Host Lisa Gilroy poses for a photo on the red carpet at the Canadian Screen Awards, in Toronto, Sunday, June 1, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
Republished September 17, 2025 - 2:40 PM
Original Publication Date September 17, 2025 - 1:06 PM
TORONTO — New rules at the country's top film and television awards show will ensure the trophies only go to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
Organizers of the Canadian Screen Awards say that starting with the 2026 edition, “all categories honouring certified Canadian productions will be restricted to Canadian citizens or permanent residents only.”
The change follows a bash earlier this year that named Australia's Cate Blanchett best lead in a comedy film for Winnipeg director Guy Maddin's "Rumours," and U.S. actors Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong best lead and supporting performers in a drama for the Canadian co-production, “The Apprentice.”
The union representing Canadian performers, ACTRA, is applauding the move as a “vital investment in Canada’s cultural future.”
The eligibility rule is among several changes announced by the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. They also added four categories to recognize Canadian directors, writers, performers and producers who work on international TV series made and broadcast in Canada.
Nominees for the 2026 Canadian Screen Awards are set to be announced March 25, 2026.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 17, 1015.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2025