Canadian Screen Awards to Broadcast Live on Television

In a surprising turn of events, this year’s Canadian Screen Awards will be broadcast live on television, after initially planning for a streaming-only show. The decision to air the ceremony celebrating the best in Canadian film, television, and digital media on CBC-TV and CBC Gem was announced by organizers on Thursday.

The CEO of the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, Tammy Frick, had previously mentioned that going online-only would provide more flexibility for the show. However, some top nominees expressed their disappointment in March, stating that being featured on traditional television helps to showcase Canadian talent on a larger scale.

According to a statement from the academy, the change in programming was due to scheduling around the NHL playoffs. With no game scheduled for Sunday, they were able to secure a slot to air the two-hour live show on CBC-TV.

The Canadian Screen Awards will span five ceremonies, starting on Friday and concluding with the final awards and gala hosted by Edmonton-born comic Lisa Gilroy. Leading the television categories with 20 nominations is Citytv’s Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent, while Matthew Rankin’s Winnipeg-shot dramedy Universal Language tops the film side with 13 nods.