Toronto-born actor Stephan James (If Beale Street Could Talk, pictured top left) will be recognized with the Canadian Award of Distinction at the Banff World Media Festival’s Rockie Awards.

The award is given to a Canadian whose body of work exemplifies achievement and impact in the entertainment industry. Past honourees include: Simu Liu, Eric McCormack, Kim Cattrall, Sheila Hockin and Jean-Marc Vallée.

Phil Rosenthal (Everybody Loves Raymond, Somebody Feed Phil, pictured top right) will receive The Award of Excellence acknowledging exceptional achievement through a body of work over an extended period of time. Past honourees include: Sharon Horgan, Paul Feig, Jeremy Podeswa, David E. Kelley and Kevin Beggs.

It was previously announced that South Korea would be recognized as BANFF’s inaugural Country of Honour. The award will be accepted by Hyun Suk Yoo, Korea Creative Content Agency president. In April, the festival announced composer Hans Zimmer will also be recognized with a Career Achievement Award and the newly named Carrie Hunter Emerging Talent Prize will be awarded to a rising talent at the Festival.

This year’s Rockie Awards saw entries from 45 countries, and is composed of 152 nominees spread across 22 countries and 30 categories. Canada has the third-most nominations of any country, behind only the U.S. and U.K. with 54 and 52 nominations, respectively. The awards are hosted by TV personality and singer Priyanka (pictured below).

The 46th edition of BANFF runs from June 8 to 11 in Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in Banff, Alta.

Image courtesy of the Banff World Media Festival. Photo of Priyanka by Fernando Cysneiros