Empathie and The Pitt Lead Winners at 2026 Banff Rockie Awards
The 2026 Banff World Media Festival concluded with a celebration of international storytelling, highlighted by the French-language series 'Empathie' taking home the prestigious Grand Jury Prize. Created by Lorence Longpre, the Canadian production from Trio Orange dominated the evening, securing multiple honors including the Prix Francophone and the Prize for Excellence in Canadian Content. The series, which follows a criminologist-turned-psychiatrist, was recognized for its compelling narrative and contribution to the francophone television landscape.
In the English-language categories, HBO’s medical drama 'The Pitt' earned the top drama award, besting a competitive field that included 'The Handmaid’s Tale.' Meanwhile, HBO’s 'The Chair Company' was awarded best English-language comedy. The feature film category saw a notable win for 'Mountainhead,' marking the directorial debut of 'Succession' creator Jesse Armstrong, who used the platform to emphasize the importance of looking beyond domestic markets to appreciate global television achievements.
Beyond the series awards, the ceremony honored significant individual contributions to the industry. Malin Akerman received the award for best drama performance for her role in Netflix’s 'The Hunting Wives,' while comedian Mae Martin was presented with the Creative Voice Award. A poignant highlight of the evening was the career achievement award presented to legendary Indigenous actor Tantoo Cardinal, who reflected on her journey from hitchhiking to the festival in her youth to becoming a trailblazer for Indigenous representation in global media.
The Banff Rockie Awards continue to serve as a vital barometer for international content, bridging the gap between North American productions and the global creative community. By highlighting diverse voices—from French-language dramas to Indigenous storytelling—the festival reinforces the industry's shift toward more inclusive and globally resonant narratives, proving that high-quality content remains the primary driver of critical acclaim in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.