- Sunday, June 15, 2025
At the 2025 Canadian Screen Awards, Donald Trump’s origin film The Apprentice clinched top honors, while winners used the stage to speak on Indigenous rights, queer representation, and solidarity with Palestine.
By: Vibhuti Pathak
The Apprentice, a provocative biopic exploring the rise of Donald Trump, swept the 2025 Canadian Screen Awards (CSAs) in Toronto, earning top honors on a night marked by powerful political messages and bold activism. Directed by Iranian-Danish filmmaker Ali Abbasi, the film won Best Movie while lead actor Sebastian Stan, portraying the former US president, claimed the award for Best Leading Role. Stan’s performance was praised for its nuanced depiction of Trump’s early years in New York real estate, alongside Jeremy Strong as controversial lawyer Roy Cohn.
During the acceptance speech, co-producer Daniel Bekerman didn’t hold back in addressing the film’s broader implications. “Our movie shows how the young Donald Trump amassed wealth and power by finding a dilapidated building and slapping his name on it,” he said. “Now he wants to slap his name on Canada. This is a challenge—but also a reminder of our duty as independent filmmakers to tell honest stories that build trust and community.”
The Apprentice, which debuted at Cannes and went on to receive Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations, was lauded for its fearless portrayal of political ambition and manipulation. Bekerman gave a nod to Abbasi, stating, “Ali, I told you, if you want guts in this industry, come to Canada.”
Politics remained center stage throughout the ceremony. Indigenous leader and activist Molly Wickham used her moment in the spotlight after Yintah won Best Documentary to deliver a passionate call for justice.
The film chronicles a decade-long battle by the Wet’suwet’en people to protect their lands from fossil-fuel exploitation. Wickham, raising her fist on live television, declared, “The fight continues, and we will never give up. Our sovereignty is tied to our collective freedom. Land back. Free Palestine.”
Another politically charged moment came from Andrew Rankin, who won Best Director for Universal Language, a dry-humored Canadian comedy influenced by Iranian cinema. Accepting his award, Rankin reflected on the global rise of division: “Every day, new Berlin Walls are going up around us, forcing us into cruel binaries. Kindness can be a radical gesture—and that’s what we believe in more than ever.”
The night also celebrated LGBTQ+ representation, with Canada’s Drag Race taking home Best Reality Series. Showrunner Trevor Boris described the show as an “island of misfit toys,” offering a safe and joyful space for those who often feel like outsiders.
“There are so many of us who are different because of who we love or where we come from—but on this show, we’re just normal and having the most fun.”
Among other key winners, Children Ruin Everything won Best Comedy, and Cate Blanchett was recognized for her lead performance in the politically satirical horror-comedy Rumours. Supinder Wraich won Best Lead in a Drama Series for Allegiance, a CBC police procedural, while Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent earned Best Drama Series with a leading 20 nominations.
A heartfelt moment came when Kiefer Sutherland paid tribute to his late father Donald Sutherland, who passed away in June 2024. Reflecting on his father’s legacy, Kiefer said, “He managed to forge one of the most diverse, prolific, and important acting careers in film history.”
Other honorees included The Way Home, which took the main audience award, and Warrior Up!, which won in the kids category. Manny Jacinto, known for roles in The Good Place and The Acolyte, received the Radius Award for global impact. Meanwhile, writer-producer Marsha Greene accepted the Changemaker Award for her work tackling systemic racism in Canadian television.
“This isn’t just a moment—it’s a movement,” Greene stated. “Let’s keep building an industry that reflects the diversity we’re so proud of.”
