There’s a feeling of expectancy and excitement in Ottawa this week, as the 31st Genie Awards come to town.
Lucy van Oldenbarneveld, host of CBC News Ottawa, said the Genie Awards offer Canadians the chance to celebrate Canadian film.
“It’s been a tremendous point of pride,” said Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson when introducing the awards.
The event, housed in the National Arts Centre, will be hosted by Canadian film star William Shatner, a recent recipient of the Governor General’s Award.
The night will feature performances by artists such as Kardinal Offishall, Melissa Etheridge and Serena Ryder.
Actress Rachelle Lefevre will be the voice of the show.
“It will be a star-studded event, featuring some of the country’s biggest names from film, music and television,” Watson said.
But, Watson said, this night is more than just star-watching.
“It’s really a week-long recognition of what film means, not only to our country, but to our city.”
Watson said Ottawa has been a Canadian “hotbed,” both culturally and economically, for the film industry.
“Canadian films have had a remarkable year here at home and on the international stage,” said Charles Ohayon, vice-chair Québec for the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television.
Ohayon also said the awards have celebrated “iconic Canadian films and filmmakers” over the past 30 years.
“Our films reflect the diverse cultures, communities and stories that make up our national identity and each of us should be proud of their success,” he said.
Barney’s Version, directed by Richard J. Lewis, seems to be the forerunner this year with 11 nominations. Fellow nominee Incendies, directed by Denis Villeneuve, follows close behind with 10.
Watson said the city is hard at work to make this night memorable, not only for the stars attending, but for the fans around Ottawa.
For those that are anxious to see the show live, the mayor said there have been a few special surprises planned.
On Thursday, the day of the event, CBC’s George Stroumboulopoulos will be around Ottawa giving out five free pairs of tickets.
Stroumboulopoulos will announce his downtown location from his Twitter account — @strombo — during different points of the day. The first person to find him will receive two free tickets.
But that is not all, Watson said. There will also be an “Ottawa Fan Zone,” he said.
“Ottawa fans will have front row access to all the red carpet excitement. It will be a spot where fans can get close to their favourite stars of Canadian film, television and music,” Watson said.
Watson said fans can snap pictures, email their friends, tweet and possibly even speak to the stars.
Interested fans can come down to the main entrance of the National Arts Centre between 1 p.m and 3 p.m. to score their spot.
They will be admitted on a first-come, first-serve basis, Watson said.
For two members of the fan zone, the night will have just begun, the mayor added.
“Two lucky folks from the fan zone will be hand-picked by William Shatner to attend the Awards,” he said.
“We hope to make this the most memorable Genies ever,” Watson said.