THE LEO AWARDS

Courtesy of Julia Pelish

Wow.

The British Columbia Film Awards finished up this weekend. Also known as the LEO AWARDS, it was a red carpet event complete with champagne, beautiful women and all things glamorous. The little film that could, CENTIGRADE, was up for a total of 7 awards in the Short Drama category. And I’m so very proud to announce, we took home 5.

BEST SHORT DRAMA - Madison Graie, Derrick Garland

BEST ACTOR - Colin Cunningham

BEST DIRECTOR - Colin Cunningham

BEST MAKE UP - Jayne Dancose

BEST OVERALL SOUND - Réal Gauvreau

And it was incredible. Gary Jones, the ceremonies host, was fantastic. Gary is not only known for his work on SG-1 and other numerous television and film projects, but he’s also one of the funniest people I know. And so, on top of all the pomp and circumstance, there was a lot of silicone and sequins bouncing to Jonesy’s punch-lines.

In addition to being nominated, I was also honored to have been asked to ‘present’ in a few categories, and so was able to enjoy the best of both worlds. Back stage was a riot. Cathryn Barr from the Metro Newspaper was back there taking photographs and being her wonderful crazy self. The beautiful trophy models were making sure their nipples were properly duct taped to their dresses and everyone did their best not to face-plant themselves upon taking that final (and very dark) step onto the stage.

But it was all very much a friendly, warm and wonderful affair. This was the tenth anniversary of the LEO AWARDS and everyone was quite proud of both Sonny Wong and Walter Daroshin (producers) for having the courage and dedication to make and keep it all happening. This town owes those two gentlemen a lot.

My girlfriend Brianne looked radiant. My best friends (and fellow nominee) Madison Graie and her husband James Fantin looked like prince and princess. Jonathan Tyrrell was there with his main squeeze Elisa. John Penhall, our illustrious AD. Derrick Garland and his gal Kathy. Muse and Mentor, Ron Sauvé and his wife Beverly. Mike Rudd flew up from LA. And then of course there was my incredible agent Dylan Collingwood, beautiful casting director Melissa Perry and the lovely and talented, Sonja Bennet. All, some of the best people on the face of the earth.

5 out of 7. Wow.

Courtesy of Julia Pelish

That’s quite the number. Stack those puppies one on top of the other and I’d say you’d be standing pretty tall. Come to think of it, that’s how we felt walking out of there.

Tall indeed.