Bee to host Canadian Screen Awards

Toronto native Samantha Bee is returning home to host the 2023 Canadian Screen Awards.

Organizers for the ceremony celebrating the best in Canadian film and television said Bee will helm the pre-recorded broadcast to cap off Canadian Screen Week, during which there will be numerous in-person events for the first time in four years.

In a departure from the prepandemic format, the “Canadian Screen Awards With Samantha Bee”will not take place live in front of an audience of guests and nominees.

Aspokesperson for the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television said the special will highlight award winners feted throughout the week, and will include interviews and “notable moments.” It will air April16 on CBC and CBC Gem.

Awards will be handed out over seven events divided by genre, beginning April 11, with awards being given to sports, news and documentary and factual programming.

Bee, who made a name for herself as a correspondent on “The Daily Show” before hosting her late-night comedy series “Full Frontal With Samantha Bee,” said she’s excited for the opportunity to celebrate “our country’s finest creative minds.”

Another major change to the CSAs announced last year is that the performance categories for film and TV are no longer split by gender.

Nominees will be announced on Feb. 22.

Special award recipients include Ryan Reynolds, Catherine O’Hara and Simu Liu.