Empathie Wins Grand Jury Prize, The Pitt Takes Best Drama at Banff World Media Festival
The French-language series Empathie, created by screenwriter Lorence Longpre, secured the Grand Jury Prize at the Banff World Media Festival’s Rockie Awards on Tuesday night. This recognition highlights the series’ impact, as it also garnered awards for Best Non-English Language Drama, the Prix Francophone, and the Prize for Excellence in Canadian Content.
Longpre’s Acceptance and Series Overview
Empathie, produced by Trio Orange, features Longpre in the role of a criminologist-turned-psychiatrist working in a Montreal hospital. Throughout the series, she interacts with a diverse group of patients, exploring complex psychological themes. In a pre-recorded video message, Longpre expressed gratitude to her entire team for their contributions to the series and the honor of receiving the Grand Jury Prize.
Best English-Language Drama Award
In the Best English-Language Drama category, HBO’s The Pitt emerged victorious, surpassing strong contenders such as Canada’s Heated Rivalry, Plan B, The Handmaid’s Tale, and the British drama Reckless. R. Scott Gemmill, the series creator and a Canadian-born writer and producer, conveyed his appreciation during the gala ceremony held in the Canadian Rockies, stating, “As a Canadian boy, it’s so good to be home, I have to say.”
Comedy and Performance Highlights
HBO’s The Chair Company won the award for Best English-Language Comedy, while Malin Akerman received the Best Drama Performance award for her role in Netflix’s The Hunting Wives. Akerman described her character, Margo Banks, as “one spicy gal,” reflecting her enthusiasm for the role during her acceptance speech at the Banff Springs Hotel’s conference center.
The Best Feature Film award was presented to Mountainhead, marking the directorial debut of Jesse Armstrong, known for creating Succession. Armstrong expressed his gratitude for being recognized among global talents, noting the importance of acknowledging diverse storytelling in television.
Special Awards and Recognitions
Mae Martin, creator of Wayward, received the Creative Voice Award, sharing her journey of overcoming Canadian humility regarding her career ambitions. She emphasized her passion for collaboration and the creative process.
Tantoo Cardinal, a prominent Canadian Indigenous actor known for her roles in Killers of the Flower Moon and Dances with Wolves, was honored with the Career Achievement Award. Reflecting on her early experiences, Cardinal recounted hitchhiking to the festival and the challenges faced by Indigenous peoples in Canada. She highlighted the importance of Indigenous storytelling and the collective efforts of First Nations creatives in reshaping narratives.
The Rockie Awards also recognized Ken Jeong, star of Community, with the Sir Peter Ustinov Comedy Award. Jeong credited his success to the opportunities provided by the show and expressed gratitude for his journey from being a doctor to a celebrated actor.
Jason Priestley, known for his role in Beverly Hills, 90210, received the Canadian Award of Distinction. He acknowledged his roots in the Canadian film and television industry, stating, “I owe my career and much of my life to the Canadian film and television industry. I thank you for this important recognition.”
Additional Awards and Nominations
The Best Animated Series award went to The Simpsons on Fox, while Aimee Lou Wood won for Best Performance in a Comedy for the British series Film Club. The BBC’s The Graham Norton Show was recognized as the Best Comedy and Variety Series, and Destination X, hosted by Jeffrey Dean Morgan, won for Best Competition and Game Show Series.
The annual Rockie Awards, hosted by Allana Harkin of Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, saw American television shows receiving 55 nominations, with U.K. series following closely behind with 39 mentions.
As reported by www.hollywoodreporter.com.
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Published on 2026-06-17 06:20:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk