TORONTO – The Gemini Awards came under fire Thursday for failing to fully celebrate Canadian talent.
The Writers Guild of Canada issued a statement criticizing the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television’s decision to award Best Dramatic Series to The Borgias and best Dramatic Mini-Series award to Pillars of the Earth – both co-productions on which Canada was a minority partner.
“The WGC believes that the Gemini Awards, created to honour the best of the Canadian television industry, should celebrate productions showcasing the talents of Canadian producers, directors, performers, screenwriters and more”, said executive director Maureen Parker, in the statement. “Recognizing an international co-production employing minimal Canadian talent implies that to get the best, you have to look elsewhere. This is simply not true.”
Calling the Gemini process “flawed”, Parker suggested that excellence in co-productions should be recognized in an international category, as they are at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) awards.
“That way, the Canadian television awards can do what it is designed to do – shine a spotlight on Canadian shows. Our talent deserves it”, she added.
The broadcast gala for the 26th annual Gemini Awards aired Wednesday evening.
