The Quebec branch of the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television (Canadian Academy) has merged several categories for the Prix Gemeaux in a bid to increase the competitiveness of the annual awards.

The rule overhaul was unveiled on Monday (Dec. 19), with the total number of categories reduced from 139 to 88. Changes include placing comedy specials and series into one category, as well as documentary programs and series, and children and youth programs, to name a few.

The merge also introduces gender-neutral awards in the performance categories for comedy, drama and youth programming. As a result, the maximum number of nominees has been increased from five to eight. The Canadian Screen Awards announced a similar rule change earlier this year.

The Canadian Academy’s Quebec branch has also introduced a rule that any category with more than 60 entries may have up to eight finalists. Otherwise they remain at five. Additionally, in the drama categories, a series must have aired on television to be eligible.

The Canadian Academy has also adjusted the weighting for the deliberation of program awards winners, with grand jury votes set at 50%, member votes at 30%, and Numeris ratings at 20%. It was previously weighted at 40% for member votes and 10% for ratings.

The category and rule changes were made following a revision process that began in 2021, according to a news release, which included a committee of industry members, and was approved by the Quebec branch’s board of directors.

Submissions for the 38th Prix Gemeaux will open Jan. 5, 2023, and nominees will be announced on June 15. The awards will be handed out between three gala ceremonies, with one scheduled for Sept. 14, and two for Sept. 17. 

Photo by Eric Myre, courtesy of the Canadian Academy