Special Awards
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The Canadian Screen Awards annually recognizes individuals, organizations, and productions with Special Awards for their extraordinary achievements. The Academy welcomes members to recommend recipients for the 2027 Special Awards until Friday, September 25, 2026.
The form remains open year-round. Recommendations submitted as of September 26, 2026 will be considered for the 2028 Canadian Screen Awards.
Formerly the 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 the 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 the 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 the Digital Media Trailblazing Award (2012-2017), Outstanding Technical Achievement Award (1986-2017), 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.
The Sustainable Production Award celebrates a Canadian production that understands the impact of green storytelling to inspire audiences and drive environmental consciousness and/or that has shown excellence in sustainable production practices.
Productions are eligible if they have entered into competition for the 2027 Canadian Screen Awards. For those interested in submitting a production for consideration, the Academy will accept entries via the submission portal during the Canadian Screen Awards call for entries.
REQUIREMENTS:
The entrant must demonstrate that it has incorporated sustainable production practices on set and positively contributed to the Canadian media landscape and local communities. This can be demonstrated through a combination of documentation such as, but not limited to, a sustainability plan, evidence of execution, Albert Carbon Calculator or GreenToolkit reports, photos, PEACH (Production Environmental Actions Checklist) reports, and other supporting materials. Where applicable, the incorporation of climate storytelling or environmental themes within the narrative will also be viewed favourably as an additional attribute in the assessment. Supporting materials may include clips, script excerpts, or narrative synopses that demonstrate how these themes were meaningfully featured in the production.
Productions are eligible if they have entered into competition for the 2027 Canadian Screen Awards. For those interested in submitting a production for consideration, the Academy will accept entries via the submission portal during the Canadian Screen Awards call for entries. Please visit academy.ca/awards for more information.
