On Monday, May 3, 2027, the Guild will hold the 31st annual WGC Screenwriting Awards honouring excellence in screenwriting. Nominations are open for all awards, including the Special Awards listed below.
Jim Burt Screenwriting Prize – Cash prize of $5,000 to Recipient
The prize was created to continue the work of the late Jim Burt in recognizing and nurturing long-form screenwriting talent. In a 20-year career at the CBC, Jim’s championing of Canadian writers and their stories resulted in the production of some 75 long-form dramas, including The War Between Us, The Boys of St. Vincent, The Arrow, Peacekeepers, and Nights Below Station Street. These productions met with national and international acclaim and embodied excellence in Canadian storytelling.
Past winners of the Jim Burt Screenwriting Prize include: Faisal Lutchmedial for Through the Eyes of an Ibis (2025); Adrian Morphy for The 300 Year Old Man (2023); Travis McDonald for Magnificent (2021); Pat Holden for Mirsada and Amir Kahnamouee for Harbour House (2019); Daniel Whidden for Valhalla (2017); Adam Garnet Jones for Wild Medicine (2013); Denise Blinn for 1936 (2011); Riley Adams for Cold Rush (2009); Tony Elliott for Stranger Than You (2008); Ryan Redford for Bone (2007); Jason Hreno for Two Mountains (2006); Andrea Gutsche for Dead Sparrows (2005); Sherry White for Crackie (2004); Gordon Pengilly for Drumheller or Dangerous Times (2003); Aubrey Nealon for Idaho Peak (2002).
➡️Jim Burt Screenwriting Prize nomination form
Sondra Kelly Award – Cash prize of $5,000 to Recipient
Sondra Kelly was a long-time member of the Writers Guild of Canada. In 2007, she received the WGC Writers Block Award for her record of exceptional service to the WGC and her strengthening of the Canadian screenwriting community as a whole. In addition to serving on the WGC Council, Sondra occupied the first WGC-designated seat on the Actra Fraternal Benefit Society (AFBS) board. Hers was the first writer’s voice on a board made up of actors, producers, and broadcasters at a time when a writer’s voice was much needed.
This award in her memory honours Sondra’s dedication and contribution and celebrates Sondra’s life and achievements.
Past recipients of the Sondra Kelly Award are: Leah Johnston (2025); Meredith Vuchnich (2024); Laura Good (2023); Carolyn Saunders (2022); Kate Hewlett (2021); Cynthia Knight (2020); Jinder Oujla-Chalmers (2019); Sarah Dodd (2018); Diana Frances (2017); Penny Gummerson (2016); Alison Lea Bingeman (2015); Cheryl Foggo (2013); Colleen Murphy (2012); Barbara Haynes (2011); Mina Shum (2010); and Karen Walton (2009).
➡️Sondra Kelly Award nomination form
WGC Showrunner Award – Trophy awarded
Showrunners are the writer/producers whose creative vision drives a series. They give the first approval of a story idea, take the last pass over the script, and shepherd the project from pitch to post. They have the longest hours, the most responsibility, and the final say. They run the show.
An award for showrunning was long overdue and so, in 2007, with pride and admiration, the Writers Guild of Canada introduced the WGC Showrunner Award.
Past winners of the WGC Showrunner Award include: Simon Barry (2026); Matt Schiller (2025); Mark Haroun (2024); Susin Nielsen (2023); Anthony Q. Farrell (2022); Morwyn Brebner (2021); Dennis Heaton (2020); Emily Andras (2019); Michael MacLennan (2018); Aaron Martin (2017); Frank van Keeken (2016); Bruce Smith (2015); Peter Mitchell (2014); Mark Ellis & Stephanie Morgenstern (2013); Mark McKinney (2012); Tassie Cameron (2011); Heather Conkie (2010); Mark Farrell (2009); Peter Mohan (2008); and Brad Wright (2007).
The deadline to submit your nominations is Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at 5 pm ET. Please contact Naomi van Voorst at [email protected] if you have any questions about the Special Awards.
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