The “gender-non-specific” categories at the Gemini Awards will only last for one year: The Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television announced on Thursday the return of female and male categories in acting at its next edition.
Published at 12:17 p.m. Updated at 12:59 p.m
This decision is based on a “revision of the categories by expert committees”. e. s” and “carried out several consultations with its members and people in the industry,” we explain in a press release.
The academy's decision to opt for unisex categories was not unanimous in the industry. To justify her decision, the general director of the academy's Quebec section, Mara Gourd-Mercado, pointed out that the revision was part of a “movement” and that certain artists felt more comfortable competing in non-gender-specific categories. The latter left the academy last May and now works for a documentary film festival in Copenhagen.
In September, Fabienne Larouche confirmed that she would not be taking part in her STAT series at the 2024 Gémeaux race, citing “the severity of the exercise”, the cost and the “politics behind it”. Sophie Lorain and Alexis Durand-Brault from the ALSO box have decided to no longer register the shows for future editions of the event.
The Academy also announced Thursday pricing changes (15% off early registration) and a change in how final votes are compiled. In the Best Annual Drama Series and Best Daily Drama Series categories, the ratings weight will decrease from 20% to 10%. No audience rating is taken into account for all other program categories.