CTV drama 'Flashpoint' is big winner at Geminis

CTV's "Flashpoint" topped the final installment of the Geminis, Canada's top TV awards, which saw 17 prizes handed out Saturday night at a broadcast gala in Calgary, Alberta's, Stampede Corral ( 87 Geminis were bestowed at two Toronto ceremonies last month).
The hit cop drama, which received a record 19 Gemini noms, nabbed dramatic series for producers Anne Marie La Traverse and Bill Mustos, director for Kelly Makin and performance by an actor in a continuing leading dramatic role for Toronto-born Enrico Colantoni ("Veronica Mars").

But Colantoni's "Flashpoint" co-star Hugh Dillon didn't go home empty-handed -- his supporting role in TV movie "Of Murder and Memory" was lauded, while David Suchet picked up a Gemini for his leading perf the TV movie "Diverted."

Drama actress kudos went to "Being Erica" star and Alberta native Erin Karpluk; Christine Ghawi for her perf in the miniseries "Celine," about Quebec superstar chanteuse; and Barbara Hershey for her supporting role in "Anne of Green Gables: A New Beginning."

"Burn Up," produced by Tom Cox and Stephen Garrett, nabbed the trophy for dramatic mini, while the cast of "Three Chords From the Truth" won for ensemble perf in a comedy series.

Despite the night's big drama prizes, comedy was front and center, with folksy comedian Ron James hosting the night, beloved CBC topical series "Rick Mercer Report" winning for comedy series and tributes to the long-running, influential comedy series "Corner Gas," Trailer Park Boys" and "Royal Canadian Air Farce" keeping the laughs coming.

Comedy writing prize went to Adam Reid and Max Reid for "Billable Hours," while CBC's "Dragon's Den" nabbed it for reality series.

The prestigious Donald Brittain award for social/political doc went to helmer Min Sook Lee's "Tiger Spirit" (Storyline/National Film Board of Canada), about divided Korean families.

And top host Geminis went to "The Hour"'s George Stroumboulopoulos (general interest talk program), CBC's Diana Swain (news anchor) and "Do You Think You Can Dance Canada"'s Leah Miller (variety series).

Hot Canuck celeb presenters included Cory Monteith ("Glee") and Jessica Lucas ("Melrose Place").

You can find related DVDs here:
Flashpoint Seasons 1-2 DVD Box Set (DVD-9)
Veronica Mars Seasons 1-3 DVD Boxset