The Canadian film, TV and digital media community came out in full force last night to join the Writers Guild of Canada in celebration of Canadian screenwriters at the 16th annual WGC Screenwriting Awards.
Screenwriters Larry Bambrick (Flashpoint), Craig David Wallace (Todd and the Book of Pure Evil), Darrin Rose (Scaredy Squirrel) and Bruce Smith (John A: Birth of a Country) were just of few of those recognized for outstanding scripts. A complete list of winners follows.
Screenwriter Mark McKinney (Kids in the Hall, Slings & Arrows, Less Than Kind) was presented with the WGC Showrunner Award to honour his exceptional leadership, impressive body of work and unique creative vision.
Screenwriter Barbara Samuels (North of 60, Black Harbour) was given the Alex Barris Mentorship Award. Adam Barken, who won the 2024 TV Drama award for his Flashpoint script, presented the Mentorship Award to Ms. Samuels, noting her valuable work supporting emerging writers at the CFC and Humber College.
And screenwriter Charles (Chuck) Lazer was recognized with the Writers Block Award for his long record of service to screenwriters in Canada. Chuck served as President of the ACTRA Writers Guild Toronto Branch, and was one of the founding forces behind the Writers Guild of Canada.
The Awards show was hosted by award-winning comedian Ryan Belleville (Almost Heroes), and written by Bob Kerr (22 Minutes).
Dishing out the awards were special guest presenters including Kris Holden-Ried (Lost Girl), David Paetkau (Flashpoint), Tommie-Amber Pirie (Michael: Tuesdays & Thursdays), Bob Martin (Drowsy Chaperone; Michael: Tuesdays & Thursdays), Daegan Fryklind (Robson Arms, The Listener) and Jennifer Whalen (22 Minutes; Insecurity).
The 2024 Winners of the WGC Screenwriting Awards.
ANIMATION
Scaredy Squirrel “Nothing But the Tooth”
Written By Darrin Rose
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
My Babysitter’s a Vampire “ReVamped”
Written by Alice Prodanou
DOCUMENTARY
Waking the Green Tiger, A Green Movement Rises in China
Written by Gary Marcuse
MOVIES AND MINISERIES
John A: Birth of a Country
Written By Bruce M. Smith
TV COMEDY
Todd and the Book of Pure Evil “A Farewell to Curtis’ Arm”
Written By Craig David Wallace
TV DRAMA
Flashpoint “Shockwave”
Written By Larry Bambrick
SHORTS AND WEBSERIES
Murdoch Mysteries: The Curse of the Lost Pharaohs “The Vanished Corpse”
Written By Patrick Tarr
WGC SPECIAL AWARDS
The WGC Showrunner Award – Mark McKinney
Writers Block Award – Charles (Chuck) Lazer
The Alex Barris Mentorship Award – Barbara Samuels