A brief history of 'The Geminis':

• The first annual Genie Awards spawns the movement to include a Television Division and national awards showcase for excellence in Canadian television


• The Bijou Awards are born in 1981, but then put on hold while a framework is built to recognize and represent the Canadian television industry as a whole


• May 30 1985: the Academy announces the establishment of a new Television Division and plans to create a parallel, national award for Canadian English and French language television production


• April 21, 1986: the Academy unveils two parallel, pan-industry awards presentations; the Gemini Awards and the Prix Gemeaux will honour and showcase the outstanding achievements of Canada's English and French language television industries.


• Award-winning designer and artist Scott Thornley designs the Gemini/Gemeaux statuette to represent the twin awards presentations.


• The first annual Gemini Awards are held December 3rd and 4th, 1986 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.


• The Gemini Awards continue to adapt in the changing face of television, rapid growth of our industry, and state-of-the-art technologies.