Prix d’excellence pour la MEILLEURE SÉRIE TÉLÉVISÉE OU WEBSÉRIE

Acquisition de connaissances et développement du sens critique (court)

• NIP - Episode: Histoire d'argent / Faire un budget / Les taxes à la consommation / Profits, pertes / La publicité – produced by Productions Mustang and SLALOM and released by TFO

Acquisition de connaissances et développement du sens critique (long)

• Curium – Episode: Les superpouvoirs des plantes – produced by Trio Orange and released by ICI Radio Canada Télé

Stimulation de l’imagination et de la créativité

• Frida c'est moi – Episodes: (2) Frida-qui-ira-mieux-bientôt/ (3) Frida-multicolore/ (4) Frida-qui-a-des-ailes – produced by Tobo Studio and released by Télé-Québec

Engagement, ouverture au monde et respect

• Dounia 2: Le grand pays blanc – Episode: La différence – produced by Tobo Studio, Du Coup Production and released by Télé-Québec

Contenu à valeur aspirationnelle

• La soirée Mammouth VII – Episode: La soirée Mammouth VII – produced by Pamplemousse Média V inc. and released by Télé-Québec

Émancipation à travers le jeu et l’humour

• Bizarroscope – Episode: Les affaires les plus bizarres – produced by Trio Orange and released by TV5 Unis

Prix DÉCOUVERTE

• Anaïs Cadorette-Bonin, an emerging artist in theater, television and audio dubbing, among others in Famille Magique and L'aventure du Monde des mondes, stands out for her artistic versatility and commitment to diversity in forms of expression, while captivating a diverse audience with her talent and contagious energy. In short, Anaïs Cadorette-Bonin embodies the modern, inspiring spirit of an artist in constant evolution.

Prix d’excellence pour le MEILLEUR CONTENU INTERACTIF

• Les dragouilles - La course autour du monde – produced by Happy Camper Média

Prix d’excellence pour le MEILLEUR BALADO

• Les dragouilles - Les jumeaux en quête d’enquêtes - « Yéti là ? » - produced by Happy Camper Média

Prix COUP DE CŒUR du public

The winner for Coup de Cœur des tout-petits (2-5 years old) is: 

• Féeli tout – Episode: Le chiot à Bibiane –Les Productions Rivard/TFO

The winner for Coup de Cœur jeunesse (6-12 years old) is: 

• Frida c'est moi – Episodes: (2) Frida-qui-ira-mieux-bientôt/ (3) Frida-multicolore/ (4) Frida-qui-a-des-ailes –Tobo Studio /Télé-Québec

The winner for Coup de Cœur des ados (13+ years) is: 

• Curium – Episode: Les superpouvoirs des plantes –Trio Orange / ICI Radio Canada Télé

Prix d’excellence pour la PERSONNALITÉ JEUNESSE

• Mehdi Cayenne for Cayenne Club - TFO, nominated by the youth industry, is a Canadian (Franco-Ontarian) singer-songwriter, poet, actor and radio commentator. His multidisciplinary creativity, manifested in his bilingual performances, promotes inclusivity and cultural diversity, inspiring young people to value artistic expression. Through his television and stage work, he tackles a variety of subjects, both funny and challenging, stimulating critical thinking and intellectual awakening in young people and fostering creativity and personal development. His contribution highlights his significant impact and undeniable contribution to the culture and education of young Francophones. Through his authenticity, boldness and positive influence, Mehdi is a role model for young people, especially those in minority situations.

Prix pour une CARRIÈRE VOUÉE À L’EXCELLENCE

• Johane Landry, youth producer for 23 years, has been responsible for the development and follow-up of several successful series including L'anti gala, VRAK la vie, Le chalet, Jérémie, MED, Max et Livia, Pour toujours, plus un jour and CLASH. From Canal Famille and VRAK.TV to Bell Media and then Télé Québec, her distinguished career at various companies bears witness to her undeniable influence and expertise in the field of television, particularly in the youth sector.

Prix d'excellence INCLUSION, ENGAGEMENT, OUVERTURE AU MONDE

• Dounia 2: Le grand pays blanc – Episode: La différence – produit par Tobo Média Inc., Du Coup Production et diffusé par Télé-Québec

TRIBUTES

This year marking the YMA’s 50th anniversary, 10 Tribute Awards (5 francophones and 5 anglophones) were exceptionally presented to 10 individuals who have contributed to the advancement of the YMA over the years. The YMA paid tribute to the talents behind and in front of the camera, one for each decade: Check out the program for more details:

1974-1983

In 1974, Robert Roy and a group of adventurers founded the Children's Broadcast Institute in Canada (CBI) / Institut de radiotélédiffusion pour enfants (IRDE). Their concern was with the quality of children's television programming, prompting them to create an organization dedicated to improving it. IRDE became Alliance for Children and Television (ACT) / Alliance pour les enfants et la télévision (AET) to underscore the commitment to children's television and was renamed Youth Media Alliance in 2010.

Robert Roy was fortunate to have had a career in the heyday of Radio-Canada, where he was able to encourage and support creators of children's content. This marks an important milestone in the history of children's programming, symbolizing a balance between renewal and continuity, reflecting the evolution of our youth through programs such as Bobino, Bagatelle, Alexandre et le roi, and Génie en herbe.

In "Il était une fois Radio-Canada", Roy recounts not only the birth and rise of public television, but also the defining moments of contemporary cultural life.

Nina Keogh (Performer, Puppeteer – Truffles – Mr. Dressup)

Nina Keogh, a thirdgeneration puppeteer and puppet builder, has been immersed in puppetry since 1968, contributing to numerous projects both on and off camera. Her extensive portfolio includes iconic shows like The Friendly Giant, Mr. Dress Up, Razzle Dazzle, Groundling Marsh, Hello Mrs. Cherrywinkle, and Sesame Park. Notably, she served as the inaugural host of Polkadot Door. Nina’s influence extends beyond television, having participated in feature films, commercials, and large museum projects focusing on TV series retrospectives with puppet characters. In addition to her creative work, Nina shares her expertise as an instructor and mentor at various institutions, including the Toronto Metropolitan University, York University, Niagara Theatre College, and Haliburton School of Fine Arts. Beyond puppetry, she is a visual artist, having owned two art galleries/studios in Toronto and Newfoundland. Nina’s multifaceted career exemplifies her dedication to the arts and her significant contributions to puppetry and visual arts education.

1984-1993

Kim Yaroshevskaya (Comedian, author - ‘Fanfreluche’ and Grandmother)

A centenarian, Madame Yaroshevskaya continues to captivate with her iconic character, Fanfreluche, who has enchanted generations of children and encouraged reading.

A pioneer of Radio-Canada's first children's programs, she transported young viewers through legends and tales, involving them in the stories by sometimes modifying the scripts.

In Passe-Partout, she now plays Grand-Mère, retaining her ability to touch the hearts of young viewers despite her advanced age. Her remarkable career is a testament to her ability to connect with audiences and inject progressive ideas into early television.

Through her delicate and inspiring persona, she illustrates the transformative power of art in challenging convention and teaching valuable life lessons.

We express our deep gratitude to Ms. Yaroshevskaya for her lasting influence and dedication to enriching young minds.

Ira Levy (Co-Founder and partner in Breakthrough Entertainment)

For over 40 years, Ira Levy has been a stalwart in producing diverse content for children, spanning preschool to tween audiences in animation, live action, scripted series, features, interactive media, and merchandising. His journey began with groundbreaking productions like The Conserving Kingdom, which laid the foundation for beloved series such as The Adventures of Dudley the Dragon on TVO, TFO, Knowledge Network, SCN, Access Alberta/YTV, and PBS. As the co-founder of Breakthrough Entertainment, alongside Peter Williamson, Ira played a pivotal role in crafting hundreds of half-hours of children’s programming from 1985 to 2020. Following the sale of their kids’ library to 9 Story in 2021, Ira launched Spike & Sadie Media, honoring his supportive parents. At Spike & Sadie Media, Ira has collaborated with various Canadian producers and writers to develop a diverse slate of kids’ projects. His contributions extend beyond production, as he has served on numerous boards including the YMA, CMPA, REDIAC, CMF, Film Ontario, AFC, and the Banff Festival, advocating tirelessly for children’s programming and its producers.

1994-2003

Diane England (Producer - Zone 3)

Diane England began her career as a designer and script-editor before joining Zone3 in the early 2000s to develop and produce fiction projects. She is best known for her work on Dans une galaxie près de chez vous, which spawned a TV series and two feature films, as well as popular series such as Une grenade avec ça?, Subito Texto, Jérémie and L'Effet secondaire. Her ability to captivate young audiences was further confirmed with L'Île Kilucru.

Alongside her successes in the children's field, Diane has also produced a number of remarkable dramas, including Minuit le soir, Mon meilleur ami, Appelle-moi si tu meurs, and Patrick Senécal Présente. In film, she has produced acclaimed works such as the 2013 Oscar-nominated short Henry, as well as the international award-winning feature 1:54.

In 2021, she continued her fruitful collaboration with director Yan England by producing the feature Sam. In recognition of her dedication and excellence, Diane received the Prix pour une carrière vouée à l’excellence in 2008.

Agnes Augustin (President - Shaw-Rocket Fund)

Agnes Augustin is a wellrespected figure in the children’s media landscape, known for her tireless advocacy for the inclusion of children’s perspectives in industry and government decision-making processes. She has played a pivotal role in promoting Canadian children’s programming worldwide while spearheading initiatives to bolster the industry. Since assuming her role, Agnes has been instrumental in driving the Shaw Rocket Fund’s mission to champion Canadian children’s and youth programming. Her leadership has led to strategic investments in both linear and digital content, along with the establishment of industry initiatives like the acclaimed Shaw Rocket Prize. Through these efforts, Agnes has actively worked to raise the profile of the Canadian children’s and youth media industry, fostering strategic global partnerships to further its reach. In her capacity at the Shaw Rocket Fund, Agnes takes great pride in supporting the creation of high-quality content for children and families across the globe. Drawing from her extensive experience in various sectors of the Canadian film and television industry, including roles at Telefilm Canada and Corus Entertainment, Agnes brings a wealth of expertise to her advocacy efforts. Today, we applaud Agnes for her exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to advancing the Canadian children’s media sector.

2004-2013

Madeleine Lévesque (Producer - Maki Media)

Involved with the YMA for many years, Madeleine holds a record for longevity, serving on the Board for over 22 years, making her a true pioneer in the world of animation.

Her ability to transform intellectual property into nationally and internationally distinguished creative content is remarkable. With a prolific career as director of original productions, producer, designer, scriptwriter and editor, Madeleine has spotted talent and guided it to success through such iconic projects as 6TEEN, Total Drama Island and Atomic Betty.

Founder of Maki Média, Madeleine surrounds herself with experienced women, combining rigor and creativity, business acumen and content, to develop highly successful projects. Her expertise, forged at SDA Productions, 9 Story Media Group and Sardine Productions, gives her a unique ability to think and develop high-impact projects. Recent projects include Interstellar Ella (2022), PhiloPhilo (2023) and My Life in Colours (2022).

With complementary backgrounds in the audiovisual content industry, Madeleine and her team leave an indelible mark, combining experience with the discovery of new talent.

Nancy Chapelle (Retired)

After more than four decades of dedicated service to the Canadian media industry, Nancy Chapelle is embarking on a well-deserved retirement, leaving behind a legacy of transformative leadership and enduring contributions. During her tenure, Nancy held the esteemed position of executive director at the Bell Fund, a vital entity providing grants to independent Canadian producers for television content across various platforms. Prior to her role at the Bell Fund, she spent 11 impactful years as the managing director of content and programming at TVO, where she played a pivotal role in guiding the organization’s evolution into a dynamic multi-platform media entity, navigating the complexities of an ever-changing media landscape. Nancy’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to co-found Catalyst Entertainment, a Toronto-based production and distribution company, which later merged into a prominent family entertainment studio known for its iconic animation brands. Throughout her illustrious career, Nancy garnered numerous accolades, including a Gemini Award and recognition on the Women’s Executive Network Top 100 Most Powerful Women list, underscoring her significant influence and achievements in the industry. As Nancy is now retired, her impact and legacy endure, ensuring her lasting imprint on the future of Canadian media.

2014-2023

Marie-Pierre Gariépy (Producer - SLALOM)

For over 30 years, Marie-Pierre Gariépy has been a fixture on the French-Canadian television scene, particularly in the children's field. Founder and president of Ottawa-based production company Slalom, her audacity and passion have enabled countless young people to immerse themselves in worlds as playful as they are educational. Over the years, her company has also established itself as an incubator for talent, both in front of and behind the camera.

Under her aegis, over 735 episodes for young people have found their audience. Whether it's La vie compliquée de Léa Olivier, CIRKUS, Makinium, Mehdi et Val or Motel Monstre, to name but a few, her projects all share the same intrinsic values: Francophonie, creativity, inclusion and quality.

Her work has not gone unnoticed. Several of her series have gone on to conquer new audiences thanks to international sales, while others have received industry recognition. These include Motel Monstre (Best Children's Series and Audience Award from the Youth Media Alliance) and La vie compliquée de Léa Olivier and Motel Montre (four Gémeaux awards). Together, these youth series have received over 30 Gémeaux nominations.

The 50^th Anniversary Cocktail and 2024 YMA Awards of Excellence are made possible by the financial support of our sponsors. Many thanks to:

Radio-Canada & CORUS Nelvana, Spin Master Entertainment, Shaw-Rocket Fund, CMF-FMC, PMT Productions, Groupe Média TFO, APTN, Telefilm Canada, Télé-Québec, Landslide Entertainment, Knowledge Network, Trio Orange, Productions Mustang, Bell Fund, Zone3, Apartment 11 Productions, FIFEM, Productions Prestigo, Happy Camper Média, Slalom Productions, Echo Media, Tobo Studio, Téléfiction, Avanti-Toast, Blue Ant Media / marblemedia, WildBrain Studios, Epic Story / World Media, Sinking Ship Entertainment, 9 Story Media Group, GAPC Entertainment, Little Engine Moving Pictures & Pillango Productions, Creemore Springs, Bloomex Canada, Prix Jeunesse International, WeBalloonz, Ballon Royal

 

– 30 –

Source: Margaux Soumoy, Youth Media Alliance, alliance@ymamj.org 514-483-5417