Leo Awards

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The Leo Awards are an annual set of awards, given each May, which honor the best in British Columbian television and film production. The Leo Awards are a program of the Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Foundation of British Columbia.

The Leos were founded in 1999. The British Columbia film and television industry provides more than 15,000 jobs and generates more than $1 billion (Canadian) in economic activity, making the industry an integral one in the economic and social vitality of British Columbia. The Leos were established to provide support and recognition for the work of film and television producers, writers, directors, performers and others.

In 2005, the Leo Awards Film Festival was added to the event as a means of showcasing the best in film and television production honored at the festival.

Any program is eligible which qualifies as a Canadian television production pursuant to the rules of the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), the Canadian Audio Visual Certification Office (CAVCO) or British Columbia Film. Programs may also qualify if they are an international treaty co-production or an inter-provincial co-production and include a British Columbia co-producer. Additionally, according to the award rules, 'It must be demonstrated that the directing mind and control of the creative and financial aspects of the Program rest with British Columbia based individuals, defined as someone who is a Canadian citizen or has permanent residence status, and has maintained a residence in British Columbia for the 12 months preceding commencement of principal photography of the Program entered for adjudication.'

The Leos hand out awards in 17 dramatic series categories; 14 film categories; 13 short drama categories; 10 documentary program or series categories; five information or lifestyle series categories; five animation program or series categories; five youth or children's program or series categories; four music, comedy or variety program or series categories; two talk series categories; and one each for student productions and music videos.

The Leos also honor a group and an individual for Outstanding Achievements.

The Leo Awards are sponsored by the Province of British Columbia, the Union of B.C. Performers (the B.C. branch of ACTRA) and Northwest Imaging & FX, a B.C.-based production company.