Established in 1988, the Crystal Awards have honoured more than 190 remarkable industry leaders over nearly four decades. These awards celebrate individuals who not only excel in their craft, but who also champion and inspire the next generation of creators and decision-makers in the Canadian media landscape.
WIFT+ Toronto is now accepting nominations for the Crystal Awards, our annual tribute gala recognizing outstanding individuals whose creativity, innovation, leadership, and commitment to mentorship continue to make a lasting impact across all areas of the industry. We invite you to nominate a visionary, changemaker, mentor, or trailblazer whose contributions deserve to be recognized and celebrated.
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!
WIFT+ Toronto members are invited to nominate exceptional leaders in their sphere with a minimum of 10 years of experience in the screen-based industry for a 2026 Crystal Award.
DEADLINE TO NOMINATE: Friday, July 24, 2026 @ 11:59 PM EDT.
AWARD CATEGORIES
Descriptions of each can be found under the Award Categories tab.
Creative Excellence
Innovation Trailblazer
International Achievement
Mentorship
Outstanding Achievement in Business
Special Jury Award of Distinction (Only the jury can nominate and individual for this category)
NOMINEE ELIGIBILITY CHECKLIST
Please review carefully before submitting your nomination.
Canadian Citizen, Landed Immigrant, or Permanent Resident
Minimum 10 years in the screen-based industry (film, television and/or digital media)
Current WIFT+ Toronto Board Members are not eligible for nomination
Recipients within the past five years are not eligible for nomination
NOMINATION REQUIREMENTS
Please review carefully before submitting your nomination.
Maximum one-page summary of the nominee’s three (3) most significant contributions to the screen-based industry.
Maximum 500-word bio of nominee.
Minimum of two (2), maximum of five (5) personal testimonial letters outlining the impact of the nominee within the industry (these letters should not be from the individual submitting the application; letters from colleagues, peers, mentors, mentees, etc. will be accepted).
NOTES
It is free to nominate. You must be a WIFT+ Toronto member in good standing to nominate an individual for a Crystal Award; however the person being nominated does not have to be a current WIFT+ Toronto member. You may nominate more than one person. Candidates may only be nominated in one category. An independent jury of past Crystal Award recipients will select the 2026 award recipients. Please review this list before submitting your nomination. Previous winners can be nominated again; however, preference will be given to first-time nominees (recipients within the past five years are not eligible).
Questions? Please contact Venessa Harris, Executive Assistant, at vharris@wift.com
For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Karen Bruce, Executive Director, at kbruce@wift.com
WIFT+ TORONTO CRYSTAL AWARD DESCRIPTIONS
CREATIVE EXCELLENCE
Presented to an individual in recognition of dynamic quality of their work in screen-based media. Their 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 Sharon Lewis, Marilyn Denis, Sarah Polley, Jennifer Holness, Mary Young Leckie, Edwina Follows, Mary Harron, Christina Piovesan, Sally Catto, and Semi Chellas.
INNOVATION TRAILBLAZER 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
The first three recipients of this award were Neishaw Ali in 2023, Gurbani Marwah in 2024, and Joan Jenkinson in 2025.
INTERNATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT
This award is presented to an individual in recognition of their significant and renowned body of work not only in Canada but across the globe.
Past winners include Jennifer Dodge, 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 Annie Bradley, 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 an individual 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 Nanci MacLean, 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 an individual 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 Sandie Rinaldo, Catherine Tait, Christa Dickenson, Dr. Shirley Cheechoo, maxine bailey, Karen Thorne-Stone, Tonya Williams , Pat Ellingson , Susan Cavan , and Trina McQueen
2025
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)
2024
Lesley Barber (Creative Excellence)
Gurbani Marwah (Innovation Trailblazer)
Adrienne Arsenault (International Achievement)
Pat Divittorio (Mentorship Award)
Agnes Augustin (Outstanding Achievement in Business)
Joy Lowen (Special Jury Award of Distinction)
2023
Marilyn Denis (Creative Excellence)
Neishaw Ali (Innovation Trailblazer)
Missy Peregrym (International Achievement)
Margot Daley (Mentorship Award)
Victoria Harding (Outstanding Achievement in Business)
Catherine Tait (Special Jury Award of Distinction)
2022
Sarah Polley (Creative Excellence)
Ramona Pringle (Digital Trailblazer)
Frances-Anne Solomon (Mentorship Award sponsored by Company 3)
Jocelyn Hamilton (Outstanding Achievement in Business)
Christa Dickenson (Special Jury Award of Distinction)
2021
Jennifer Holness (Creative Excellence)
Ana Serrano (Digital Trailblazer)
Anita Lee (Mentorship)
Jane Tattersall (Outstanding Achievement in Business)
Dr. Shirley Cheechoo C.M. (Special Jury Award of Distinction)
2020
Marsha Greene (Creative Excellence)
Sue Haas (Digital Trailblazer)
Jennifer Kawaja (Mentorship)
Beth Janson (Outstanding Achievement in Business)
Marci Ien (Special Jury Award of Distinction)
2019
Mary Young Leckie (Creative Excellence)
Kim Gibson (Digital Trailblazer)
Esta Spalding (International Achievement)
Alison Duke (Mentorship)
Tammy Frick (Outstanding Achievement in Business)
maxine bailey (Special Jury Award of Distinction)
2018
Edwina Follows (Creative Excellence)
Deb Day (Digital Trailblazer)
Zoe Dirse (Mentorship)
Grace Carnale-Davis (Outstanding Achievement in Business)
Karen Thorne-Stone (Special Jury Award of Distinction)
2017
Mary Harron (Creative Excellence)
Diane Williamson (Digital Trailblazer)
Karen Walton (Mentorship)
Mary Bredin (Outstanding Achievement in Business)
Tonya Williams (Special Jury Award of Distinction)
2016
Michelle Crespi (Creative Excellence)
Barbara Bailie (Digital Trailblazer)
Deborah Osborne (Mentorship)
Tracey Pearce (Outstanding Achievement in Business)
Pat Ellingson (Special Jury Award of Distinction)
2015
Christina Piovesan (Creative Excellence)
Lucie Lalumiere (Digital Trailblazer)
Ken Dhaliwal (Mentorship)
Lisa Olfman & Joy Rosen (Outstanding Achievement in Business)
Susan Cavan (Special Jury Award of Distinction)
2014
Sally Catto (Creative Excellence)
Anne Dorval (International Achievement)
Corrie Coe (Mentorship)
Barbara Bowlby (Outstanding Achievement in Business)
Trina McQueen (Special Jury Award of Distinction)
2013
Semi Chellas (Creative Excellence)
Mia Kirshner (International Achievement)
Lalita Krishna (Mentorship)
Margaret O’Brien (Outstanding Achievement in Business)
Sheila Hockin (Special Jury Award of Distinction)
2012
Tara Ellis (Creative Excellence)
Sarah Gadon (International Achievement)
Susan Ross (Mentorship)
Anne Marie La Traverse (Outstanding Achievement)
Mary Ellen Carlyle (Special Jury Award of Distinction)
2011
Julie Bristow (Creative Excellence)
Samantha Bee (International Achievement)
Carol Whiteman (Mentorship)
Noreen Halpern (Outstanding Achievement)
2010
Shelley Saywell (Creative Excellence)
Jill Hennessy (International Achievement)
Lesley Harrison (Mentorship)
Laurie May (Outstanding Achievement)
2009
Tassie Cameron (Creative Excellence)
Shirley Douglas (International Achievement)
Lisa Meeches (Mentorship)
Christine Shipton (Outstanding Achievement)
Christa Singer (Special Jury Award of Distinction)
2008
Virginia Thompson (Creative Excellence)
Catherine O’Hara (International Achievement)
Kit Redmond (Mentorship)
Barb Williams (Outstanding Achievement)
Sandi Ross (Special Jury Award of Distinction)
2007
Ilana Frank (Creative Excellence)
Sandra Oh (International Achievement)
Tecca Crosby (Mentorship)
Judy Gladstone (Outstanding Achievement)
Toni Myers (Outstanding Achievement)
Claire Prieto (Special Jury Award of Distinction)
2006
Jennifer Baichwal (Creative Excellence)
Linda Schuyler (International Achievement)
Karen Gelbart (Mentorship)
Christina Jennings (Outstanding Achievement)
Jeanne Beker (Special Jury Award of Distinction)
2005
Arsinee Khanjian (Creative Excellence)
Kelly Rowan (International Achievement)
Bill Mustos (Mentorship)
Gail Asper (Outstanding Achievement)
Bonnie Sherr Klein (Special Jury Award of Distinction)
2004
Debbie Travis (Creative Excellence Award)
Kim Cattrall (International Achievement)
Maria Topalovich (Outstanding Achievement Award)
Dianne Schwalm (Phyllis Switzer Mentorship Award)
2003
Deepa Mehta (Award for Creative Excellence)
Kathryn Emslie (Mentorship)
Isme Bennie (Outstanding Achievement)
Cynthia Reyes (Outstanding Achievement)
2002
Norm Bolen (Friend of WIFT Toronto Award)
Phyllis Platt (Outstanding Achievement Award)
2001
Rebecca Jenkins (Creative Excellence)
Laura Michalchyshyn (Excellence in Mentorship/Professional Development)
Janis Lundman & Adrienne Mitchell (Excellence in Production)
Don MacLean (Friend of WIFT Toronto Award)
Silva Basmajian (Outstanding Achievement)
2000
Wendy Crewson (Creative Excellence)
Christina Ford (Excellence in Production)
Jane Tattersall (Excellence in Production)
Paul Gratton (Friend of WIFT Toronto Award)
Phyllis Yaffe (Lifetime Achievement)
Susanne Boyce (Professional Development)
1999
Camelia Frieberg (Excellence in Production)
Jan Miller (Excellence in Training or Professional Development)
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
"I’m honoured to be in the coven of trailblazing women who have received this award before me. Who have given so deeply to their community and encouraged so many."
-Annie Bradley, Filmmaker, 2025 Crystal Award Mentorship Award 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
Photo Credit: Heather Pollock
Photo Credit: Heather Pollock
Photo Credit: Heather Pollock
Photo Credit: Heather Pollock
Photo Credit: Heather Pollock
Photo Credit: Heather Pollock
Photo Credit: Heather Pollock
Photo Credit: Heather Pollock
Photo Credit: Heather Pollock
Photo Credit: Heather Pollock
Photo Credit: Heather Pollock
Photo Credit: Heather Pollock
Photo Credit: Heather Pollock
Photo Credit: Heather Pollock
Photo Credit: Audrey Persaud
Photo Credit: Audrey Persaud
Photo Credit: Audrey Persaud
Photo Credit: Audrey Persaud
2024 Crystal Awards – Credit Heather Pollock
2024 Crystal Awards – Credit Heather Pollock
2024 Crystal Awards – Credit Heather Pollock
2024 Crystal Awards – Credit Heather Pollock
2024 Crystal Awards – Credit Heather Pollock
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