Canadian Television

The Gemini Awards, Canada's equivalent to the Emmys, were broadcast last night and the hit drama "Flashpoint", with its record-setting 19 nominations, walked away with three major wins: Best Dramatic Series, Best Direction and Best Performance by an Actor in a Continuing Leading Dramatic Role for Enrico Colantoni.   In the non-broadcast ceremonies, it scored another three awards for Best Achievement in Main Title Design, Best Performance by an Actor in a Guest Role, Dramatic Series (Henry Czerny) and Best Performance by an Actress in a Guest Role, Dramatic Series (Tatiana Maslany).

East Coast funny man Ron James, who has his new "The Ron James Show" airing on CBC in the old "Air Farce" slot, hosted the award show from Calgary, AB and kept the audience well entertained.  Among the presenters was Calgary native Cory Monteith, who is enjoying his role as Finn on the hit musical comedy Glee.

First year drama "Being Erica" scooped a Best Performance by an Actor in a Continuing Leading Dramatic Role for Erin Karpluk. 

Epic historical drama "The Tudors" did not score on any of its major category nominations but did receive 4 Geminis during the non-broadcast ceremonies that were held in October, including Best Photography in a Dramatic Series, Best Picture Editing in a Dramatic Series, Best Production Design and Best Sound.

The comedy award nominations were surprising with "Corner Gas", which ended its six year run this year,  not even being nominated despite back to back wins in 2005, 2006 and 2007.   Winner "The Rick Mercer Report" took home the Best Comedy Series and the cancelled "Three Chords from Truth" the Best Ensemble Performance in a Comedy. 

 Best Comedy Writing went to "Billable Hours" while Best Dramatic Writing went to the now defunct "Stargate: Atlantis."

The ground-breaking, mostly green screen, sci-fi drama Sanctuary won for Best Visual Effects but did not take home any awards for its three acting nominations.

In the reality corner, Dragon's Den won for Best Reality Program or Series.  In an odd turn, Dragon's Den is holding onto its popularity and ratings while the American Version "Shark Tank" is struggling.

The full list of Gemini nominees and winners can be found here.