The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television (the Canadian Academy) has announced its third and final round of Special Award recipients, led by Dune filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, Blue Ant Media CEO Michael MacMillan, and actor, writer and comedian Patrick Huard.
Villeneuve is being 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. An Academy Award-nominated director, screenwriter and producer, his acclaimed adaptation of Frank Herbert’s science fiction novel, Dune, received six Oscars and five BAFTAs. Villeneuve’s latest film, Dune: Part Two is currently the highest grossing movie of 2024, surpassing $700 million worldwide. Other directorial credits include Blade Runner 2049, Arrival, Sicario, Prisoners, Enemy, and Incendies.
MacMillan is being recognized with the Industry Leadership Award, honouring innovation and leadership in Canada’s media industry. The co-founder and CEO of Blue Ant Media, under his leadership the global media company has grown into an international production studio and rights business, now owning and operating eight free streaming channels internationally, in addition to a roster of pay TV broadcast channels in Canada. A member of the Order of Canada, MacMillan is also a Senior Fellow at Massey College.
Huard will receive the Earle Grey Award, recognizing a Canadian performer for their exceptional body of acting work in Canadian television and film. With a career spanning over 30 years, Huard is one of Quebec’s biggest stars, appearing in high-grossing films like Les Boys and its two sequels; Genie Award-winning comedy Bon Cop Bad Cop, which he also co-wrote (and is currently developing a TV series for); his feature directorial debut, Les 3 p’tits cochons and Starbuck. He has also starred in several successful Quebec TV series, including Taxi 0-22, which he also produced and directed.
All of this year’s Special Award honourees will be recognized during Canadian Screen Week 2024, taking place in Toronto from Sunday, May 26 through Saturday, June 1.
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