The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television (the Canadian Academy) has unveiled its first round of 2026 Special Award recipients to be recognized during Canadian Screen Week, including actor Mike Myers, sports broadcaster Hazel Mae, and Canadian Film Centre (CFC) Executive Director maxine bailey.
Myers – known for bringing an array of characters to life on the screen, including Wayne Campbell, Austin Powers, Dr. Evil, and Shrek – will be presented with the Academy Icon Award, presented to a Canadian individual or institution for their exceptional, ongoing contribution to the media industry at home or abroad.
Mae is being awarded with the Gordon Sinclair Award for Broadcast Journalism, presented to a Canadian broadcast journalist for their exceptional body of work in broadcast journalism. With Sportsnet since 2001, Mae is currently a member of the Toronto Blue Jays TV broadcast crew as on-field reporter.
bailey is being recognized with the Changemaker Award honouring a Canadian media professional who is actively engaged in advancing equity and inclusion by confronting racism and discrimination, amplifying underrepresented perspectives, and working toward systemic change within the industry. A longtime member of Toronto’s arts community, bailey currently serves as Executive Director at CFC and previously was Vice-President of Advancement at TIFF where she founded Share Her Journey, a fundraising commitment aimed at achieving gender parity both on and off screen.
Additionally, the Academy has announced this year’s recipient of the Sustainable Production Award, presented by CBC, recognizing a Canadian production that has demonstrated leadership, innovation, excellent performance, and commitment to integrating sustainable production practices. This year’s award is being presented to Chandler Levack’s Mile End Kicks. Led by Eco Set Manager Mérédith Gonzalez-Bayard, the Academy says the film modelled what meaningful environmental leadership looks like with on-screen depictions of greener behaviours, local sourcing, and strong engagement with neighbourhood businesses, achieving measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by choosing nearby locations, eliminating idling, facilitating carpooling and active transit, and offsetting airfare.
“We are thrilled to honour these exceptional recipients whose creativity, vision, and dedication continue to shape the landscape of Canadian film and television at home and on the global stage,” said Tammy Frick, CEO, Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, in an announcement. “Their remarkable achievements not only inspire the next generation of storytellers but also remind the world of the extraordinary talent and innovation that Canada contributes to the screen arts. We can’t wait to celebrate them during Canadian Screen Week 2026!”
All of this year’s Special Award recipients will be recognized at a series of award presentations taking place from May 28-31. Nominees for the 2026 Canadian Screen Awards will be released on Wednesday, March 25.
