Universal Language and Wynonna Earp: Vengeance Shine Bright as Top Winners on Night 2 of Canadian Screen Awards
Canadian Screen Awards celebrate genre-blending films and supernatural TV hits, with “Universal Language” and “Wynonna Earp: Vengeance” dominating the night.
An absurdist dramedy set in an alternate-reality Winnipeg and a TV movie about a demon-slaying gunslinger were the major winners at this year’s Canadian Screen Awards, held Saturday. The event, celebrating cinematic excellence, highlighted the achievements of both established and emerging Canadian talent across film, television, and digital media.
“Universal Language,” directed by and starring Matthew Rankin, emerged as the standout in the film categories, collecting a remarkable five awards during the gala dedicated to cinematic arts. This innovative French- and Farsi-language feature was recognized for its unique vision, securing accolades including best casting and art direction. Its success underscores a growing appreciation for genre-blending storytelling and multicultural narratives within the national cinema landscape.
Meanwhile, in the realm of scripted television, Tubi’s “Wynonna Earp: Vengeance” dominated with six awards. Reviving the cult supernatural series that originally concluded in 2021, the TV movie captivated fans and critics alike. Among its wins were the coveted best TV movie and best lead performer in a TV movie for Ottawa native Melanie Scrofano, who returned to her role as the iconic, sharp-shooting Wynonna Earp. The movie’s strong performance reflects continued audience enthusiasm for the beloved franchise and its supernatural, action-driven storytelling.
Other notable winners included Jasmeet Raina’s Crave dramedy “Late Bloomer,” which took four awards, among them best writing in a comedy show. Family Channel’s equestrian drama “Beyond Black Beauty” also impressed, securing four trophies including best youth fiction program. These victories highlighted the diversity and vibrancy of Canadian content aimed at both youth and adult audiences.
On the film side, the Canada-Ireland-Denmark co-production “The Apprentice” garnered three awards. The drama, which explores the early years of U.S. President Donald Trump, was especially noted for Jeremy Strong’s portrayal of attorney Roy Cohn, earning him the best supporting actor award. This international collaboration demonstrated the global reach of Canadian co-productions and their ability to tackle complex historical subjects.
“Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent,” which entered the night with a leading 20 nominations, picked up two awards: best writing in a drama series and best sound in fiction. These honours affirm the series’ status as a major force in Canadian scripted television, even as competition remains fierce across multiple genres.
The ceremony also recognized excellence in direction, with Montreal’s Jacob Tierney winning best direction in a comedy show for the final episode of the popular Crave series “Letterkenny.” Vancouver’s Marie Clements claimed best direction in a drama series for her work on the CBC/APTN historical epic “Bones of Crows.”
The anticipation now builds for Sunday’s live broadcast, when major category winners—including those for best film, best TV comedy, and best drama—will be announced. The event, hosted by comedian Lisa Gilroy, is expected to bring further excitement and recognition to the thriving Canadian screen industry.
