Andrea Martin and George Stroumboulopoulos to host the 32nd ANNUAL GENIE AWARDS - March 8, 2012 at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT) on CBC-TV

www.cbc.ca

TORONTO, Jan. 31, 2012 /CNW/ - One of the queens of comedy and Canada's late night talk show boyfriend will pair up to host the 32^nd ANNUAL GENIE AWARDS honouring the greatest achievements in Canadian film.

CBC Television and the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television announced today that Andrea Martin and George Stroumboulopoulos will host the Genies on Thursday, March 8, to be broadcast live from Toronto on CBC-TV at 8 p.m. (8:30 p.m. NT), and the pair wasted no time in beginning the banter.

"I am thrilled to be hosting the Genies with George Stroumboulopoulos, one of Canada's most eligible bachelors," said Martin.  "I also like film."

Strombo countered "The truth is, while I am happy to be a part of the Genies this year, I mostly agreed to do this because I thought Andrea was asking me on a date."

"We look forward to a sassy evening of smart wit from these two Canadian powerhouses as we celebrate Canadian cinema," said Helga Stephenson, interim CEO, Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television.

The 32^ND ANNUAL GENIE AWARDS will be another star-studded extravaganza, preceded by a live-stream webcast from the red carpet and featuring a dazzling list of celebrity presenters and superstar musical performers (details to be announced soon).

"This celebration of another tremendous year in Canadian film promises to be one of the most exciting cultural events of 2012, and CBC is both honoured and thrilled to be able to bring it to Canadians," said Kirstine Stewart, executive vice-president of English Services for CBC.

A beloved veteran of stage, screen (My Big Fat Greek Wedding) and television, Andrea Martin is still probably best known for her time in Toronto's Second City improv comedy troupe and the critically-acclaimed SCTV.  The recipient of four ACTRA awards, two Emmys, two Gemini nominations and a star on Canada's Walk of Fame, Martin's most recent work in the Toronto stage production of "Love, Loss and What I Wore" and her one-woman show, "Final Days! Everything Must Go!" she received Broadwayworld.com's 2010 Best Actress and Best Theatrical Event awards.

George Stroumboulopoulos is the host and co-executive producer of George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight, Canada's flagship late-night talk show. Currently in its eighth season, George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight provides viewers with direct access to the most influential and fascinating people from around the world. A broadcast veteran in television and radio, George is one of the most trusted and respected broadcasters in Canada. A multiple award-winner, he has won the Gemini Award for best host or interviewer in a talk series for six consecutive years, and four for best talk series in Canada. Additionally, George has been honoured as the recipient of a Gracie Award from the American Women of Radio and Television.

About the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television
Established in 1979, the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television is a national, non-profit, professional association dedicated to the promotion, recognition and celebration of exceptional achievements in Canadian film, television and digital media. Unifying industry professionals across Canada, the Academy is a vital force representing all screen-based industries.

About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. The Corporation is a leader in reaching Canadians on new platforms and delivers a comprehensive range of radio, television, Internet, and satellite-based services. Deeply rooted in the regions, CBC/Radio-Canada is the only domestic broadcaster to offer diverse regional and cultural perspectives in English, French and eight Aboriginal languages, plus seven languages for international audiences. In 2011, CBC/Radio-Canada celebrated 75 years of serving Canadians and being at the centre of the democratic, social and cultural life of Canada. 

Video with caption: "Video: Genie32 Trailer - The 32nd ANNUAL GENIE AWARDS will be broadcast on Thursday, March 8 at 8 p.m. (8:30 p.m. NT) on CBC Television.". Video available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHoTMIKUkgc

Image with caption: "Andrea Martin, Co-Host of the 32nd Annual Genie Awards (CNW Group/CBC/RADIO-CANADA)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120131_C7958_PHOTO_EN_9439.jpg

Image with caption: "George Stroumboulopoulos, Co-Host of the 32nd Annual Genie Awards (CNW Group/CBC/RADIO-CANADA)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120131_C7958_PHOTO_EN_9441.jpg

For further information:

For media inquiries, please contact: 

Veritas Communications
Renee Weekes
Veritas Communications
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[e-mail]

Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television
Suzan Ayscough
Director Communications, Marketing & Sponsorship (Interim)
Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television
416.366.2227 (# 231)
1.800.644.5194 (# 231)