The Crystal Awards, established in 1988, are WIFT+ Toronto’s annual tribute gala to individuals making significant contributions in the Canadian screen-based media industry. Since its inception nearly 4 decades ago, more than 185 esteemed individuals have been recognized for their excellence in creativity, innovation, leadership, and their commitment to mentoring the next generation of industry creators and leaders.
Member Individual Seats: $350.00
(check your discounts and offers page for your exclusive member code!)
Non-Member Individual Seats: $500.00
Tables (10 seats): $4,500.00
2025 CATEGORIES & HONOUREES
Sharon Lewis - Creative Excellence Award
Joan Jenkinson - Innovation Trailblazer Award
Jennifer Dodge - International Achievement
Annie Bradley - Mentorship Award
Nanci MacLean - Outstanding Achievement In Business
Sandie Rinaldo - Special Jury Award of Distinction
*If you have any questions about ticketing please reach out to Venessa Harris, Executive Assistant at vharris@wift.com.
Please let us know how we can ensure your accessibility, safety, and comfort by contacting Jody Anderson, Program & Special Events Coordinator at janderson@wift.com by Friday, November 14th, 2025 at 5:00pm ET and we will do our best to accommodate you.
2025 Sponsors and Partners
WIFT+ TORONTO THANKS THE FOLLOWING 38TH ANNUAL CRYSTAL AWARD SPONSORS FOR THEIR SUPPORT:
Want to join us in illuminating enterprising and barrier-breaking women in Canada's film, TV, and digital media industry? Contact us today to inquire about sponsorship opportunities. We look forward to partnering with you!
2025 HONOUREES
Sharon Lewis (Creative Excellence)
Sharon Lewis has reached the highest level of excellence both behind and in front of the camera for over 25 years. Nominated for Best Host on-screen and with nine Canadian Screen Award nominations as a Director and Showrunner, she won Best Director for a Factual Series. She continues to place women of colour and Black queer women at the forefront of her storytelling. Her acclaimed debut feature Brown Girl Begins marked her as a visionary voice, and her work is featured in the Emmy and NAACP nominated How It Feels to Be Free. A trailblazer, Sharon is the only Black woman to direct Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, inspiring future generations of women creators.
Joan Jenkinson (Innovation Trailblazer)
Joan Jenkinson is the Co-Founder and CEO of the Black Screen Office, leading efforts to dismantle anti-Black racism and advance Black storytelling in Canada’s screen industries. She was one of The Hollywood Reporter’s Canada Top 25 Entertainment Dealmakers and Decision-Makers. Under her leadership, the BSO was named 2022 Changemaker Organization of the Year by Playback, and in 2025, BSO and Joan were spotlighted by TIFF as the Impact Support Agency, along with several other awards. As VP of Independent Production at VisionTV, she commissioned over 140 hours of programming annually and launched the DiverseTV initiative. Her first industry role was as Executive Director of WIFT+ Toronto, where she introduced mentorship and training programs that shifted the focus from short-term job-seeking to long-term career development.
Jennifer Dodge (International Achievement)
Jennifer Dodge is President of Spin Master Entertainment and Consumer Products, overseeing franchise growth, content creation, production, global distribution and consumer products. She executive produces multiple Spin Master series, including Unicorn Academy™ and PAW Patrol™— and is the P.G.A credited Producer on the PAW Patrol films - delivering two box office hits, with a third slated for 2026—alongside other projects expanding the studio’s animated slate. She also oversees licensed programs for properties such as Vida the Vet™, Tech Deck™, and Rubik’s Cube™. Recognized by The Hollywood Reporter as one of the ‘Most Influential Women in International Film,’ she was also named among the ‘Most Powerful Women in Canadian Entertainment.’
Annie Bradley (Mentorship)
Emmy-nominated Director, Annie Bradley, is known for her striking cinematic work and maverick storytelling. Included in The Hollywood Reporter’s inaugural Most Powerful Women in Canadian Entertainment List in 2024, she was also the recipient of the 2023 Trailblazer Award from the Firecracker Dept. She’s a proud member of the DGA, DGC, and currently serving her third term as Chair of DGC Ontario. She is also an alumna of TIFF, Sundance, the TIFF Talent Lab, TIFF Pitch This, CFC Directors Lab, Film Fatales, WIFT+ Toronto, Firecracker Dept, AWD, and WIDC. Annie continues to expand her international directing credits while developing a dynamic slate of film and TV content through her company The Heat Mansion.
Nanci MacLean (Outstanding Achievement in Business)
Nanci MacLean helps build cultural platforms that celebrate national talent. At Bell Media, she co-created The Social and Your Morning, and oversaw network favourites including Etalk, The Marilyn Denis Show, the MuchMusic Video Awards, and the Mighty franchise. As President of Pinewood Toronto Studios, she spearheaded its multimillion-dollar expansion. Today, as COO of MEM, she oversees expansive growth including international franchises such as Master Chef Canada, alongside originals like Renovation Resort and Narco Mennonites. A Harvard Business School alumna, Nanci balances creativity with fiscal discipline, setting a benchmark for Canadian television that is both ambitious and sustainable.
Sandie Rinaldo (Special Jury Award of Distinction)
Sandie Rinaldo is the Anchor of CTV National News at 5:30, the early evening newscast from CTV News. For more than five decades, she has guided viewers through major news – making history as the first woman in Canada to anchor a daily Canadian national newscast, and has also regularly reported investigative stories and profiles for Canada’s most-watched documentary series, W5. Her distinguished career has earned her national recognition, including a multitude of prestigious awards and nominations. She was inducted into the RTDNA Hall of Fame in 2023 and received the RTDNA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018, honouring her outstanding contributions to broadcast journalism.
Honourees are nominated by WIFT+ Toronto members and selected by a jury of esteemed industry peers. The 2025 jury included Pat DiVittorio, Umber Hamid, and Jocelyn Hamilton.
THE SOCIAL’s Jess Allen to Host!
Jess Allen is excited to be back this season as THE SOCIAL’s correspondent, a role that situates her in many out-of-studio adventures. Back in studio, she frequently appears as the show’s fifth chair and go-to co-host.
The former assistant editor at Maclean’s and national columnist at Metro, Allencan also be found interviewing international authors for the Toronto Public Library’s Appel Literary Salon and hosting charity galas, award, and fashion shows.
For her work on The Social, Allen won 2024 and 2025 Canadian Screen Awards (CSA) for Best Host, Talk Show or Entertainment News.
WIFT+ TORONTO CRYSTAL AWARD DESCRIPTIONS
CREATIVE EXCELLENCE
Presented to a woman in recognition of dynamic quality of her work in screen-based media. Her recent work has gained national and/or international attention in the previous year, and has established a standard for those working in the industry.
Past winners include Marilyn Denis, Sarah Polley, Jennifer Holness, Mary Young Leckie, Edwina Follows, Mary Harron, Christina Piovesan, Sally Catto, and Semi Chellas.
INNOVATION AWARD
This award honours individuals who demonstrate forward-thinking leadership, creativity, and originality in pushing the boundaries of their respective field(s). For example, this could be a leader that: embraces or develops new technologies; is a pioneer around their approach to storytelling; champions equity, diversity and/or inclusion; creating or inventing new ways to build a more sustainable industry —essentially someone that has or is doing groundbreaking work that pushes the innovation in our industry forward
For example, this could be a leader that: embraces or develops new technologies; is a pioneer around their approach to storytelling; champions equity, diversity and/or inclusion; or creating/inventing new ways to build a more sustainable industry—essentially someone that has or is doing groundbreaking work that pushes the innovation in our industry forward.
The first to recipient of this award were Neishaw Ali in 2023 and Gurbani Marway in 2024
INTERNATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT
This award is presented to an individual in recognition of their significant and well-renowned body of work not only in Canada but across the globe.
Past winners include Adrienne Arsenault, Missy Peregrym, Esta Spalding, Anne Dorval, Mia Krishner, Sarah Gadon, Samantha Bee, Shirley Douglas, Catherine O'Hara, and Sandra Oh.
MENTORSHIP
Presented to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to building women's careers in the screen-based media industry. They vocally support women's advancement, offer guidance and support to emerging professionals, and assist women entrepreneurs in growing their own companies.
Past winners include Pat Divittorio, Margot Daley, Frances-Anne Solomon, Anita Lee, Alison Duke, Zoe Dirse, Karen Walton, Ken Dhaliwal, Deborah Osborne, Corrie Coe, and Lalita Krishna.
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN BUSINESS
Presented to a woman who—through the consistent quality of their work—has made a major contribution to the screen-based media industry as a leader in enterprise development. They have built a culture of excellence by inspiring their colleagues to push the boundaries of innovation.
Past winners include Victoria Harding, Jocelyn Hamilton, Beth Janson, Tammy Frick, Grace-Carnale Davis, Mary Bredin, Tracey Pearce, Lisa Olfman, Joy Rosen, and Barbara Bowlby.
SPECIAL JURY AWARD OF DISTINCTION (Only the Jury can nominate an individual for this category)
This additional award may be distributed at the discretion of the jury. The award is presented to a woman who has built a legacy as a ground-breaking force in our industry and whose life's work is dedicated to building a vibrant, diverse, and active creative community.
Past winners include Catherine Tait, Christa Dickenson, Dr. Shirley Cheechoo, maxine bailey, Karen Thorne-Stone, Tonya Williams , Pat Ellingson , Susan Cavan , and Trina McQueen
2024
Agnes Augustin (Outstanding Achievement in Business)
Lesley Barber (Creative Excellence)
Adrienne Arsenault (International Achievement)
Gurbani Marwah (Innovation Trailblazer)
Pat DiVittorio (Mentorship Award)
Joy Lowen (Special Jury Award of Distinction)
2023
Victoria Harding (Outstanding Achievement in Business)
Marilyn Denis (Creative Excellence)
Missy Peregrym (International Achievement)
Neishaw Ali (Innovation Trailblazer)
Margot Daley (Mentorship Award)
Catherine Tait (Special Jury Award of Distinction)
2022
Jocelyn Hamilton (Outstanding Achievement in Business)
Sarah Polley (Creative Excellence)
Frances-Anne Solomon (Mentorship Award sponsored by Company 3)
Ramona Pringle (Digital Trailblazer)
Christa Dickenson (Special Jury Award of Distinction)
2021
Jane Tattersall (Outstanding Achievement in Business)
Anita Lee (Mentorship)
Ana Serrano (Digital Trailblazer)
Jennifer Holness (Creative Excellence)
Dr. Shirley Cheechoo C.M. (Special Jury Award of Distinction)
2020
Beth Janson (Outstanding Achievement in Business)
Jennifer Kawaja (Mentorship)
Sue Haas (Digital Trailblazer)
Marsha Greene (Creative Excellence)
Marci Ien (Special Jury Award of Distinction)
2019
Tammy Frick (Outstanding Achievement in Business)
Esta Spalding (International Achievement)
Alison Duke (Mentorship)
Kim Gibson (Digital Trailblazer)
Mary Young Leckie (Creative Excellence)
maxine bailey (Special Jury Award of Distinction)
2018
Edwina Follows (Creative Excellence)
Grace Carnale-Davis (Outstanding Achievement in Business)
Zoe Dirse (Mentorship)
Deb Day (Digital Trailblazer)
Karen Thorne-Stone (Special Jury Award of Distinction)
2017
Mary Harron (Creative Excellence)
Mary Bredin (Outstanding Achievement in Business)
Karen Walton (Mentorship)
Diane Williamson (Digital Trailblazer)
Tonya Williams (Special Jury Award of Distinction)
2016
Michelle Crespi (Creative Excellence)
Tracey Pearce (Outstanding Achievement in Business)
Deborah Osborne (Mentorship)
Barbara Bailie (Digital Trailblazer)
Pat Ellingson (Special Jury Award of Distinction)
2015
Christina Piovesan (Creative Excellence)
Lisa Olfman & Joy Rosen (Outstanding Achievement in Business)
Ken Dhaliwal (Mentorship)
Lucie Lalumiere (Digital Trailblazer)
Susan Cavan (Special Jury Award of Distinction)
2014
Sally Catto (Creative Excellence)
Barbara Bowlby (Outstanding Achievement in Business)
Corrie Coe (Mentorship)
Trina McQueen (Special Jury Award of Distinction)
Anne Dorval (International Achievement)
2013
Semi Chellas (Creative Excellence)
Margaret O’Brien (Outstanding Achievement in Business)
Lalita Krishna (Mentorship)
Sheila Hockin (Special Jury Award of Distinction)
Mia Kirshner (International Achievement)
2012
Tara Ellis (Creative Excellence)
Susan Ross (Mentorship)
Anne Marie La Traverse (Outstanding Achievement)
Mary Ellen Carlyle (Special Jury Award of Distinction)
Sarah Gadon (International Achievement)
2011
Julie Bristow (Creative Excellence)
Noreen Halpern (Outstanding Achievement)
Carol Whiteman (Mentorship)
Samantha Bee (International Achievement)
2010
Lesley Harrison (Mentorship)
Jill Hennessy (International Achievement)
Laurie May (Outstanding Achievement)
Shelley Saywell (Creative Excellence)
2009
Tassie Cameron (Creative Excellence)
Shirley Douglas (International Achievement)
Lisa Meeches (Mentorship)
Christine Shipton (Outstanding Achievement)
Christa Singer (Special Jury Award of Distinction)
2008
Catherine O’Hara (International Achievement)
Kit Redmond (Mentorship)
Sandi Ross (Special Jury Award of Distinction)
Virginia Thompson (Creative Excellence)
Barb Williams (Outstanding Achievement)
2007
Tecca Crosby (Mentorship)
Ilana Frank (Creative Excellence)
Judy Gladstone (Outstanding Achievement)
Toni Myers (Outstanding Achievement)
Sandra Oh (International Achievement)
Claire Prieto (Special Jury Award of Distinction)
2006
Jennifer Baichwal (Creative Excellence)
Jeanne Beker (Special Jury Award of Distinction)
Karen Gelbart (Mentorship)
Christina Jennings (Outstanding Achievement)
Linda Schuyler (International Achievement)
2005
Gail Asper (Outstanding Achievement)
Arsinee Khanjian (Creative Excellence)
Bonnie Sherr Klein (Special Jury Award of Distinction)
Bill Mustos (Mentorship)
Kelly Rowan (International Achievement)
2004
Kim Cattrall (International Achievement)
Dianne Schwalm (Phyllis Switzer Mentorship Award)
Maria Topalovich (Outstanding Achievement Award)
Debbie Travis (Creative Excellence Award)
2003
Isme Bennie (Outstanding Achievement)
Kathryn Emslie (Mentorship)
Deepa Mehta (Award for Creative Excellence)
Cynthia Reyes (Outstanding Achievement)
2002
Norm Bolen (Friend of WIFT Toronto Award)
Phyllis Platt (Outstanding Achievement Award)
2001
Silva Basmajian (Outstanding Achievement)
Rebecca Jenkins (Creative Excellence)
Janis Lundman & Adrienne Mitchell (Excellence in Production)
Don MacLean (Friend of WIFT Toronto Award)
Laura Michalchyshyn (Excellence in Mentorship/Professional Development)
2000
Susanne Boyce (Professional Development)
Wendy Crewson (Creative Excellence)
Christina Ford (Excellence in Production)
Paul Gratton (Friend of WIFT Toronto Award)
Jane Tattersall (Excellence in Production)
Phyllis Yaffe (Lifetime Achievement)
1999
Wayne Clarkson (Friend of WIFT Toronto Award)
Camelia Frieberg (Excellence in Production)
Jan Miller (Excellence in Training or Professional Development)
Annabel Slaight (Lifetime Achievement)
Stacey Stewart Curtis (Excellence in Training or Professional Development)
“We are not each other's competition. We are each other's cheerleaders, we are each other's kitchen cabinet and support system"
maxine bailey, Executive Director, Canadian Film Centre (CFC) and 2019 Crystal Awards Special Jury Award of Distinction honouree
Image Credit: Heather Pollock
Image Credit: Heather Pollock
Image Credit: Heather Pollock
Image Credit: Heather Pollock
Image Credit: Heather Pollock
Image Credit: Joei Lyn-Piluso
Image Credit: Joei Lyn-Piluso
Image Credit: Darren Goldstein
Image Credit: Darren Goldstein
Image Credit: Darren Goldstein
2022 Crystal Awards- Photo by Philippe Guerreiro
2011 Crystal Awards Photo by Eduardo Perreira
2019 Crystal Awards- Photo Credit Kowthar Omar
2019 Crystal Awards- Photo Credit Kowthar Omar
2019 Crystal Awards- Photo Credit Kowthar Omar
2019 Crystal Awards- Photo Credit Kowthar Omar
2019 Crystal Awards- Photo Credit Kowthar Omar
2019 Crystal Awards- Photo Credit Kowthar Omar
Image Credit: Darren Goldstein
2014 Crystals- Photo Credit Eddy Perez
2009 Crystal Awards- Photo Credit Unknown
2011 Crystal Awards- Photo Credit Eddy Perez
2018 Crystal Awards- Photo Credit Eddy Perez
2018 Crystal Awards- Photo Credit Eddy Perez
2018 Crystal Awards- Photo Credit Eddy Perez
2018 Crystal Awards- Photo Credit Eddy Perez
2013 Crystal Awards- Photo Credit Unknown
2012 Crystal Awards- Photo Credit Unknown
Image Credit: Joei Lyn-Piluso
Photo Credit Unknown
Image Credit: Darren Goldstein
Photo Credit Unknown
2009 Crystal Awards- Photo Credit Unknown
2007 Crystal Awards- Photo Credit Unknown
Image Credit: Darren Goldstein
2007 Crystal Awards- Photo Credit Unknown
Mary Harron (Creative Excellence) on stage- Photo Credit: Eddy Perez
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