2026 AWARD WINNERS
Photo by Shane D'Costa - @sameshanedifferentday
Akashi, Hangashore, James, and Los Ríos win feature film awards
Akashi is awarded People’s Pick for Best Flick
Toronto, ON - March 30, 2026 – Canadian Film Fest (CFF), the indie-spirited festival dedicated to celebrating Canadian filmmakers, revealed the award winners for its 20th anniversary edition on Sunday, March 29, following a successful six-day festival at Toronto’s Scotiabank Theatre.
Mayumi Yoshida's Akashi won the Best Feature Award and took home the People’s Pick for Best Flick; Justin Oakey was awarded the DCG Ontario Best Director Award for Hangashore, which also received the Special Jury Award for Best Cinematography; Max Train’s James won the Special Jury Award for Exceptional Vision; and Dale Bailey and Ryan Fyfe-Brown’s Los Ríos won the Special Jury Award for Impact.
In the short films category, Tyler McKenzie Evans’ Sea Star won Best Short; Louise Flaherty was awarded Best Producer for Gnawer of Rocks; Artemis Aria won the Special Jury Award for Best Performer in Leili's Photo; and Black Water won the Special Jury Prize for Outstanding Screenplay.
“Congratulations to all of this year’s Canadian Film Fest award winners,” said Ashleigh Rains, Festival Director and Head Programmer, Canadian Film Fest. “We’re honoured to celebrate these films and the incredible storytellers behind them. As we mark our 20th anniversary, it’s inspiring to see the creativity, passion, and bold voices that continue to shape Canadian cinema today.”
Additionally, the winner of the second annual You-CAN Pitch competition was Adrian Bobb for his project The Sublime. Sponsored by OYA Black Arts Coalition and SESLER, this initiative provides Black Canadian filmmakers with the opportunity to pitch their projects to a panel of industry experts and receive valuable feedback and mentorship to advance their careers.
PEOPLE’S PICK FOR BEST FLICK - Akashi, directed by Mayumi Yoshida
Feature Film Jury Awards:
The feature film jury consisted of Lauren Grant (producer, writer, director), Naomi Jaye (director, 2025 Best Picture winner for Darkest Miriam), and Jonas Chernick (filmmaker, actor).
BEST FEATURE - Akashi, directed by Mayumi Yoshida
DGC ONTARIO BEST DIRECTOR - Justin Oakey for Hangashore
SPECIAL JURY AWARD, BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY - Hangashore, directed by Justin Oakey
SPECIAL JURY AWARD, EXCEPTIONAL VISION - James, directed by Max Train
SPECIAL JURY AWARD, IMPACT AWARD - Los Ríos, directed by Dale Bailey and Ryan Fyfe-Brown
Short Film Jury Awards:
The short film jury consisted of Ethan Godel (2025 Best Short winner for Sleep Talking), Shervin Kermani (filmmaker), Vladimir Jean-Gillies (film critic, CBC), Kate Ziegler (President, ACTRA Toronto).
BEST SHORT FILM - Sea Star, directed by Tyler McKenzie Evans
BEST PRODUCER - Gnawer of Rocks, produced by Louise Flaherty
SPECIAL JURY AWARD, BEST PERFORMER - Artemis Aria, Leili’s Photo
SPECIAL JURY PRIZE, OUTSTANDING SCREENPLAY - Black Water,written by Tim Bouvette, Jeanne Gourd and Camille L Saint-Michelle
Industry Awards:
YOU-CAN PITCH-WINNER - Adrian Bobb, The Sublime
Adrian Bobb receives $85,000 in-kind prize package.
Runner up - Sossina Shenkute and Ambika Vas, Past Curfew
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About the Canadian Film Fest:
The Canadian Film Fest is a non-profit organization whose mission is to celebrate the art of cinematic storytelling by exclusively showcasing Canadian films. The festival unites film-loving audiences with diverse selections of features and shorts from across the country. The CFF provides Canadian filmmakers with essential professional development and networking opportunities through its Industry Series and awards.
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