The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television (the Canadian Academy) has just unveiled the list of Special Awards to be presented as part of the 2026 Canadian Screen Awards. In recognition of their exceptional achievements and major influence on the audiovisual industry, maxine bailey, Hazel Mae, Mike Myers, and the film Mile End Kicks will be honored during the 2026 Canadian Screen Week, which will take place in Toronto from Wednesday, May 27, to Sunday, May 31.
“The Academy is thrilled to honor these exceptional individuals, whose creativity, vision, and dedication continue to shape the Canadian film and television landscape, to the great delight of audiences here and abroad,” said Tammy Frick, CEO of the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. “Their remarkable success is not only a source of inspiration for the next generation of talent, but it also reminds the world of the extraordinary craftsmanship and innovation that Canada demonstrates in the audiovisual field. We look forward to celebrating them during the 2026 Canadian Screen Week!”
The 2026 Special Award Recipients
The Sustainable Production Award, presented by CBC, honors a Canadian production that demonstrates leadership, innovation, excellence, and commitment to sustainable production practices. This year, the award is presented to the film Mile End Kicks by Chandler Levack, co-produced by Zapruder Film Inc (Ontario) and Banner House Inc. (Quebec). In the production of this film, sustainable practices were not limited to the operational field but were an integral part of the project’s creative and community approach.
Mile End Kicks | Credit: Elevation Pictures
Under the direction of Montrealer Mérédith Gonzalez-Bayard, Green Set professional, Mile End Kicks embodied what true environmental leadership should be by portraying ecological behaviors on screen, sourcing locally, and involving neighborhood businesses. Greenhouse gas emissions were significantly reduced through the selection of close-knit filming locations, the elimination of vehicle idling, the use of public transit and carpooling, and even the offsetting of emissions related to air travel.
maxine bailey | Credit: George Pimentel
The Changemaker Award recognizes an individual working in the Canadian audiovisual industry who is deeply committed to equity and inclusion by fighting racism and discrimination, highlighting the vision of underrepresented people, and working toward systemic changes within the industry. This year, the award is presented to maxine bailey, a dynamic member of the Toronto arts community, who is currently the Executive Director of the Canadian Film Centre (CFC). She previously served as Vice President of Advancement at TIFF, where she founded “Share Her Journey,” a fundraising initiative aimed at promoting parity in front of and behind the camera.
Hazel Mae | Courtesy of Sportsnet
The Gordon Sinclair Award for Broadcast Journalism, presented to a Canadian journalist for an exceptional career in broadcast journalism, is awarded to Hazel Mae. A member of the Sportsnet broadcast team since 2001, Hazel brings her long experience as a sports anchor and her vast knowledge of baseball to the network. Currently a field reporter for the television team covering the Toronto Blue Jays, she brings the game experience to life for the audience in real-time, in addition to hosting player interviews.
The Academy Icon Award, presented to a Canadian individual or institution for an exceptional and ongoing contribution to the national or international audiovisual industry, is awarded to Mike Myers. Mike Myers is one of the most versatile artists of his generation. As an actor, writer, and producer, he has brought to life an impressive array of memorable characters in both film and television, including Wayne Campbell, Austin Powers, Dr. Evil, and Shrek. Among his many accolades, Mike Myers has stars in his name on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Canada’s Walk of Fame.
Mike Myers | Credit: Tom Munro
All of this year’s Special Awards will be presented during the award ceremonies held from May 28 to May 31 as part of the 2026 Canadian Screen Week. The breakdown of all award categories by ceremony will be announced on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, along with the finalists for the 2026 Canadian Screen Awards.
