June 2, 2025: The 2025 Canadian Screen Awards proved to be one of the most politically charged and emotionally resonant editions yet, with The Apprentice — a controversial biopic about a young Donald Trump — sweeping top honors, and several winners using the stage to advocate for justice and inclusion.
Director Ali Abbasi’s The Apprentice claimed Best Motion Picture, with Sebastian Stan taking home Best Leading Actor for his performance as Trump, opposite Jeremy Strong as Roy Cohn. Co-producer Daniel Bekerman used his acceptance speech to reflect on the film’s relevance, noting how Trump’s rise was built on branding and exploitation. “Now he wants to slap his name on this country,” Bekerman joked, before calling on filmmakers to confront power with truth.
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Meanwhile, the ceremony turned political when Molly Wickham, a Wet’suwet’en leader and Indigenous activist, accepted the Best Documentary award for Yintah, a gripping chronicle of Indigenous land defense. “Land back. Free Palestine,” she declared, fist raised, during the nationally televised broadcast.
The award for Best Director went to Andrew Rankin for Universal Language, a deadpan comedy with a political core that previously won Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight Audience Award. Rankin called for kindness in divisive times, comparing rising global tensions to “new Berlin Walls.”
Canada’s Drag Race took home Best Reality Series, with showrunner Trevor Boris hailing it as a haven for those who don’t fit the norm. In the TV categories, Children Ruin Everything won Best Comedy, and Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent earned Best Drama Series after leading with 20 nominations.
Cate Blanchett won Best Lead in a Comedy for her role in Rumours, while Supinder Wraich won Best Lead in a Drama for Allegiance. Audience-favorite awards went to The Way Home and Warrior Up! in general and kids’ categories, respectively.
A heartfelt moment came when Kiefer Sutherland honored his late father, Donald Sutherland, reflecting on the legendary actor’s global legacy and humble beginnings.
Other highlights included Manny Jacinto receiving the Radius Award for international impact, and producer Marsha Greene accepting the Changemaker Award for pushing for inclusivity in Canadian television. “This isn’t a moment,” Greene emphasized, “it’s a movement.”
With its mix of art, activism, and hard truths, this year’s Canadian Screen Awards reminded audiences that storytelling is as much about heart as it is about headlines.