AceShowbiz - The upcoming Canadian Screen Awards have unveiled their nominations, with North of North, a CBC and Netflix comedy set in Canada’s Arctic, leading the pack with an impressive 20 nods. This series centers on Anna Lambe’s portrayal of a 20-something Inuit woman navigating life in the North.

North of North is nominated in key categories including best comedy and best comedy direction, with Anya Adams and Zoe Hopkins recognized for their work behind the camera. Close behind is the gay hockey drama Heated Rivalry, a breakout hit from Crave and HBO Max, which garnered 18 nominations. Among these are best direction and best writing, both attributed to Jacob Tierney.

Heated Rivalry also sees lead actors Hudson Williams and Francois Arnaud nominated for best drama performer. They will compete alongside Supinder Wraich for Allegiance, Michelle Morgan for Heartland, and Kathleen Munroe for Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent, among others.

On the comedy front, CBC’s Small Achievable Goals earned 12 nominations, including best lead comedy performances for Meredith MacNeill and Jennifer Whalen. Meanwhile, the film category features the post-apocalyptic thriller 40 Acres, starring Danielle Deadwyler as a resilient matriarch, with ten nominations including best movie and best director for R.T. Thorne.

Following 40 Acres are several films tied with eight nominations each: Eric Boulianne’s French-language comedy Follies, Honey Bunch from directors Dusty Mancinelli and Madeleine Sims-Fewer, and Matthew Johnson’s Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie.

In the best lead actor category for dramatic movies, nominees include Grace Glowicki for Honey Bunch, Jasmin Geljo for Cat’s Cry, Noah Parker for Who By Fire, and Theresia Kappianaq for Wrong Husband, among others.

The Canadian Screen Awards organizers have introduced a significant change this year by ending nomination eligibility for foreign talent, including American actors. Starting with the 2026 awards, only Canadian or resident artists will qualify. This shift comes after years where top acting honors often went to American and other international performers, influenced by productions involving Hollywood stars or Canadian projects backed by U.S. streaming platforms.

This eligibility update aligns with a broader wave of Canadian nationalism, which intensified following political and trade tensions such as U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policies and annexation threats.

Additionally, the 2026 Canadian Screen Awards ceremony will be a collaborative broadcast effort among Canada’s leading networks CBC, Bell Media, and Corus. The final awards presentation is scheduled for May 31 in Toronto and will air simultaneously across these broadcasters.

A comprehensive list of nominations will be published on the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television website ahead of the event.