'Universal Language' Tops Film Contenders at Canadian Screen Awards

Excitement is building as the Canadian Screen Awards conclude tonight, with a diverse range of contenders vying for the highest honours in the nation’s film and television industry. The annual celebration, which has unfolded over multiple days, recognizes the outstanding achievements of Canadian creators across film, television, and digital media.

Among the frontrunners is the Winnipeg-set absurdist fever dream “Universal Language,” directed by Matthew Rankin, which already captured five awards over the weekend and remains a strong presence heading into tonight’s feature event. The remarkable film stands alongside other best picture hopefuls including “The Apprentice,” “Darkest Miriam,” “Gamma Rays,” “Village Keeper,” and “Who Do I Belong To.” Anticipation is high as audiences and nominees await the academy’s decision.

On the television front, millennial dramedy “Late Bloomer” from creator Jasmeet Raina emerged as a major force, clinching four awards during the scripted TV gala on Saturday. The series is nominated for best comedy series tonight against formidable rivals: CTV’s “Children Ruin Everything,” CBC’s “One More Time,” and fellow Crave programs “Don’t Even” and “Office Movers.”

Hosting this year’s televised ceremony is Edmonton-born comedian Lisa Gilroy, who expressed her enthusiasm for showcasing homegrown talent. “I know how hard it is to get TV shows and movies made (in Canada), and I’m so excited to celebrate the stuff that has been made,” she shared in a recent interview, adding, “It is so good and so funny. And we deserve to party.”

Crime drama “Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent” leads the overall nominations count, gathering 20 nods and securing two technical awards during the weekend. Tonight, the show is competing for best drama series, contending with CBC’s “Allegiance” and “Bones of Crows,” Hollywood Suite’s “Potluck Ladies,” and CTV’s “Sight Unseen.” Cast members Kathleen Munroe and Aden Young are both nominated for best lead performer in a drama series, facing stiff competition from a roster of notable Canadian actors including Grace Dove (“Bones of Crows”), Mayko Nguyen (“Hudson & Rex”), Supinder Wraich (“Allegiance”), Hélène Joy (“Murdoch Mysteries”), Michelle Morgan (“Heartland”), and Vinessa Antoine (“Plan B”).

“Universal Language” maintains its awards momentum with stars Rojina Esmaeili and Pirouz Nemati up for best performance in a leading comedy film role. Their competitors include Maïla Valentir (“Ababooned”), Paul Spence (“Deaner ’89”), Taylor Olson (“Look at Me”), Emily Lê (“Paying for It”), Cate Blanchett (“Rumours”), and Kaniehtiio Horn (“Seeds”).

The race for best performance in a leading drama film role is equally competitive, with Sebastian Stan (“The Apprentice”), Oshim Ottawa (“Atikamekw Suns”), Britt Lower (“Darkest Miriam”), Carrie-Anne Moss (“:Die Alone”), Chaïmaa Zineddine Elidrissi (“Gamma Rays”), Sean Dalton (“Skeet”), Christine Beaulieu (“The Thawing of Ice”), and Olunike Adeliyi (“Village Keeper”) all in the running.

In a notable programming change, organizers announced late last week that the Canadian Screen Awards would air live on television, reversing earlier streaming-only plans. This shift—made possible by changes in NHL playoff scheduling—responded to calls from nominees who say that visibility on broadcast TV is critical to spotlighting Canadian talent for a broader audience.

As the Canadian entertainment industry gathers in Toronto for the star-studded finale, the excitement and vibrancy of the nation’s creative spirit will be on full display, underscoring the importance of supporting and celebrating stories made at home.