Canadian Screen Awards to air on TV after all in last-minute programming shift

By Canadian Press on May 29, 2025.

TORONTO — In a last-minute programming shift, this year’s Canadian Screen Awards will broadcast live on television — reversing earlier plans for a streaming-only show.

Organizers confirmed the change Thursday, stating that the ceremony celebrating the best in Canadian film, TV and digital media will air Sunday on both CBC TV and CBC Gem.

The CEO of the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television Tammy Frick previously said going online-only allowed the show to be more “flexible.”

But that had disappointed some of the top nominees, who told The Canadian Press in March that having their moment on traditional television helps spotlight Canadian talent more widely.

The Academy said in a statement the programming reversal came down to scheduling around the NHL playoffs — since there is no game slated for Sunday, they are able to air the show live on CBC TV.

The Screen Awards will be handed out at five ceremonies starting Friday, culminating in the final awards and gala hosted by Edmonton-born comic Lisa Gilroy.

Leading the television categories with 20 nominations is Citytv’s “Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent,” while on the film side, Matthew Rankin’s Winnipeg-shot dramedy “Universal Language” leads with 13 nods.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 29, 2025.

Alex Nino Gheciu, The Canadian Press