Alumni from York University’s School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD) were among this year’s Canadian Screen Award winners, earning 28 awards across film, television, documentary and digital media.
Following a strong showing in the Canadian Screen Award list of nominees, this year’s winners representing AMPD were recognized across a range of categories, from performance and cinematography to costume design, visual effects and more.
For recent graduate Heather Hedley (BFA ’26), who contributed to Honey Bunch while still a student and went on to win Achievement in Costume Design for the film, the recognition reflects both an early career milestone and the creative foundation she built at York.
“York cultivated this celebratory environment,” says Hedley. “Between Finish Line, CineSiege, in-class screenings and discussions, we celebrated the process alongside everyone else. That was one of the most valuable lessons in my eyes - celebrating the process. The award is the cherry on top!”
Congratulations to the following AMPD alumni winners:
Film
Matt Johnson (BFA ’06, MFA ’16), Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie
Best Motion Picture
Achievement in Music - Original Song
Performance in a Supporting Role, Comedy
Matt Greyson (BFA ’08), Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie
Best Motion Picture
Adam Clark (BFA ’11), Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie
Achievement in Sound Mixing
Luca Tarantini (BFA ’13), Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie
Achievement in Visual Effects
Iris Ng (BFA ’01), There Are No Words
Best Cinematography in a Feature Length Documentary
Madeleine Sims-Fewer (BFA ‘08), Honey Bunch
Achievement in Costume Design
Heather Hedley (BFA ‘26), Honey Bunch
Achievement in Costume Design
Television and Documentary
Nadine Bhabha (BFA ‘16), Heated Rivalry
Best Guest Performance, Drama Series
Amanda Brugel (BFA ’00), The Handmaid’s Tale
Spotlight Award for Best Performance
Alison Duke (MFA ’20), Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story
Best Writing, Documentary
Best Direction, Documentary Program
Elma Bello (BFA ’95), Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story
Best Sound, Documentary or Factual
Iris Ng (BFA ’12), Exclusion: Beyond the Silence
Best Photography, Documentary or Factual
Justin Stockman (BFA ’96)
The Traitors Canada
Best Reality/Competition Program or Series
Drag Brunch Saved my Life
Best Lifestyle Program or Series
Arnie Zipursky (BFA ’78), Dying in Plain Sight
Best TV Movie
Ryan Goldhar (BFA ‘97), People of Comedy
Best Comedy Special
Art Mullin (BFA ’99), Unicorn Academy
Best Sound, Animation
Jenny Lewis (BA ’94), Heated Rivalry
Best Achievement in Casting, Fiction
Teresa M. Ho (BFA ’95), North of North
Best Comedy Series
Stacey McGunnigle (BFA ’08), This Hour Has 22 Minutes
Best Sketch Comedy Show & Ensemble Performance
Best Writing, Variety or Sketch Comedy
Howard Shefman (BFA ’10), Dark Side of the Ring
Best Factual Series
Mark J.W. Bishop (MA ’12), Old Enough!
Best Children's or Youth Non-Fiction Program or Series
Francine DiBacco (MA ’15), Blue Rodeo: Lost Together
Best Biography or Arts Documentary Program or Series
Bita Joudaki (MFA ’21), This Hour Has 22 Minutes
Best Writing, Variety or Sketch Comedy
Digital
Julie Nolke (BFA ’12), Julie Nolke
Creator of the Year
Photos: George Pimentel Photography
Congratulations to all AMPD alumni recognized at this year’s Canadian Screen Awards!
To read more about York-affiliated winners, visit YFile.
To learn more about the Canadian Screen Awards, visit the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television’s website.
Cover photo (left): George Pimentel Photography