The first batch of contenders for Canadian television's top awards were announced Tuesday, as the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television revealed Gemini Award nominees in the documentary, news and sports categories.
For the first time the Gemini awards will feature a seperate Documentary, News and Sports Awards Gala evening, scheduled for October 18.
In the best news anchor category, seven-time winner Peter Mansbridge is nominated again for his work on CBC's The National. Also nominated are Global National host Kevin Newman and CBC Canada Now host Ian Hanomansing.
The National is also nominated for best newscast, along with CTV News and Global National.
The best news information program or series category features four CBC programs — Disclosure, Venture, Marketplace and Untold Stories: Canada on September 11th — against Citytv's MediaTelevision and CTV's W-FIVE.
The Hockey Night in Canada broadcast team of Bob Cole and Harry Neale lead the list of best sports play-by-play or analyst nominees. They are up against the CBC's Chris Cuthbert and Mark Lee (for work on the 90th Grey Cup) Terry Leibel (2002 Spruce Meadows Equestrian: CN International) and Glen Suitor (for CFL: Wendy's Friday Night Football on TSN).
"Canadian television is in constant evolution and the Gemini awards work each year to recognize and celebrate the growth and changes in the industry," Maria Topalovich, president and CEO of the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, said in a release. "This year marks the first year we will be presenting the Gemini Documentary, News and Sports Awards Gala evening, showcasing awards that reflect the changes in Canada's television community and highlighting the remarkable achievements made is these areas."
The Gemini Awards take place October 18, 19 and 20 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
