The Academy welcomes recommendations from members for 2026 Special Awards until September 26, 2025.
Submissions received after this date will be held for future consideration. The form remains open year-round.
Formerly Academy Special Tribute (2009-2013)
Presented to a Canadian individual whose leadership, vision, or body of work has made a significant and lasting impact on the development and growth of the Canadian media industry.
Presented to a Canadian individual or institution for their exceptional, ongoing contribution to the media industry at home or abroad.
This award honours a Canadian media professional who is actively engaged in advancing equity and inclusion by confronting racism and discrimination, amplifying underrepresented perspectives, and working toward systemic change within the industry.
Presented to a Canadian performer in recognition of their exceptional body of acting work in Canadian television & film.
Presented to a Canadian broadcast journalist for their exceptional body of work in broadcast journalism.
Formerly Humanitarian Award for Exceptional Contributions to Community and Public Service (2012-2017), Gemini Humanitarian Award (2001-2011)
This award honours a Canadian media professional who has demonstrated exceptional humanitarianism through charitable work, advocacy, or community leadership. Their actions, whether through philanthropy, public engagement, or direct service, have exemplified compassion and made a significant, lasting impact on the well-being of others and the broader community.
This award recognizes exemplary leadership and innovation in Canada’s media sector. It is presented to an individual or organization whose influence, strategic vision, and commitment to excellence have advanced the industry, fostered growth, and inspired future generations of media professionals.
Formerly Academy Achievement Award (1996-2013), Academy Special Award (1990-2013), Academy Special Film Award (2013), Special Award (1997-2007), Special Achievement Award (1981-1991), Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award (1993), Air Canada Award (1986-1994), Air Canada Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Canadian Film Industry (1980-1986)
Presented to a Canadian individual for an exceptional lifetime of work that has had a profound impact on the media industry at home or abroad.
Formerly Digital Media Trailblazing Award (2012-2017), Outstanding Technical Achievement Award (1886-2017), Outstanding Technical Achievement Award in Digital Media (2010-2011), Most Popular Website Competition (2000-2007), Most Innovative Website Competition (2002), Best Technical Achievement (1986-1992)
Presented to honour the successful development or application of a groundbreaking innovation that has advanced the Canadian media industry. This award recognizes individuals, teams, or organizations whose creative or technical breakthroughs in media technology, production, or content delivery have had a transformative impact on how media is created, distributed, or experienced.
Presented to a Canadian whose work is gaining significant international recognition and acclaim. This award celebrates individuals who are expanding the reach of Canadian talent and creativity on the world stage, contributing to Canada’s global reputation in the media and entertainment industry.
Presented by CBC, this award recognizes a Canadian production that has demonstrated leadership, innovation, excellent performance, and commitment to integrating sustainable production practices.
RECOMMENDATION REQUIREMENTS:
The Studio/Production must demonstrate that they incorporated sustainable production practices on set. This may take the form of a case study, wrap reports, certifications (B Corp, etc.), or a confirmation/completion of sustainable production tools—Albert Carbon Calculator and Certification, Production Environmental Accounting Report (PEAR), Production Environmental Action Checklist (PEACH), etc. Further documentation may be requested.
For those interested in submitting or recommending a production, please submit your criteria documents for the award, along with all supporting forms and certificates that validate your sustainable practices during production, to awards@academy.ca by September 26, 2025, for consideration. Productions are eligible if they were in production between January 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025.
