Mile End Kicks,” featuring Barbie Ferreira, tells the story of a music critic’s journey to Montreal in 2011. The film explores the music scene in Montreal’s Mile End neighborhood, known for producing renowned acts such as Arcade Fire and Grimes. The Canadian Academy lauds the film for its commitment to sustainable production practices, emphasizing environmental leadership both in its production methods and portrayal of sustainability themes.
The Canadian Screen Awards ceremony, hosted by actor Andrew Phung, will be broadcast on CBC and streamed on CBC Gem on May 31 at 8 p.m. ET. This year’s event will also be simulcast on CTV, Crave, Global, and STACKTV.
