The Directors Guild of Canada announced the winners of the 18th Annual 2019 DGC Awards. There were over 350 submissions this year in both film and television from across Canada. Canadian film and television is so often under-rated, it’s really nice to get together and celebrate each other’s hard work for a night.
“Each year, the submissions are more and more impressive than the last.”
This year I took part in the 2019 DGC Awards as a member of the nominating committee for Best Production Design. I was part of a talented group of colleagues from across Canada and we had a lot of fun discussing the production design on the various shows we love. It was eye opening for me to realise how little we usually discuss the details of great production design together. I think getting Production Designers in a room to discuss projects, techniques, themes, complexity, and execution is a great bonding experience that I hope we can do again soon outside of the merits of an awards show.
The Directors Guild of Canada (aka, the DGC) is the union that I am a part of as a practicing Production Designer in Canada. The DGC covers several different positions and departments across Canada including Directors, Production Managers, Accounting, Locations, Editing, Sound Editing, and last but never least, the Art Department in all its glory. It should be noted that the DGC does not represent the Art Department in British Columbia, where IATSE Local 891 holds that honour.
“Each year, the submissions are more and more impressive than the last,” said DGC President Tim Southam.” This work is a reminder that Canadian talent and production are second to none.” I am obviously biased about the quality of production in Canada but I would have to agree with Tim– this year, as you’ll see below in the quality of the Production Design nominees, Canadian talent is rising.
The 2019 DGC Awards were presented at the 18th Annual DGC Awards Gala on Saturday, October 26, 2019 at The Fairmont Royal York in Toronto, Canada. See all of the Best Production Design nominees and winners below.
The 2019 DGC Awards Nominees and Winners for Best Production Design Share on XThe 2019 DGC Awards Nominees and Winners for Best Production Design
Best Production Design – Feature Film
The Hummingbird Project | The Orchard
Philip Barker – Guest of Honour
Chris Crane – Clifton Hill
Thea Hollatz – Firecrackers
Best Production Design – Dramatic Series
Elisabeth Williams – The Handmaid’s Tale, Episode 205, Seeds
*** Tamara Deverell – Star Trek Discovery, Episode 214, Such Sweet Sorrow, Part 2 ***
Rory Cheyne – American Gods, Episode 206, Donar the Great
Jean-Francois Campeau – Anne With An E, Episode 202, Signs Are Small Measurable Things, But Interpretations Are Illimitable
Best Production Design – Comedy or Family Series
Zoe Sakellaropoulo – The Bold Type
*** Lisa Soper – The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina ***
Stephen Stanley – Holly Hobbie
Best Production Design – Movies For Television and Mini-Series
Cardinal, Season 3, Episode 1 | CTV
Helen Kotsonis – Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey
Tim Bider – Mary Kills People, Episode 304, Switzerland Has Trees
Jean Bécotte – Mad Mom
Have you seen any of these great shows yet? I personally love The Umbrella Academy, The Handmaid’s Tale, and Schitt’s Creek with all my heart. I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments below.
If you’re interested in reading more Production Design awards coverage on Art Departmental, click here.
