No surprise here. Degrassi executive producer & co-creator Linda Schuyer is being recognized with a special award at the 25th Annual Gemini Awards this year! Schuyler’s award is the “Academy Achievement Award,” and according to the press release she is being honoured for an “exceptional, outstanding, or ongoing contribution or service to the Canadian television industry.” Here’s more of what the press release had to say about her:
Linda Schuyler is best known for co-creating and executive producing the multi-award winning Degrassi franchise, comprised of The Kids of Degrassi Street, Degrassi Junior High, Degrassi High, School’s Out, Degrassi Talks and Degrassi: The Next Generation, now known simply as Degrassi. This franchise, celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2010, has won 20 Gemini Awards, two International Emmys, two Prix Jeunesses, two Teen Choice Awards, the Critics’ Choice Award and countless other international honours. In addition to Degrassi, Epitome Pictures, founded by Schuyler and her husband and producing partner Stephen Stohn, has produced Instant Star, the MOW X-Rated, and Canada’s first prime time soap opera, Riverdale. Schuyler is a founding member of the Association for Media Literacy, and past Chair and long-standing member of the CMPA. Through Degrassi, Schuyler supports the children’s advocacy organization Free The Children and their worldwide initiatives. In 2008, she joined the cast and travelled to Kenya to participate in a school-building project. In 1994, in recognition of her contribution to Canadian television programming, Schuyler was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada.
The Gemini Awards are taking place in November with the Industry Galas (ie most of Degrassi’s awards) being handed out on Nov. 2nd & 3rd and the Broadcast Gala taking place on Nov. 13th. Degrassi is nominated for a total of 5 awards this year, as well as the special Fave TV Show award which fans can vote for!