Jann Arden and Aisha Alfa to host the CTV Galas at the Canadian Screen Awards

- Both galas to be streamed for free on CTV.ca on March 26 and 27 -

TORONTO, March 7, 2019 /CNW/ - The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television (the Canadian Academy) announced today the hosts of the CTV Galas at the Canadian Screen Awards, and confirmed both will be streamed live on CTV.ca and associated platforms. Jann Arden (CTV's JANN) will host the Canadian Screen Awards: CTV Gala Honouring Excellence in Creative Fiction Storytelling on Wednesday, March 27, while Aisha Alfa (CTV's THE BEAVERTON) will host the Canadian Screen Awards: the CTV Gala Honouring Excellence in Non-Fiction Programming on Tuesday, March 26. Both events will be held at Heritage Court at Exhibition Place as part of Canadian Screen Week (March 25-31).

The CTV Galas will be streamed live for free to viewers across the country on CTV.ca and the CTV app beginning at 7 p.m. on both nights. The streamcast will also be available live via CTV's Facebook and YouTube pages.

"It means a great deal to have such talented and funny women helm these two galas," said Beth Janson, CEO of the Canadian Academy. "Having them livestreamed on CTV.ca will allow fans to see behind the curtain and better understand how their favourite shows get made, ultimately providing more exposure for the best in Canadian production."

Canadian Screen Awards: the CTV Gala Honouring Excellence in Non-Fiction Programming Hosted by Aisha Alfa
Tuesday, March 26, 2019
Presented by CTV with Event Partners Crave, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), and VICE Canada

The CTV Gala Honouring Excellence in Non-Fiction Programming is an evening of celebration recognizing some of the country's best TV talent in news, sports, lifestyle, documentary, and factual categories. More than four dozen awards will be presented including Best Documentary Program, Best News Anchor, Best Sports Analyst, Best Factual Series, Best Lifestyle Program or Series, and the Golden Screen Award for Best TV Reality Show.  Elizabeth Klinck will receive the Academy Board of Directors' Tribute Award.

About Aisha Alfa

Born in Nigeria, raised in Winnipeg, and now and now living in Los Angeles, Aisha Alfa is making a name for herself in the Canadian comedy, hosting, and acting scenes. Appearing on Season 2 of CTV's THE BEAVERTON as a hard-hitting correspondent, she is the previous winner of Winnipeg's Funniest Person with a Day Job, has performed at the Winnipeg Comedy Festival, and was a finalist in the NBC Diversity Showcase. Aisha has been seen on VIDEO ON TRIAL, DEGRASSI: THE NEXT GENERATION, and THE ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FARCE.

Canadian Screen Awards: the CTV Gala Honouring Excellence in Creative Fiction Storytelling Hosted by Jann Arden
Wednesday, March 27, 2019
Presented by CTV with Event Partners Crave, eOne, HBO, New Metric Media, SHOWTIME®, Starz and Wow! Unlimited Media

The CTV Gala Honouring Excellence in Creative Fiction Storytelling recognizes the best in TV acting, writing, directing, editing, cinematography and more. More than 40 awards will be presented in categories like Best Supporting Actor and Actress for Comedy and Drama; Best Writing and Best Direction for Drama, Animation, Children's, Variety and more; Best Animated Program or Series; and the Golden Screen Award for TV Drama/Comedy. Brad Wright will be presented with the Margaret Collier Award and Carole Vivier will receive the Academy Board of Directors' Tribute Award.

About Jann Arden

Jann Arden is a singer, songwriter, broadcaster, actor, author, podcaster, and social media star. The celebrated multi-platinum, award-winning artist catapulted onto the music scene in 1993 with her debut album, Time for Mercy, featuring the hit single "I Would Die for You". A year later, she had her international break-out hit with "Insensitive". Arden has written four books, the most recent being the Canadian bestseller Feeding My Mother: Comfort and Laughter in the Kitchen as My Mom Lives with Memory Loss. Star of the new CTV comedy series JANN (premiering March 20), Arden is much in demand as a public speaker, and a favourite frequent guest host on CTV's THE SOCIAL. Jann's most recent recording – "These Are the Days" released in March of 2018 – is available now. Once again, Grammy Award®-winning producer Bob Rock was behind the console of what could arguably be Arden's most personal and poignant musical offering to date.

Canadian Screen Week kicks off March 25 and runs through March 31, 2019, showcasing this country's best screen talent and recognizing their achievements. Canadian Screen Week includes five galas, the annual Members Lounge, fan favourite Family Fan Day, and the newly added Canadian Screen Arts Festival and documentary screenings with Hot Docs. The industry's biggest week of celebration will conclude with the Canadian Screen Awards Broadcast Gala, live on CBC and CBC Gem on Sunday, March 31 at 8 p.m. (9 p.m. AT/ 9:30 p.m. NT).

For a full schedule of events, please see visit: academy.ca/events.

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About the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television
The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television is the largest non-profit professional arts organization in Canada. We are dedicated to recognizing, advocating for, and celebrating Canadian talent in the film, television, and digital media sectors.

Our more than 4,500 members encompass industry icons and professionals, emerging artists, and students. Collectively, we deliver professional development programs and networking opportunities that foster industry growth, inclusion, and mentorship.

The Canadian Academy produces Canadian Screen Week. This annual celebration of excellence in media features a multi-platform, national program of events and celebrations, and culminates with the Canadian Screen Awards: Broadcast Gala live on CBC, Sunday, March 31, 2019 at 8 p.m. (9 p.m. AT/ 9:30 p.m. NT).

SOURCE Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television

For information on membership and programming visit academy.ca; Jennifer Stewart, VP Partnerships and Communications, Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, 416 366 2227 x 243