### Empowerment and Politics Shine at Canadian Screen Awards

The Canadian Screen Awards delivered an electrifying evening this Sunday, spotlighting marginalized voices and significant international issues. Molly Wickham, a prominent Wet'suwet'en leader and indigenous activist, seized the opportunity to advocate for a "Free Palestine" as she accepted the best documentary award for 'Yintah.'

Another big winner that night was 'The Apprentice,' a film about a young Donald Trump, which dominated the awards show. Directed by Ali Abbasi, the film garnered the best movie award. Sebastian Stan, portraying the future U.S. president, won best leading role for his powerful performance alongside Jeremy Strong as Roy Cohn. Co-producer Daniel Bekerman took to the stage in Toronto, emphasizing the film’s satirical take on Trump's rise to power. "Our movie shows how the young Donald Trump amassed wealth and power by finding a dilapidated building and slapping his name on it," Bekerman quipped, before highlighting the significance of honest storytelling in facing contemporary power structures.

The evening was not short on political commentary. Bekerman humorously noted Trump’s past taunts about making Canada the 51st state of the United States, before stressing the importance of diverse voices in the film industry. "The rise of indigenous and queer cinema in this country gives me hope," he declared, calling for unity among filmmakers. The Apprentice, which premiered at Cannes and received accolades at the Golden Globes and Academy Awards, was a testament to his conviction.

In a notable win for indigenous filmmaking, 'Yintah' earned the best documentary award. This film, which captured a decade-long struggle to protect indigenous lands from fossil-fuel companies, resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. Molly Wickham passionately declared, "The fight continues, and we will never give up. Our sovereignty is tied to our collective freedom. Land back. Free Palestine," as her words were broadcast live nationwide on CBC and CBC Gem networks.

The best movie director award went to Andrew Rankin for 'Universal Language,' a film that cleverly plays on Iranian cinema motifs. Rankin used his acceptance speech to comment on the divisions and binaries present in today's world, stating, "Kindness can be a radical gesture, and that's really what we believe in now more than ever."

Adding to the night’s excitement, 'Canada's Drag Race' took home the best reality series award. Showrunner Trevor Boris described the show as an "island of misfit toys," celebrating diversity and inclusion. 'Children Ruin Everything' won the best comedy award, and Cate Blanchett was honored for her leading role in the political horror-comedy 'Rumours.'

Supinder Wraich was recognized for her outstanding performance in the TV drama 'Allegiance,' and 'Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent’ secured the best drama series award. W Network's 'The Way Home' received the main audience award, while APTN's 'Warrior Up!' garnered the kids' audience award.

Special recognitions included the Radius Award, given to Manny Jacinto of 'Star Wars: The Acolyte' and 'The Good Place' for his global impact, and the Changemaker Award, which went to Marsha Greene. Greene, co-creator of 'The Porter' and a producer on '10 Days in the Valley,' was honored for her continued efforts to combat systemic racism and discrimination in Canadian TV. “This is not about a moment. It is about a movement. I challenge all of us as Canadians to continue to move forward toward an industry that is truly inclusive,” Greene urged.

The event underscored the essential role of diverse voices and hard-hitting narratives in shaping both Canadian and global film and television landscapes.