CBC Television took home seven awards at the 24th annual Gemini Award Broadcast Gala from the historic Stampede Corral in Calgary. Alberta. CBC Television received 29 nominations at the evening’s awards ceremony in Drama, Comedy, and News categories, presented by the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television.
“We are very proud of all our nominees and winners who the Academy has singled out for their exceptional work this year,” said Kirstine Stewart, General Manager, CBC Television. “This is a special night and a true celebration of CBC’s fresh, compelling and original Canadian television, which more and more viewers are watching.”
Winners are:
· *Erin Karpluk of Being Erica for Best Performance by an Actress in a Continuing Leading Dramatic Role
· *George Stroumboulopoulos of The Hour for Best Host or Interviewer in a General/Human Interest or Talk Program or Series
· *Dragons’ Den, Best Reality Program or Series
· *The Rick Mercer Report, Best Comedy Program or Series
· *Christine Ghawi of Céline for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Dramatic Program or Mini-Series
· *David Suchet for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Dramatic Program or Mini-Series in Diverted
· *Diana Swain on CBC News at Six took home Best News Anchor, which she also received in 2000. In the history of this category, Diana is the only female to take home a Gemini.
This year’s televised broadcast was hosted by CBC Television’s Ron James, and featured appearances by many of its celebrated stars, including Arlene Dickinson and W. Brett Wilson of Dragons’ Den, Heartland’s Amber Marshall and Graham Wardle, and Brandon Firla, Carlo Rota and Zaib Shaikh of Little Mosque on the Prairie.
In addition, a special tribute was given to the much loved and legendary Royal Canadian Air Farce for their outstanding contribution to the Canadian television industry. Original members Roger Abbott, Don Ferguson and Luba Goy were on hand to accept.