The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television (the Canadian Academy) has revealed the complete list of recipients for the 2023 Special Awards, which includes Ryan Reynolds, Simu Liu, Catherine O'Hara and more.
Honouring people who have made outstanding contributions to Canada's screen-based industry and society as a whole, a total of nine onscreen stars will be celebrated during Canadian Screen Week, set to take place in Toronto from April 11 to 16.
"On behalf of the Canadian Academy's Board of Directors, I offer a hearty congratulations to the nine remarkably talented recipients of this year's Special Awards," Canadian Academy chair John Young said in a statement. "Each one of these honourees is a testament to how hardworking, dedicated and talented our homegrown creative community is, and we look forward to celebrating them at Canadian Screen Week 2023."
CEO Tammy Frick added, "It is truly inspiring to see such a powerful, diverse group of Special Award honourees who are a true representation of the amazing work that is being done by Canadians in film and television. From powerhouse performers to household names you trust and welcome into your homes each day, their impact stretches far beyond just our country's borders and we are so proud they call Canada home."
Reynolds has been chosen to receive the Humanitarian Award, which recognizes "an extraordinary humanitarian contribution or act of compassion by a professional working in the Canadian media industry." The actor has shown a dedication to philanthropy through several sizeable donations to causes like Canada's Water First Education and Training Inc. and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, alongside his annual "aesthetically challenged" holiday sweater campaign with the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids).
Liu receives the Radius Award, presented to a Canadian whose work is making waves globally. The Toronto kid made history starring in the first Asian-led MCU film, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.
Schitt's Creek hero O'Hara is inevitably having the Academy Icon Award bestowed upon her. The prize is presented to a Canadian institution of individual or institution for "exceptional, ongoing contribution to the media industry at home or abroad."
Peter MacNeill, Lisa LaFlamme, Tracy Moore, Pierre Bruneau, Jennifer Podemski and Paul Pope also received 2023 Special Awards.
Honouring people who have made outstanding contributions to Canada's screen-based industry and society as a whole, a total of nine onscreen stars will be celebrated during Canadian Screen Week, set to take place in Toronto from April 11 to 16.
"On behalf of the Canadian Academy's Board of Directors, I offer a hearty congratulations to the nine remarkably talented recipients of this year's Special Awards," Canadian Academy chair John Young said in a statement. "Each one of these honourees is a testament to how hardworking, dedicated and talented our homegrown creative community is, and we look forward to celebrating them at Canadian Screen Week 2023."
CEO Tammy Frick added, "It is truly inspiring to see such a powerful, diverse group of Special Award honourees who are a true representation of the amazing work that is being done by Canadians in film and television. From powerhouse performers to household names you trust and welcome into your homes each day, their impact stretches far beyond just our country's borders and we are so proud they call Canada home."
Reynolds has been chosen to receive the Humanitarian Award, which recognizes "an extraordinary humanitarian contribution or act of compassion by a professional working in the Canadian media industry." The actor has shown a dedication to philanthropy through several sizeable donations to causes like Canada's Water First Education and Training Inc. and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, alongside his annual "aesthetically challenged" holiday sweater campaign with the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids).
Liu receives the Radius Award, presented to a Canadian whose work is making waves globally. The Toronto kid made history starring in the first Asian-led MCU film, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.
Schitt's Creek hero O'Hara is inevitably having the Academy Icon Award bestowed upon her. The prize is presented to a Canadian institution of individual or institution for "exceptional, ongoing contribution to the media industry at home or abroad."
Peter MacNeill, Lisa LaFlamme, Tracy Moore, Pierre Bruneau, Jennifer Podemski and Paul Pope also received 2023 Special Awards.