Trump biopic The Apprentice takes home top film award at Canadian Screen Awards
The Canadian Screen Awards had a surprising and controversial ending as the divisive Donald Trump biopic The Apprentice took home the top award for best motion picture. The film beat out tough competition from Matthew Rankin’s Universal Language, which was shortlisted for an Academy Award for best international feature.
Rankin’s surreal comedy still managed to secure five wins over the weekend and one on Sunday, including the best directing award. Despite not winning the top prize, Universal Language was a strong contender with the most wins overall.
The evening also saw some unexpected wins, such as CTV’s Children Ruin Everything taking home the best comedy series award, beating out the heavily awarded Late Bloomer. Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent, with the most nominations, only managed to secure three wins, but did win best drama series.
Wynonna Earp: Vengeance and The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal were among the big winners of the weekend, each earning seven honours. The awards ceremony also touched on important social issues, with Molly Wickham speaking about indigenous sovereignty in her documentary Yintah.
Canada’s Drag Race won best reality competition and continued its winning streak, with host Brooke Lynn Hytes speaking out against Donald Trump’s policies targeting transgender individuals. The Apprentice producer Daniel Bekerman also addressed Trump’s attempts to silence the film, emphasizing the importance of standing up against oppressive forces.
Despite the success of the winners, the Canadian Screen Awards faced criticism for its decision to air exclusively online, rather than on traditional television. The ceremony, however, proceeded smoothly, with host Lisa Gilroy providing light-hearted entertainment throughout the night.
While star power was somewhat diminished, with A-list winners like Sebastian Stan and Cate Blanchett absent, the awards were still a heartfelt affair. Emotional acceptance speeches from winners like Supinder Wraich and Andrew Phung added a personal touch to the evening.
Overall, the Canadian Screen Awards celebrated the best in Canadian film and television, while also addressing important social and political issues. The event highlighted the talent and resilience of the Canadian entertainment industry, despite facing challenges and uncertainties in the current landscape.
