Major Canadian media companies, including Corus, CBC, and Bell, are collaborating to broadcast the 2026 Canadian Screen Awards through a groundbreaking simulcast. This partnership aims to broaden the event’s audience and highlight exceptional Canadian content in film, television, and digital media.
Broadcast Details and Hosting
The ceremony is scheduled for May 31 at 8 p.m. ET and will be available across multiple platforms, such as Global, STACKTV, CBC, CBC Gem, Crave, and CTV. This marks a significant shift from previous years, when the awards were exclusively aired on CBC and CBC Gem.
Calgary native Andrew Phung, an actor and comedian, will serve as the host for the event, which honors top achievements in Canadian storytelling.
Academy’s Vision for Collaboration
The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television revealed the plans on Friday, emphasizing a collective dedication to fostering Canadian cultural independence and teamwork. Academy CEO Tammy Frick noted that discussions with key broadcasters led to quick agreements from Corus and Bell, though Rogers opted not to join.
The event will unfold at the CBC Broadcast Centre in Toronto. Frick described the timing as ideal, stating, “The timing is just right. Everyone’s really supporting Canadian sovereignty and collaboration. It’s a little bit like the perfect storm.” She added that such initiatives might not have been feasible a decade or more ago due to different industry dynamics, but current priorities on bolstering Canadian narratives have made it possible.
Frick highlighted that the Academy initiated talks with CBC last year to explore the simulcast format, aiming to preserve cultural milestones. “It’s about making sure those cultural moments are relevant and giving Canadians a chance to just pause for a moment to have access and say, ‘This is ours and this stuff really matters,'” she explained.
Industry Innovation and Audience Reach
Frick praised the enthusiasm from Corus and Bell, observing that as the sector evolves, new approaches emerge through greater cooperation. “As sometimes an industry shrinks, you have to create new ways of doing things, people become more innovative. There’s a lot more conversation around how people can collaborate,” she said. “And this is a perfect example of just knowing how important it is to uplift Canadian stories and support Canadian talent. So that was not a big sell.”
To better connect with viewers, the Academy sought to distribute the broadcast where audiences already engage with content. “Not everyone goes to one spot now to watch TV shows or pay attention to what’s happening in the film world,” Frick pointed out. She humorously added that this year’s awards will be unavoidable, quipping, “They have no choice but to watch. Tune in, or else.”
