While it likely won’t beat Hockey Night in Canada in the ratings, this year’s Gemini Awards on Global Television could position the national TV awards ceremony more in step with Canuck pop culture and help put names to the faces on Canadian primetime.

Not only is it the kudofest’s 20th anniversary, but it is also the first time since a CTV one-off in 1989 that a private broadcaster – and not the CBC – will produce the gala broadcast. (The CBC does, however, plan to air the Gems gala in a second-window telecast.)

As the next chapter of Canadian television history is being written, there are questions about just how far the CBC carried the ball and how effectively. At one point, the Gemini broadcast reportedly drew nearly one million viewers, while the last few shows on CBC were watched by 200,000 to 300,000. So, the timing seemed right to hand over the Geminis to a network with a fresh perspective (see story, p. G15). Although Global may not be known for its wealth of Canadian programs, its highly rated U.S. imports and Entertainment Tonight Canada program allow for a better opportunity to promote the event. In fact, the nominees were announced on the ET Canada newsmag.

According to Paul Gratton, chair of the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television (the organizers of the Geminis) and a CHUM Television exec, this line of promotional thinking has always been a part of the Gemini mandate, and ACCT will pursue it even if it means jumping networks.

‘There’s a continuous effort on the part of the Academy to remain as up-to-date and contemporary and not be afraid of changing with the times,’ Gratton says.

A quick breakdown of the nominees is a further case in point, as it showcases the usual suspects but also offers some surprises.

In the tradition of honoring defunct shows, the cancelled drama The Eleventh Hour is tied with newsmag the fifth estate with 15 noms, while long-gone Cold Squad gained notice in the performance and craft categories. Degrassi: The Next Generation moved from the youth category ghetto into the running for best drama series, but was shut out in all craft categories, prompting producer Stephen Stohn to quip, ‘I guess the nomination rationale for the Geminis is just one of life’s sweet mysteries.’

The disturbing CBC mini Sex Traffic received 14 nods, while the pubcaster’s legal drama series This Is Wonderland served notice with 12 noms that it may take over as Gemini darling from The Eleventh Hour and Da Vinci’s Inquest (although Dominic is now just down the hall in the mayor’s office). With a pack-leading 200-plus noms overall, the CBC also managed a clean sweep of the documentary series category (see story, p. G21).

Last year’s comedy series winner Trailer Park Boys failed to make this year’s shortlist (although it is cited for direction, writing and ensemble performance), and despite the fact that about 1.5 million people in this country tune in weekly to Corner Gas, it received but a single nomination, which has led to the annual cynicism about the nominee selection process.

‘Don’t you just love the jury system?’ says Gratton. ‘It would be inconceivable to me to have a slate of nominations in which independent observers do not find glaring omissions. You could point to the winner of the best newscast last year. It was CHUM, and they’re not even nominated this year.’

He elaborates that, by logic, it’s possible that Corner Gas came sixth in a category where there’s only room for five. ‘Having been on some of these juries, it’s kind of heartbreaking that there’s isn’t room for six or seven nominations,’ he says.

In the special awards categories, Steve Smith, creator and star of The Red Green Show, will receive the Earle Grey Award for his body of work, while David Greene will be recognized for his 40-year career in audio with the Academy Achievement Award (see story, p. G19).

Meanwhile, this year’s Viewers Choice Award is for best lifestyle host. The viewing public has begun voting at the Gemini website, and 10 finalists have been chosen, including Marilyn Dennis (CityLine), Mike Holmes (Holmes on Homes), Ben Mulroney (eTalk Daily) and Debbie Travis (Debbie Travis’ Facelift). The final round of voting will remain open until Nov. 16, and the winner will be announced at the gala.

The glitz and glam of ET Canada’s red-carpet coverage, beginning at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19, will give viewers a first look at this renewed effort to connect star power to the annual event. Meanwhile, Rogers Television will air the Documentary, News and Sports Awards, which takes place on Nov. 17, and the Industry Gala, set for Nov. 18.

The move away from CBC might also mean an eventual change of venue from the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, perhaps best known for its annual Auto Show, to a more glamorous location. The Four Seasons Centre, presently under construction in downtown Toronto, could provide a suitable alternative.

www.geminiawards.ca

With files from Mark Dillon