‘North of North’ and ‘40 Acres’ Lead 2026 Canadian Screen Awards Nominations

The 2026 Canadian Screen Awards will spotlight two major frontrunners: the Arctic comedy ‘North of North’ and the dystopian thriller ‘40 Acres’. ‘North of North’, co-produced by CBC and Netflix in collaboration with APTN, leads all categories with 20 nominations. The series stars Anna Lambe as a young Inuk mother seeking a more fulfilling life in the fictional Arctic town of Ice Cove. The popularity of the show, filmed in Nunavut, marks a milestone in Indigenous representation on Canadian television.

In the film division, ‘40 Acres’ leads with 10 nominations, including Best Motion Picture and a directing nod for R.T. Thorne, who is also recognized for Best First Feature. The film features Danielle Deadwyler as an ex-soldier struggling to protect her family amid a climate-induced famine. Meanwhile, Crave’s romantic hockey drama ‘Heated Rivalry’ follows closely with 18 nominations, including Best Drama Series and performance nods for François Arnaud and Hudson Williams. However, a new Academy rule excludes non-Canadian citizens and permanent residents from acting categories, disqualifying co-star Connor Storrie due to his U.S. citizenship.

Comedian Andrew Phung will host the awards ceremony on May 31, which will air simultaneously on CBC, CTV, Crave, Global, and STACKTV. Other prominent nominees include ‘Follies’, ‘Honey Bunch’, and ‘Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie’, each earning eight nominations. In the digital segment, Toronto-set ‘Settle Down’ leads with nine nods, followed by ‘18 to 35’ from London, Ontario. According to Tammy Frick, CEO of the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television, this year highlights the strength and creativity of Canada’s screen industries, reflecting a diverse and dynamic storytelling landscape across the country.