The Canadian Film Centre (CFC) has announced it is set to honour Jennifer Podemski, Rick Mercer and Don McKellar with the inaugural Norman Jewison Founder’s Council Award at this year’s CFC Gala.

The gala, officially titled Growing Futures, will take place on June 12 at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto.

The award is the Founder’s Council’s first major initiative. It will be presented annually at the Gala to up to three recipients whose work reflects the legacy of Jewison, the CFC’s founder.

The council is a non-fiduciary consultative body established by the CFC board to champion the organization and its initiatives. Current members include Eric Belcher, Don Carmody, Neal Clarence, Suzette Couture, David Cronenberg, chair Steven DeNure, Blake Goldring, Christina Jennings, Kevin Jewison, George Lewis, David W. Middleton, Bob Munroe, Gary Slaight and Barbara Williams. Kate Alexander Daniels is set to join this fall.

“Jennifer, Rick and Don each exemplify creativity, courage, and leadership and have made significant contributions to the screen industry in Canada and abroad,” said DeNure in a statement. “We’re pleased to recognize their remarkable achievements with this inaugural award.”

Pictured (L-R): Jennifer Podemski (Photo by Nadya Kwandibens/Red Works Photography), Rick Mercer (Photo by Sebastien Dolidon) and Don McKellar (Photo by Kara O’Keefe)