At the 24th annual Gemini Awards last Saturday night, the police-drama “Flashpoint” came out as the gala’s big winner, taking home an impressive three trophies including the coveted “Best Drama” award. The Canadian-made program also won three pre-telecast trophies after receiving a total of 16 Gemini nods, more than any other show. Enrico Colantoni clinched best actor, as did Kelly Makin for best drama director. "I think great stories are great stories, and ‘Flashpoint’ has an incredible emotional core [and] this action element," said Colantoni’s co-star Hugh Dillon.
The CBC’s original show “Dragons’ Den” won for best reality show, while the best comedy program or series went to the “Rick Mercer Report.” Alberta native and actress Erin Karpluk of the hit show “Being Erica” earned the best actress honour as well.
The Gemini Awards, which were hosted by Canadian funnyman Ron James, were held at Calgary’s BMO Centre, Stampede Corral, a first for the awards. A total of 17 prizes were given out. In addition to the gold statuettes, “Kids in the Hall” alum Mark McKinney honoured three classic homegrown comedies for their contributions to Canadian comedic television – “Trailer Park Boys,” “Corner Gas” and “Air Farce,” all of which wrapped up this year. After introducing three of “Air Farce’s” most popular castmates – Luba Goy, Roger Abbott and Doug Ferguson – McKinney joked, "I was stunned to find out they were still alive.”
The Gemini Awards were started in 1986, and they were established to honour outstanding achievements in Canadian English-language TV. The Awards bring together over 2,500 of the country’s most gifted craftspeople, producers, actors, and decision-makers over several evenings of special events.
