Canadian Screen Awards’ new rule changes limit film and TV trophies to Canadians, permanent residents

By Canadian Press on September 17, 2025.

TORONTO — New rules at the country’s top film and television awards show will ensure the trophies only go to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Organizers of the Canadian Screen Awards say that starting with the 2026 edition, “all categories honouring certified Canadian productions will be restricted to Canadian citizens or permanent residents only.”

The change follows a bash earlier this year that named Australia’s Cate Blanchett best lead in a comedy film for Winnipeg director Guy Maddin’s “Rumours,” and U.S. actors Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong best lead and supporting performers in a drama for the Canadian co-production, “The Apprentice.”

The union representing Canadian performers, ACTRA, is applauding the move as a “vital investment in Canada’s cultural future.”

The eligibility rule is among several changes announced by the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. They also added four categories to recognize Canadian directors, writers, performers and producers who work on international TV series made and broadcast in Canada.

Nominees for the 2026 Canadian Screen Awards are set to be announced March 25, 2026.