Hudson Williams wins best drama lead at Screen Awards
The B.C.-born actor took home the prize for 'Heated Rivalry,' which swept the Canadian ceremony with 16 total wins.
Hudson Williams won best lead performance in a drama at the Canadian Screen Awards on Sunday night for his role in "Heated Rivalry," the hit series that dominated the televised ceremony.
The B.C.-born actor said he wished he could split the award with his co-star Connor Storrie, who plays Russian hockey star Ilya Rozanov. "If I could cut this award down the middle, I would," Williams said. Because Storrie is American, he doesn't qualify for the Canadian Screen Awards.
"Heated Rivalry" took home 13 statuettes at a gala dedicated to scripted television on Saturday, plus three more on Sunday, including best drama series and audience choice. The show, which follows two closeted professional hockey players caught in a years-long love story, was entirely produced in Canada — which means it won't be eligible for the Emmys, but creator Jacob Tierney said that was fine by him.
Meanwhile, the Arctic sitcom "North of North" won best comedy series, with star Anna Lambe taking best lead performance in comedy. The Nunavut-shot show led all nominations with 20 and picked up nine wins total, including best ensemble, direction, writing, and original music.
The time-travelling Toronto film "Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie" won best picture, picking up six statuettes including best lead and supporting performance.
Screens across Canada are lighting up for Canadian storytelling right now.