A recent policy change at the Canadian Screen Awards, which now limits awards eligibility to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, has sparked backlash from filmmakers who increasingly collaborate across borders and with international talent.
Some of this year’s most nominated films and TV series feature American leads, such as the post-apocalyptic thriller “40 Acres,” the hockey romance “Heated Rivalry,” and the Montreal comedy “Mile End Kicks.”
Matthew Miller, a producer of “Mile End Kicks,” expressed disappointment in not being able to nominate the film’s lead actress, Barbie Ferreira, who hails from New York City and starred in the film as an aspiring music critic entangled in romantic pursuits.
The change in eligibility criteria announced by the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television last year meant that Ferreira, being American, could not be considered for an award. Miller highlighted the challenges this poses in marketing the film and showcasing its talent.
While acknowledging the difficulties in financing Canadian films and the importance of casting non-Canadian actors, Miller pointed out the success of blending Hollywood stars with local talent in previous projects like “BlackBerry,” which broke records at the Canadian Screen Awards in 2024.
Despite some backlash over actors like Connor Storrie from “Heated Rivalry” missing out on nominations due to the new rule, many industry insiders support the shift towards promoting Canadian talent, especially in response to external threats like potential tariffs on the industry.
The top nominee this year, “North of North,” has garnered praise for celebrating Canadian talent, with industry figures like Alethea Arnaquq-Baril emphasizing the importance of recognizing and elevating homegrown talent.
ACTRA, the Canadian actors’ union, also welcomed the move as a step towards enhancing the Canadian entertainment industry. The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television indicated openness to reviewing the rules in the future based on feedback and industry developments.
Filmmakers like R.T. Thorne, director of “40 Acres,” expressed concerns over the impact on financing films without internationally recognized stars, suggesting the creation of an award category for international talent to acknowledge their contributions.
The Canadian Academy has previously experimented with honoring international talent in television categories and remains committed to engaging with the industry to shape and refine award eligibility rules.