“Fire Escape” by Dan Mangan takes home the fan-voted Audience Award
Toronto, July 6, 2023 - The Prism Prize, an annual awards event that recognizes outstanding artistry in music video production, announced the winners of the Grand Prize and fan-voted Audience Award today during a live screening and awards presentation at the TIFF Bell Lightbox in Toronto. The $20,000 Grand Prize for Canadian music video of the year, selected by a jury of more than 135 creatives leading and innovating the Canadian music, film and media arts scenes, went to “Damn Right” by artists Snotty Nose Rez Kids and director Sterling Larose. The $5,000 Audience Award (supported by Stingray) went to artist Dan Mangan and director Lester Lyons-Hookham for their music video “Fire Escape.”
The 2023 Prism Prize screening and awards presentation, hosted by stand-up comedian Moe Ismail, brought together some of the top minds and talents in the Canadian music scene today. The evening paid tribute to the exceptional artistry showcased within the Top 10 Canadian music videos of the year which explored complicated and compelling themes of racism, discrimination, violence, sexuality, heartbreak, justice, and self-expression.
“The deeply engaging music videos that were created by the 2023 Prism Prize Top 10 artists and directors prove that the artform continues to reach new heights, and we are thrilled to have celebrated their incredible work tonight at the 2023 Prism Prize,” said Louis Calabro, Vice-President, Programming & Awards, at the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television and the Founder of Prism Prize. “The Grand Prize-winning video for “Damn Right” is the perfect example of this; offering viewers a three-and-a-half minute journey paying homage to the iconic legacy of The Beatles in a visually stunning and colourful way. Congratulations to Snotty Nose Rez Kids and Sterling Larose on their well-deserved win.”
In addition to the Grand Prize and Audience Award, the 2023 Prism Prize live screening and awards presentation celebrated the 2023 Special Award recipients, who are honoured for their achievements and contributions to the music industry, both in Canada and abroad:
Canadian singer-songwriter, Nemahsis, was presented with the Hi-Fidelity Award (supported by FACTOR, the Government of Canada and Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters), established to recognize recording artists who utilize music videos in innovative ways;
Montreal-based director Aimé Irabahaye was awarded the Lipsett Award, established to celebrate a unique approach to music video art;
Montreal-based photographer and director, Adrian Villagomez, was granted the Special Achievement Award (supported by The Slaight Family Foundation) established to recognize an exceptional contribution to music video art on the world stage;
Award-winning Toronto-based director, Sara Elgamal, was given the Willie Dunn Award (supported by Telefilm Canada), presented to a Canadian trailblazer who has demonstrated excellence within the music, music video and/or film production communities. As the recipient of this award, Sara received a $2,500 honorarium and was asked to select an emerging Canadian creative to spotlight during the Prism Prize live screening and awards presentation and to be the beneficiary of $2,500; she selected Toronto-based producer, Roya Del Sol.
All other creative teams from the Top 10 will receive complimentary memberships to the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, courtesy of Telefilm Canada. All Prism Prize Award recipients, including the Grand Prize, Audience Award, and all Special Award winners, will receive equipment rental grants in the amount of $2,500, courtesy of partners at William F. White International Inc.
