Fan Choice Digital Content Creator Award voting closes this Friday at 6 p.m. ET

TORONTO, September 26, 2024 – Shamier Anderson and Stephan James, Scarborough, ON, natives and co-founders of The Black Academy, alongside CBC, Insight Productions, and Bay Mills Studios, today announced the performers and presenters for Sunday’s celebration. These artists join gold-medal winning athletes and previously announced award recipients Cameron Bailey, Kardinal Offishall, and Weyni Mengesha. Hosted by Adrian Holmes, The Legacy Awards broadcasts live on CBC and CBC Gem on Sunday, September 29 at 8 p.m. (9 p.m. AT/9:30 p.m. NT).

The show features performances by rising star SadBoi, Smiley, d’bi.young, Neema Bickersteth, and Morgan-Paige Melbourne and an appreciation of recent Canadian gold medallists in its Athlete Tribute – hammer throw champion Camryn Rogers and the men’s 4×100 metre relay team, Aaron Brown, Andre De Grasse, Brendon Rodney, and Jerome Blake.

Presenting awards at this year’s ceremony are Canada’s Queen of R&B and 2023 Icon Award recipient, Jully Black; 2024 JUNO Award winner Aqyila; writer, broadcaster, and host Amanda Parris; 1996 Olympic gold medallist Bruny Surin; celebrated filmmaker Clement Virgo; actor, writer, director, and producer Ngozi Paul; world-champion hurdler Perdita Felicien, and more.

Voting for the Legacy Awards Fan Choice Digital Content Creator Award closes on September 27 at 6 p.m. ET.This award allows fans to choose their favourite Black-identifying Canadian digital content creators. This year’s nominees are: Access By Tay (Toronto); Citron Rose (Montréal); OT The OG (Toronto); Queeny Kuffour (Toronto); Ryan Holtz (Edmonton); and Toni Olaoye (Toronto). The winner is announced during The Legacy Awards on September 29. Visit vote.blackacademy.ca for more details.

The Legacy Awards is executive produced by Shamier Anderson and Stephan James of The Black Academy and Bay Mills Studios. John Brunton, Lindsay Cox, and Shannon Farr are the executive producers for Insight Productions (a Boat Rocker company) and Jordan Rudder is the producer/talent producer. Daniel Abrams also serves as EP. For CBC, Sally Catto is General Manager, Entertainment, Factual & Sports; Jennifer Dettman is Executive Director, Unscripted Content; and Nic Meloney is Executive in Charge of Production, Unscripted Content. The Black Academy, Insight Productions, and CBC are committed to hiring Black senior staff and crew members for The Legacy Awards.

The Black Academy gratefully acknowledges the financial support of our partners that support the year-round goals and programming initiatives of the organization.

– 30 –

***Note to editors, producers, reporters, & photographers: media accreditation for The Legacy Awards is now closed. Please email Gabrielle Free at GabFree.Publicity@gmail.com and winston.ma@cbc.ca to receive updates from The Black Academy.***

Social Media:
@blackisnowcanada
@legacyawardsca
@insight.productions / @insightprod
@CBC / @CBCGem
#TheLegacyAwardsCBC
#TheBlackAcademy
#CelebrateBlackCanadians

The Black Academy is a national, year-round Canadian organization that operates at the intersection of Black popular culture and social justice. The goals of The Black Academy are to showcase Black excellence and to share those achievements with all of Canada; to establish new spaces for Black Canadians to celebrate and network; and to kickstart careers through training and knowledge-sharing. Across all our initiatives, we inspire young people and generations to come. Co-founded by actors, producers, and Scarborough-born brothers Shamier Anderson and Stephan James, The Black Academy is born out of a longstanding commitment to their community and is dedicated to dismantling systemic racism in Canada. Gail Case serves as its Executive Director. Established in 2020, The Black Academy is based in Toronto and is a division of the not-for-profit B.L.A.C.K Canada. https://blackisnow.com; Instagram: @BLACKISNOWCANADA

About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada’s national public broadcaster. Through our mandate to inform, enlighten and entertain, we play a central role in strengthening Canadian culture. As Canada’s trusted news source, we offer a uniquely Canadian perspective on news, current affairs and world affairs. Our distinctively homegrown entertainment programming draws audiences from across the country. Deeply rooted in communities, CBC/Radio-Canada offers diverse content in English, French and eight Indigenous languages. We also deliver content in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Punjabi and Tagalog, as well as both official languages, through Radio Canada International (RCI). We are leading the transformation to meet the needs of Canadians in a digital world.

About Insight Productions (A Boat Rocker Company)

Insight Productions is Canada’s most established content producer, known for its award-winning ratings juggernauts and many of the country’s biggest award shows & music specials. Headed by John Brunton, Insight is an industry leader in the development, financing, and production of both scripted and unscripted hit programming.  John Brunton, Lindsay Cox, and Shannon Farr serve as executive producers on The Legacy Awards and Jordan Rudder is the producer/talent producer. Programming highlights include Stronger Together, Tous Ensemble, The JUNO Awards, The Canadian Screen Awards, The Amazing Race Canada, Big Brother Canada, Top Chef Canada, Canada Day 150! From Coast to Coast to Coast, and Canada’s Ultimate Challenge. In 2016, Insight produced The Tragically Hip: A National Celebration for CBC, a live concert special seen by one in three Canadians. Insight Productions was founded in 1979 and has since created thousands of hours of ground-breaking content. https://insighttv.com

About Bay Mills Studios

Bay Mills Studios is a cutting-edge production company founded by powerhouse brothers and actors Shamier Anderson & Stephan James. BMS is focused on showcasing an eclectic and inclusive lineup of diverse stories from feature films, scripted and unscripted TV, short-form, digital media and a panoply of other platform-agnostic content. Shamier and Stephan combine their creative expertise and ability to engage global audiences, to create ground-breaking content that pushes the boundaries all while being rooted in entertainment.

Media Contacts:
Gabrielle Free | Free Publicity (for The Black Academy & Insight Productions)
GabFree.Publicity@gmail.com
416-220-0201

Winston Ma | CBC PR
Winston.ma@cbc.ca
647-327-7408

TORONTO, September 4, 2024 – Shamier Anderson and Stephan James, Scarborough, ON, natives and co-founders of The Black Academy, alongside CBC, Insight Productions, and Bay Mills Studios today announced the first two recipients of the 2024 Legacy Awards: Soulpepper Theatre Artistic Director Weyni Mengesha will receive the Trailblazer Award and international rap music legend Kardinal Offishall will receive the Icon Award during the third edition of The Black Academy’s award show, The Legacy Awards. Hosted by Adrian Holmes, the 90-minute special airs live on CBC and CBC Gem on Sunday, September 29 at 8 p.m. (9 p.m. AT/9:30 p.m. NT). The show features performances, award presentations, and tributes honouring both established and emerging Black Canadian talent. Additional award recipients, performers, and presenters will be announced in the coming weeks.

The Legacy Awards Fan Choice Digital Content Creator Award voting is now open. This award allows fans to choose their favourite Black-identifying Canadian digital content creators. This year’s nominees are: Access By Tay (Toronto); Citron Rose (Montréal); OT The OG (Toronto); Queeny Kuffour (Toronto); Ryan Holtz (Edmonton); and Toni Olaoye (Toronto). The winner will be announced during The Legacy Awards. Visit vote.blackacademy.ca for more details.

“For years, Weyni and Kardi have awed international audiences and listeners with their creative output – and they’re both true pioneers in their respective fields, make no doubt about it,” said Stephan James, Co-Founder, The Black Academy. “But what stands out even more for us is their relentless commitment to mentoring up-and-coming talent. Nurturing future Black stars is so fundamental to what we stand for at The Black Academy and we couldn’t be happier to champion their considerable artistic achievements and all that they have done for our community.”

Kardinal Offishall – 2024 Icon Award

For his decades of service as Canada’s undisputed hip hop ambassador to the world, for his cultural impact, his seminal and chart-topping music, and for continuing to discover and develop extraordinary talent, Kardinal Offishall will receive the Icon Award.

The multi-award-winning global Jamaican-Canadian hip hop icon Kardinal Offishall was the first rapper from Canada to reach the top of the Billboard Hot 100. He has collaborated with the giants of the industry including Rihanna, Drake, Pharrell Williams, Vybz Kartel, and so many more. Offishall has a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame and is a recipient of the Allan Slaight Music Impact Honour and The Canadian Music Week Social Justice Impact Award. Recently, he received an honorary doctorate from York University for his legacy of groundbreaking achievements. Offishall is Global A&R at Def Jam Recordings, hip hop’s most influential record label. He continues to shape the careers of several new artists.

Weyni Mengesha – 2024 Trailblazer Award

For her exceptional artistic achievements, for creating cultural spaces that welcome all audiences and reflect the society in which we live, and her tireless dedication to training and mentoring youth, Weyni Mengesha will receive the Trailblazer Award.

Weyni Mengesha is a stage and screen director known for her groundbreaking work and community engagement. She currently serves as the Artistic Director of Soulpepper Theatre and has directed critically acclaimed productions that have toured nationally and internationally including Da kink in my hair, Kim’s Convenience, and Treemonisha. She has also directed in London, NYC and LA, garnering two NAACP nominations and has received nominations and awards from the Dora’s (Toronto), Drama League (NY), and Drama Critics Circle (LA). She is also a committed educator, mentor, and a producer of youth arts initiatives. She was the co-director of Artists Mentoring Youth Project and co-founded a platform for young artists from Ethiopian and Eritrean communities. In addition to Soulpepper, she has taught at the National Theatre School of Canada and the Canadian Film Centre. Mengesha’s parents emigrated from Ethiopia; she was born in Vancouver and grew up in Scarborough.

The Legacy Awards is executive produced by Shamier Anderson and Stephan James of The Black Academy and Bay Mills Studios. John Brunton, Lindsay Cox, and Shannon Farr are the executive producers for Insight Productions (a Boat Rocker company) and Jordan Rudder is the producer/talent producer. Daniel Abrams also serves as EP. For CBC, Sally Catto is General Manager, Entertainment, Factual & Sports; Jennifer Dettman is Executive Director, Unscripted Content; and Nic Meloney is Executive in Charge of Production, Unscripted Content. The Black Academy, Insight Productions, and CBC are committed to hiring Black senior staff and crew members for The Legacy Awards.

The Black Academy gratefully acknowledges the financial support of our partners that support the year-round goals and programming initiatives of the organization.

– 30 –

***Note to editors, producers, reporters, & photographers: media accreditation for The Legacy Awards is underway. Please email Gabrielle Free at GabFree.Publicity@gmail.com and winston.ma@cbc.ca to express interest in covering the Black Carpet and the awards.  Only those with assignments from pre-approved outlets will be considered.***

Social Media:
@blackisnowcanada
@legacyawardsca
@insight.productions / @insightprod
@CBC / @CBCGem
#TheLegacyAwardsCBC
#TheBlackAcademy
#CelebrateBlackCanadians
 

The Black Academy is a national, year-round Canadian organization that operates at the intersection of Black popular culture and social justice. The goals of The Black Academy are to showcase Black excellence and to share those achievements with all of Canada; to establish new spaces for Black Canadians to celebrate and network; and to kickstart careers through training and knowledge-sharing. Across all our initiatives, we inspire young people and generations to come. Co-founded by actors, producers, and Scarborough-born brothers Shamier Anderson and Stephan James, The Black Academy is born out of a longstanding commitment to their community and is dedicated to dismantling systemic racism in Canada. Gail Case serves as its Executive Director. Established in 2020, The Black Academy is based in Toronto and is a division of the not-for-profit B.L.A.C.K Canada. https://blackisnow.com; Instagram: @BLACKISNOWCANADA

About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada’s national public broadcaster. Through our mandate to inform, enlighten and entertain, we play a central role in strengthening Canadian culture. As Canada’s trusted news source, we offer a uniquely Canadian perspective on news, current affairs and world affairs. Our distinctively homegrown entertainment programming draws audiences from across the country. Deeply rooted in communities, CBC/Radio-Canada offers diverse content in English, French and eight Indigenous languages. We also deliver content in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Punjabi and Tagalog, as well as both official languages, through Radio Canada International (RCI). We are leading the transformation to meet the needs of Canadians in a digital world.
 
About Insight Productions (A Boat Rocker Company)
Insight Productions is Canada’s most established content producer, known for its award-winning ratings juggernauts and many of the country’s biggest award shows & music specials. Headed by John Brunton, Insight is an industry leader in the development, financing, and production of both scripted and unscripted hit programming.  John Brunton, Lindsay Cox, and Shannon Farr serve as executive producers on The Legacy Awards and Jordan Rudder is the producer/talent producer. Programming highlights include Stronger Together, Tous Ensemble, The JUNO Awards, The Canadian Screen Awards, The Amazing Race Canada, Big Brother Canada, Top Chef Canada, Canada Day 150! From Coast to Coast to Coast, Canada’s New Year’s Eve, and Canada’s Ultimate Challenge. In 2016, Insight produced The Tragically Hip: A National Celebration for CBC, a live concert special seen by one in three Canadians. Insight Productions was founded in 1979 and has since created thousands of hours of ground-breaking content. https://insighttv.com
 
About Bay Mills Studios
Bay Mills Studios is a cutting-edge production company founded by powerhouse brothers and actors Shamier Anderson & Stephan James. BMS is focused on showcasing an eclectic and inclusive lineup of diverse stories from feature films, scripted and unscripted TV, short-form, digital media and a panoply of other platform-agnostic content. Shamier and Stephan combine their creative expertise and ability to engage global audiences, to create ground-breaking content that pushes the boundaries all while being rooted in entertainment.

Media Contacts:
Gabrielle Free | Free Publicity (for The Black Academy & Insight Productions)
GabFree.Publicity@gmail.com
416-220-0201

Winston Ma | CBC PR
Winston.ma@cbc.ca
647-327-7408

TARGET: Black persons with a passion for writing, directing, storytelling and television and existing writing samples in film and/or television.

POSITION SUMMARY:

One (1) Writer participant will work closely with the Producers, Story Producers/Writers and Writers on “The Legacy Awards,” taking part in writer meetings, researching, participating in the writing of tribute packs, presenter speeches, and other show content as required. They will learn the fundamentals of rundowns, clearance and editing.

At the end of the training period, the participant has acquired the skills, contacts and a minimum of one (1) television production credit.

ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES:

• Identify as Black 
• Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada
• Ontario Resident
• 19 years old or older
• Self-starter with the ability to follow through until successful completion of assigned duties
• Ability to function effectively in an atmosphere subject to frequent changes and produce results
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong communication skills

REQUIRED EDUCATION: 

• High School Diploma

HOW TO APPLY:

• Email your Resume, Cover letter and Contact Information for two (2) references to BlackAcademySkills@insighttv.com or use the button below
• Please include “Writer” in the subject line of your email
• Please no phone calls. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

For questions, please contact: BlackAcademySkills@insighttv.com

TARGET: Black persons with a passion for fashion and design and some experience in the sector.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Wardrobe Assistant combines a love of fashion and design with film and television. Whether it’s a feature film, a TV series, reality show, or awards presentation, wardrobe helps tell the visual story of any production.

In this Stream, one (1) participant works as a Wardrobe Assistant under the Head of Wardrobe on one or more Insight productions including “The Legacy Awards.” This hands-on experience provides a solid foundation in how a set is run, as well as an understanding of the big picture, and how wardrobe fits into it and works to help shape a narrative.

The Wardrobe Assistant receives valuable training in such areas as design, buying, fitting and preparation of wardrobe for camera. They learn and/or sharpen existing design and technical skills, including drafting, sewing and crafting. Interacting with talent and other valuable members of the Wardrobe and production team, they further develop interpersonal skills.

At the end of the Program, the participant has made valuable contacts, expanded their portfolio and added a minimum of one (1) television production credit to their resume and are equipped to further pursue a career in Wardrobe within the entertainment industry.

ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES:

• Identify as Black 
• Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada
• Ontario Resident
• 19 years old or older
• Self-starter with the ability to follow through until successful completion of assigned duties
• Ability to function effectively in an atmosphere subject to frequent changes and produce results
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong communication skills

REQUIRED EDUCATION: 

• High School Diploma

HOW TO APPLY:

• Email your Resume, Cover letter and Contact Information for two (2) references to BlackAcademySkills@insighttv.com or use the button below
• Please include “Wardrobe Assistant” in the subject line of your email
• Please no phone calls. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

For questions, please contact: BlackAcademySkills@insighttv.com

TARGET: Emerging and/or mid-career Black professionals.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Working exclusively on “The Legacy Awards,” this participant will learn a key position. This role is vital to the success of any event of this nature because without talent there is no show! Working with the Producer/Talent Producer, the Associate Talent Producer gains first-hand experience in and a knowledge of how to connect with agents, management and labels to secure talent. They also work with talent representatives to confirm talent needs and requirements in advance of, and on show day, including wardrobe, travel, script writing, dressing room requirements and more.

Participants in the Producer Stream work closely with top tier production professionals with decades of experience and industry awards attesting to the quality of work they produce. They gain an inner knowledge and practical skills while working on “The Legacy Awards.”

Upon completion, each participant has gained the necessary skills to further pursue a career in the entertainment industry and has acquired a minimum of one (1) production credit. They have also networked with industry professionals to help secure future opportunities.

ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES:

• Identify as Black 
• Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada
• Ontario Resident
• 19 years old or older
• Self-starter with the ability to follow through until successful completion of assigned duties
• Ability to function effectively in an atmosphere subject to frequent changes and produce results
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong communication skills

REQUIRED EDUCATION: 

• High School Diploma

HOW TO APPLY:

• Email your Resume, Cover letter and Contact Information for two (2) references to BlackAcademySkills@insighttv.com or use the button below
• Please include “Associate Talent Producer” in the subject line of your email
• Please no phone calls. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

For questions, please contact: BlackAcademySkills@insighttv.com

TARGET: Black persons with a passion for writing, directing, storytelling and television and some existing film and/or television writing samples.

POSITION SUMMARY:

A Story Producer helps shape the narrative of a show by producing certain acts, segments or packs within it. By assembling various creative elements, such as original shot footage, archival material (photos, film clips, etc.) and music, the Story Producer must create a compelling and engaging piece from beginning to end. This in turn gets woven into the overall fabric of a show.

The Story Producer easily moves from field to edit bay and requires excellent research, writing and story skills. Working with the story team as well as editors, sound and shooters, the Story Producer carries out the vision of the Executive Producers and Producer. 

The Associate Story Producer will work closely with the writing and post production teams on “The Legacy Awards,” focusing on telling the stories of award recipients, storytelling spotlights and assisting with the preparation of paper edits. 

The Associate Story Producer participant will learn or sharpen existing storytelling knowledge. Working with the producing team to shape the narrative of this year’s show, the participant will develop skills including project planning and oversight, footage review, writing and effective communication.

At the end of the training period, the participant has acquired the skills, contacts and a minimum of one (1) television production credit. Areas of potential training and exposure include:

• Review all edits and provide notes
• Review footage and make selections
• Track stock footage and music
• Research and prepare paper edits 
• Manage creative feedback
• Work with editing team and Post Producer

ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES:

• Identify as Black 
• Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada
• Ontario Resident
• 19 years old or older
• Self-starter with the ability to follow through until successful completion of assigned duties
• Ability to function effectively in an atmosphere subject to frequent changes and produce results
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong communication skills

REQUIRED EDUCATION: 

• High School Diploma

HOW TO APPLY:

• Email your Resume, Cover letter and Contact Information for two (2) references to BlackAcademySkills@insighttv.com or use the button below
• Please include “Associate Story Producer” in the subject line of your email
• Please no phone calls. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

For questions, please contact: BlackAcademySkills@insighttv.com

POSITION SUMMARY:

A crucial position in the post production process. This participant learns the fundamentals and skills necessary to excel as a good Assistant Editor, including footage ingestion, metadata tagging, editing, troubleshooting, and media organization. Also learns or hones skills on software such as Avid.

Participants in the Post Production Stream interface with an array of personnel on a show, including but not limited to Writers, Producers, Composers, as well as Sound and Visual effects Editors. At the end of the Post Production Program, the participants have the skills necessary to pursue a job in the Post Production industry or advance an existing one, as well as a minimum of one (1) production credit.

ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES:

• Identify as Black 
• Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada
• Ontario Resident
• 19 years old or older
• Self-starter with the ability to follow through until successful completion of assigned duties
• Ability to function effectively in an atmosphere subject to frequent changes and produce results
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong communication skills

REQUIRED EDUCATION: 

• High School Diploma

HOW TO APPLY:

• Email your Resume, Cover letter and Contact Information for two (2) references to BlackAcademySkills@insighttv.com or use the button below
• Please include “Assistant Editor” in the subject line of your email
• Please no phone calls. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

For questions, please contact: BlackAcademySkills@insighttv.com

TARGET: Emerging and/or mid-career Black professionals

POSITION SUMMARY:

Working alongside seasoned editors on “The Legacy Awards,” this participant learns best editing practices and a variety of editorial styles as they assist in the storytelling process of the show. Tasks could include assembly of raw footage into scenes and format sections, executing notes from Producer(s), making selects for Sr. Editors and editing packs and/or sections of the show.

Participants in the Post Production Stream interface with an array of personnel on a show, including but not limited to Writers, Producers, Composers, as well as Sound and Visual effects Editors. At the end of the Post Production Program, the participants have the skills necessary to pursue a job in the Post Production industry or advance an existing one, as well as a minimum of one (1) production credit.

ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES:

• Identify as Black 
• Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada
• Ontario Resident
• 19 years old or older
• Self-starter with the ability to follow through until successful completion of assigned duties
• Ability to function effectively in an atmosphere subject to frequent changes and produce results
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong communication skills

REQUIRED EDUCATION: 

• High School Diploma

HOW TO APPLY:

• Email your Resume, Cover letter and Contact Information for two (2) references to BlackAcademySkills@insighttv.com or use the button below
• Please include “Junior Editor” in the subject line of your email
• Please no phone calls. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

For questions, please contact: BlackAcademySkills@insighttv.com

TARGET: Black persons with some existing director skills (either in live television or other medium i.e. theatre, tv or film etc.) interested in transitioning to or furthering a career in television production.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Multi-Camera Director participant will shadow an experienced Multi-Camera Director on the live production of “The Legacy Awards.” The participant gains unprecedented access, working side-by-side with the Director and Creative Director of “The Legacy Awards” on the prep and production of the show. The Multi-Cam Director participant will learn how to possess strong technical knowledge of camera operation, framing, and visual storytelling, while managing multiple camera angles, shots, and transitions to deliver a compelling and seamless broadcast experience.

At the end of the Program, the participant will have acquired the necessary skills and a minimum of one (1) television production credit to further pursue a career in the field of direction.

ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES:

• Identify as Black 
• Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada
• Ontario Resident
• 19 years old or older
• Self-starter with the ability to follow through until successful completion of assigned duties
• Ability to function effectively in an atmosphere subject to frequent changes and produce results
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong communication skills

REQUIRED EDUCATION: 

• High School Diploma

HOW TO APPLY:

• Email your Resume, Cover letter and Contact Information for two (2) references to BlackAcademySkills@insighttv.com or use the button below
• Please include “Multi-Camera Director” in the subject line of your email
• Please no phone calls. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

For questions, please contact: BlackAcademySkills@insighttv.com

TORONTO, August 1, 2024 – Shamier Anderson and Stephan James, Scarborough, ON, natives and co-founders of The Black Academy, alongside CBC, Insight Productions, and Bay Mills Studios today announced that award-winning actor Adrian Holmes (Bel-Air) is set to anchor the third edition of The Black Academy’s award show, The Legacy Awards. The live 90-minute special will broadcast on CBC and CBC Gem on Sunday, September 29, 2024 at 8 p.m. (9 p.m. AT/9:30 p.m. NT). The Legacy Awards returns for the third year to Live Nation Canada’s HISTORY, Official Venue of the 2024 Legacy Awards. The show features performances, award presentations, and tributes honouring both established and emerging Black Canadian talent. This year’s honourees, performers, and presenters will be announced in the coming weeks. Submissions for the Fan Choice Digital Content Creator Award open today at 12 pm ET. This award allows fans to choose their favourite Black-identifying Canadian digital content creators. The winner will be announced during The Legacy Awards broadcast. Visit vote.blackacademy.ca for more details.

“We’re all so thrilled that Adrian is hosting The Legacy Awards,” said Shamier Anderson, Co-Founder, The Black Academy. “He stands for everything we admire and want to celebrate: he’s hugely talented, an international star, a role model for our community, and an inspiration to young Black Canadians.”

“I’m excited to host the Legacy Awards for so many reasons,” said Adrian Holmes, Host of The 2024 Legacy Awards. “I get to give back to the country where all my dreams began. This show, where we highlight and celebrate Black Excellence in Canada, is a milestone. It’s a privilege to be at the helm of such an important moment and an honour to be working alongside Shamier and Stephan, both of whom have been a huge inspiration to me and to our community.”

“We are excited to welcome acclaimed actor Adrian Holmes as the host for the third year of The Legacy Awards,” said Sally Catto, General Manager, Entertainment, Factual & Sports, CBC. “We look forward to partnering with Shamier, Stephan, Adrian, and Insight Productions to once again shine a national spotlight on this inspiring celebration of Black Canadians and their achievements.”

“The support we have from all of our amazing partners, from CBC to Insight Productions to our corporate sponsors, has always been authentic – they have helped breathe life into our mission to showcase Black talent and to create a unique and unapologetic space for celebration,” said Stephan James, Co-Founder, The Black Academy. “It’s always very encouraging to see sponsors return year after year – we’re incredibly thankful to RBC, Telefilm Canada, and Ontario Creates for standing by us since the very beginning. This year we also want to extend a special welcome to CIBC and Intuit Turbo Tax, our newest sponsors, and look forward to bringing more organizations into the fold.”

The Black Academy, Insight Productions, and CBC are committed to hiring Black senior staff and crew members for The Legacy Awards. Insight Productions is accepting résumés from those who have a passion for live events and award shows at legacyawardsresumes@insighttv.com. 

ADRIAN HOLMES BIO
An award-winning actor, Adrian Holmes has more than 100 film and television credits to his name including Bel-Air and 19-2. For his work on Bel-Air as ‘Uncle Phil’, Holmes recently won the 2024 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. His other credits include Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, V-Wars, Sacred Lies, The Boys, and Arrow, among many others. In 2017, Holmes received the Canadian Screen Award for Best Lead Male in a Dramatic Series for his performance on 19-2. Born in Wrexham, North Wales, with family from Barbados, Holmes grew up in and around Vancouver, British Columbia. While still a teenager, Holmes received an award for his role in a local festival play written and performed by his high school drama class. From that moment on, Holmes decided to pursue a career in acting. He continued to perform in stage productions throughout high school and college and studied his craft in Vancouver and New York. When not acting, Holmes enjoys travelling, and tries to visit Barbados as much as possible.

The Legacy Awards is executive produced by Shamier Anderson and Stephan James of The Black Academy and Bay Mills Studios. John Brunton, Lindsay Cox, and Shannon Farr are the executive producers for Insight Productions (a Boat Rocker company) and Jordan Rudder is the producer/talent producer. Daniel Abrams also serves as EP. For CBC, Sally Catto is General Manager, Entertainment, Factual & Sports; Jennifer Dettman is Executive Director, Unscripted Content; and Nic Meloney is Executive in Charge of Production, Unscripted Content.

The Black Academy gratefully acknowledges the financial support of our partners that support the year-round goals and programming initiatives of the organization.

– 30 –

***MEDIA NOTE*** Media accreditation for the 2024 Legacy Awards begins in August 2024; please email GabFree.Publicity@gmail.com and winston.ma@cbc.ca to be added to the mailing list for updates.
 

The Black Academy is a national, year-round Canadian organization that operates at the intersection of Black popular culture and social justice. The goals of The Black Academy are to showcase Black excellence and to share those achievements with all of Canada; to establish new spaces for Black Canadians to celebrate and network; and to kickstart careers through training and knowledge-sharing. Across all our initiatives, we inspire young people and generations to come. Co-founded by actors, producers, and Scarborough-born brothers Shamier Anderson and Stephan James, The Black Academy is born out of a longstanding commitment to their community and is dedicated to dismantling systemic racism in Canada. Gail Case serves as its Executive Director. Established in 2020, The Black Academy is based in Toronto and is a division of the not-for-profit B.L.A.C.K Canada. https://blackisnow.com; Instagram: @BLACKISNOWCANADA

About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada’s national public broadcaster. Through our mandate to inform, enlighten and entertain, we play a central role in strengthening Canadian culture. As Canada’s trusted news source, we offer a uniquely Canadian perspective on news, current affairs and world affairs. Our distinctively homegrown entertainment programming draws audiences from across the country. Deeply rooted in communities, CBC/Radio-Canada offers diverse content in English, French and eight Indigenous languages. We also deliver content in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Punjabi and Tagalog, as well as both official languages, through Radio Canada International (RCI). We are leading the transformation to meet the needs of Canadians in a digital world.
 
About Insight Productions (A Boat Rocker Company)
Insight Productions is Canada’s most established content producer, known for its award-winning ratings juggernauts and many of the country’s biggest award shows & music specials. Headed by John Brunton, Insight is an industry leader in the development, financing, and production of both scripted and unscripted hit programming.  John Brunton, Lindsay Cox, and Shannon Farr serve as executive producers on The Legacy Awards and Jordan Rudder is the producer/talent producer. Programming highlights include Stronger Together, Tous Ensemble, The JUNO Awards, The Canadian Screen Awards, The Amazing Race Canada, Big Brother Canada, Top Chef Canada, Canada Day 150! From Coast to Coast to Coast, Canada’s New Year’s Eve, and Canada’s Ultimate Challenge. In 2016, Insight produced The Tragically Hip: A National Celebration for CBC, a live concert special seen by one in three Canadians. Insight Productions was founded in 1979 and has since created thousands of hours of ground-breaking content. https://insighttv.com
 
About Bay Mills Studios
Bay Mills Studios is a cutting-edge production company founded by powerhouse brothers and actors Shamier Anderson & Stephan James. BMS is focused on showcasing an eclectic and inclusive lineup of diverse stories from feature films, scripted and unscripted TV, short-form, digital media and a panoply of other platform-agnostic content. Shamier and Stephan combine their creative expertise and ability to engage global audiences, to create ground-breaking content that pushes the boundaries all while being rooted in entertainment.

Media Contacts:
Gabrielle Free | Free Publicity (for The Black Academy & Insight Productions)
GabFree.Publicity@gmail.com
416-220-0201

Winston Ma | CBC PR
Winston.ma@cbc.ca
647-327-7408