The Canadian Screen Awards are gearing up to recognize actor Mike Myers, sportscaster Hazel Mae, and others during the upcoming Canadian Screen Week. Myers, Mae, maxine bailey, the executive director of the Canadian Film Centre, and filmmaker Chandler Levack’s movie “Mile End Kicks” will be lauded for their significant contributions to the film and television industry.
According to Tammy Frick, CEO of the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television (also known as the Canadian Academy), these individuals’ exceptional achievements serve as an inspiration for aspiring storytellers and showcase Canada’s remarkable talent and innovation in the screen arts on both domestic and international platforms. Canadian Screen Week is scheduled to take place in Toronto from May 27 to May 31, culminating in the prestigious Canadian Screen Awards ceremony that recognizes excellence in Canadian cinema, television, and digital media.
Renowned Toronto-born actor Mike Myers, known for his breakout role on “Saturday Night Live” and starring in blockbuster hits like “Austin Powers” and “Shrek,” will receive this year’s Academy Icon Award. The Canadian Academy bestows this honor upon a Canadian individual or entity that has made a notable and sustained impact on the media industry, both locally and globally. Myers, a versatile performer with over 80 film and television credits to his name as an actor, writer, producer, and director, is praised as one of the most diverse talents of his generation.
Hazel Mae, a standout figure in Canadian sportscasting, particularly known for her coverage of Toronto Blue Jays games, will be presented with the Gordon Sinclair Award for Broadcast Journalism by the academy in recognition of her outstanding body of work. Mae, who grew up in Toronto, captured the emotions and narrative of the Blue Jays’ World Series journey last year, culminating in a Game 7 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
maxine bailey, the Executive Director of the Canadian Film Centre, will be honored with the Changemaker Award for her efforts in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Canadian media landscape. Bailey, who assumed her role at the film center in 2021, has been instrumental in fostering inclusivity and accessibility within the organization and the broader screen industry. Her prior role as the Toronto International Film Festival’s Vice-President of Advancement and the establishment of Share Her Journey, a fundraising initiative for achieving gender parity in the Canadian film industry, underscore her commitment to fostering positive change.
Chandler Levack’s film “Mile End Kicks,” featuring Barbie Ferreira as a young music critic embarking on a transformative journey in Montreal’s vibrant music scene, will receive the Sustainable Production Award for its commendable environmental practices in both production and storytelling. The film, set in Montreal’s Mile End neighborhood and showcasing the city’s music culture, is recognized for its meaningful environmental leadership and commitment to sustainability in filmmaking.
The Canadian Screen Awards ceremony, to be hosted by actor Andrew Phung, an eight-time CSA winner, will be broadcast on CBC and streamed on CBC Gem on May 31 at 8 p.m. ET. This year’s ceremony will also be simulcast on Bell-owned CTV and Crave, and Corus-owned Global and STACKTV.