Significant contribution to broadcasting in Canada
Country
Canada
Presented by
ACTRA (1968–1985, 2000s–), Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television (1986–2000)
Reward
Plaque with John Drainie's likeness
First award
1968
Most recent winner
Mack Furlong (2014)
The John Drainie Award was an award given to an individual who has made a significant contribution to broadcasting in Canada. Although meant to be presented annually, there have been years where it was not presented.
Originally created by ACTRA in 1968 as a standalone award,[1] the award was named in memory of Canadian actor John Drainie following his death in 1966, and was presented as part of the Canadian Film Awards ceremonies for its first four years. Beginning in 1972 it was presented as part of the expanded ACTRA Awards program.
Unlike other awards which are voted on by the Academy's board of directors, the recipient of the John Drainie Award was selected by a committee of previous winners. Any branch of the Academy's Television Division may put forth nominations to the Drainie Committee for consideration. The recipient receives a plaque with Drainie's likeness rather than a Gemini statuette. It was presented posthumously on some occasions but current ACTRA policy is to present this award to living people.
Winners
The following people have won the award since 1968.
^Mike Boone, "Gemini gems from Max Ferguson; Radio legend provides highlight of Canada's TV awards". Montreal Gazette, March 8, 1994.
^"Nash to get media prize". Vancouver Sun, February 10, 1995.
^Christopher Harris, "Due South dominates Geminis: This Hour Has 22 Minutes also big winner at 10th annual Canadian TV awards". The Globe and Mail, March 4, 1996.
^"CBC dominates second night of Geminis". Canadian Press, March 1, 1997.
^"TVO chief wins Drainie award". Ottawa Citizen, January 31, 1998.
^John McKay, "Gemini weekend again praises the best Canadian TV". Canadian Press, September 29, 1998.
^John McKay, "Milgaard, Da Vinci top Gemini winners". Kingston Whig-Standard, November 8, 1999.
^Brenda Bouw, "Fifth estate big winner: CBC documentary program collects four Geminis on weekend". National Post, October 30, 2000.
^"Suzuki recognized with award". Barrie Examiner, June 11, 2002.
^"Mansbridge, Dale to co-host tribute to U.S.". Calgary Herald, May 13, 2003.
^Alex Strachan, "Champion of Canadian broadcasting honoured at Banff fest". Montreal Gazette, June 12, 2004.
^"Vicki Gabereau to be honoured at Banff TV fest". Canadian Press, May 25, 2005.