First awarded 1968 | Category of Gemini Awards | |
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The John Drainie Award is an award given to an individual who has made a significant contribution to broadcasting in Canada. Although meant to be presented annually there have been years where it was not presented.
Originally created by ACTRA and presented as part of its ACTRA Awards program, the award was later transferred to the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television and presented as part of the Gemini Awards or the Canadian Screen Awards.
Unlike other awards which are voted on by the Academy's board of directors, the recipient of the John Drainie Award is selected by a committee of previous winners. Any branch of the Academy's Television Division may put forth nominations to the Drainie Committee for consideration. The recipient receives a plaque with Drainie's likeness rather than a Gemini statuette. It was presented posthumously on some occasions but current ACTRA policy is to present this award to living people.
Past winners
The following people have won the award since 1968. The symbol π indicates the honour was awarded after death.