GLEE'S CORY MONTEITH TO HOST THE 25TH ANNUAL GEMINI AWARDS

Gala Ceremony Broadcast Live on Global and Showcase Saturday, November 13 - 8pm

For additional information and photography, please visit: www.canwesttvmedia.com

TORONTO, Oct. 18 /CNW/ - Canwest and the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television have announced that Glee star Cory Monteith will host the 25^th Annual Gemini Awards. Broadcast live on Saturday, November 13 - 8pm on Global and Showcase from Toronto's historic Winter Garden Theatre, the Awards honour the highest achievements in the television industry. This year marks a significant milestone as the Geminis commemorate their silver anniversary.

"It is such an honour to host the Geminis," said Cory Monteith. "My mom is so excited! I hope that I can make my fellow Canadians proud!"

"The Gemini Awards are the biggest celebration of Canadian television, and what an ideal complement to have Cory back home to host the Gala broadcast," said Christine Shipton, SVP, Drama and Factual Content, Canwest Broadcasting. "As the star of one of TV's biggest shows, we're confident his enthusiasm will bring a fresh energy that is sure to resonate with audiences nationwide."

Born in Calgary and raised in Vancouver, Cory Monteith is quickly becoming one of Hollywood's most sought-after young actors. Playing the affable Finn Hudson on Global's smash hit, Glee, Monteith has catapulted to stardom since the series debut last year. Monteith's film credits include Final Destination 3; The Invisible; Deck the Halls; Whisper; and most recently, Monte Carlo, starring Leighton Meester, Selena Gomez and Katie Cassidy, scheduled for release in early 2011.

"We are delighted that Cory will be returning to the Gemini Awards," said Sara Morton, CEO, Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. "Over the years, the awards shows have been hosted by some of Canada's best-known and most beloved performers, each of whom has brought their own personal charm and charisma to the show. Cory is a terrific addition to a show that is already teeming with talented nominees and presenters."

In honour of the Geminis' 25^th anniversary, TV lovers across the country have been encouraged to vote for their favourite Canadian series from the last 25 years at www.favetvshow.ca. Compiled by a group of seasoned television critics, these shows encompass drama, comedy, reality and lifestyle genres. Voting concludes on Friday, October 29 when the results will be tallied. Special guests will present the countdown of Canada's favourite TV shows throughout the broadcast.

Launched by the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television in 1986, the 25th Annual Gemini Awards will bring together Canada's most gifted performers, craftspeople, producers and decision-makers over several evenings of special events.  

For a complete list of nominations, please visit www.geminiawards.ca.

About Canwest Originals
Canwest is the proud home of the most diverse slate of Canadian Original programs across the Dramatic, Lifestyle and Entertainment genres. As a steadfast supporter of the Canadian production community, Canwest is dedicated to bringing the best of the country to audiences nationwide - including shows such as: Rookie Blue, Pitchin' In, Holmes Inspection, Ice Pilots: NWT, Lost Girl, 16:9, The Opener, Princess, William Shatner's Weird or What? and Canada's most trusted entertainment news show Entertainment Tonight Canada.

About Canwest Broadcasting
Canwest Broadcasting operates Global Television and nineteen of the country's most popular specialty channels, including HGTV, Mystery TV, National Geographic Channel, Showcase, History Television, Food Network and TVtropolis. Canwest Broadcasting is a division of Canwest Media Inc.

About the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television
Established in 1979, the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television is a national, non-profit, professional association dedicated to the promotion, recognition, and celebration of exceptional achievements in Canadian film and television. Unifying professionals across Canada, the Academy is a vital and integral force, representing all areas of the film and television industries.

For further information:

For media inquiries, please contact:  

Sónia Brum
Global Television
[phone]
[email protected]

Grace Park
Global Television
[phone]
[email protected]

Jessica Gold
Showcase
[phone]
[email protected]

Judy Lung
Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television
[phone] ext. 238
[email protected]