Unlike many of her cohorts, Cinemaginaire producer Denise Robert actually remembers all the Genies and Gemeaux parties she’s attended.

‘I’m not a party girl,’ she says with a laugh. ‘I don’t drink, I don’t smoke – I’m very boring.’

Which is not to say she hasn’t enjoyed her trips to Toronto for the Genies shows. The ceremonies have yielded four trophies for her production of Le Confessionnal (1996), including best picture; the Golden Reel for biggest box office for Nuit de Noces (2001); and, just this year, six awards including best picture for international phenom The Barbarian Invasions.

While she says ‘It’s always an honor when your peers recognize the work you do,’ the three Prix Gemeaux won for her TV drama production of Joyeux Calvaire (1997), helmed by partner Denys Arcand, hold a special place in her heart, illustrating how the Academy praises artistry over production values.

‘We were very excited, because it was a very small-budget film – $700,000, with a very small crew,’ she recalls. ‘With the actors, we were a total of 10. I did the craft; I did the costumes. Everybody had to carry equipment, carry this, carry that. It was a very happy shoot with no money, which gave us a lot of freedom. And to have the recognition as best drama and best writing and directing for Denys was awesome.’