A recent regulation change at the Canadian Screen Awards, limiting awards to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, is facing backlash from filmmakers who increasingly rely on international collaborations and talent.
Many of the highly nominated films and TV series this year feature lead actors from the United States, such as the post-apocalyptic thriller “40 Acres,” the passionate hockey romance “Heated Rivalry” on Crave, and the comedy set in Montreal, “Mile End Kicks.”
Matthew Miller, a producer of “Mile End Kicks,” expressed disappointment over not being able to submit the lead actress, Barbie Ferreira, for a nomination. Ferreira, known for her role in “Euphoria” and hailing from New York City, is now ineligible for an award due to the revised eligibility criteria by the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television.
Miller emphasized the challenges of marketing Canadian films and showcasing their stars, mentioning the importance of casting non-Canadians in movies to attract financing and enhance the film’s appeal.
Despite the discontent among some “Heated Rivalry” fans about the ineligibility of American actor Connor Storrie for an award while his Canadian co-star Hudson Williams qualifies, many industry insiders support the Screen Awards’ decision to promote local talent, especially in light of potential industry threats.
Alethea Arnaquq-Baril, the creator of “North of North,” a top nominee this year, commended the move to celebrate Canadian talent, reflecting on the success of last year’s awards where Hollywood stars dominated the acting categories.
The Canadian actors’ union, ACTRA, also lauded the decision as a step towards boosting the local entertainment industry and cultural sovereignty.
The vice-president of programming and awards at the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, Louis Calabro, hinted at a possible review of the rules post this year, emphasizing the importance of informed decisions and industry feedback.
Filmmakers like R.T. Thorne, the director of “40 Acres,” emphasized the importance of having bankable stars in multiple territories for financing films, suggesting the creation of an award category for international stars to recognize their contributions.
Calabro mentioned past attempts at introducing an international drama category and stressed the importance of ongoing dialogue with the industry to shape the rules in collaboration with stakeholders.