The Prism Prize celebrating the top Canadian music videos of the year released its top-10 nominees list. The top-20 shortlist was already posted at prismprize.com.
A jury of over 120 Canadian music, film and media-arts professionals selected the finalists after viewing thousands of submissions. Criteria for selection included style, creativity, innovation and originality. The winner will be announced at a screening and awards event May 13 at TIFF Bell Lightbox.
The top-choice video is awarded a $15,000 grand prize. As well as the big award, a number of special awards will be given. These include:
Audience Award: Any of the top-20 nominees can be voted on by members who can register at https://www.prismprize.com/2018audience.
The Special Achievement Award: (Sponsored by Slaight Music). Recognizing artistic achievement and worldwide contribution to music-video art. Announced April 10.
The Hi-Fidelity Award: (Sponsored by FACTOR). To the recording artist using video art in their work in ongoing creative and innovative ways. Announced at a May 13 event.
Earlier in the year Toronto director Karena Evans (Belly, PLAZA, Drake) received the Lipsett Award for unique and innovative approaches to video art.
The winner of each special award also receives the newly designed Prism Prize statue, a $2,500 production equipment rental grant from William F. White and a gift bag from MAC Cosmetics.
Coming hot on the heels of the Juno Awards, this is one more recognition for the outstanding work being done in Canada’s music community.
The 2018 Prism Prize top 10 (in alphabetical
order):
• Alice Glass — Without Love
Director: Floria Sigismondi
• Alvvays — Dreams Tonite
Director: Matt Johnson
• Charlotte Day Wilson — Work
Director: Fantavious Fritz
• Cri feat. Ouri — Rush
Director: Didier Charette
• Daniel Caesar — Freudian, a Visual
Directors: Keavan Yazdani and Sean Brown
• Feist — Century
Director: Scott Cudmore
• Grimes feat. Janelle Monáe — Venus Fly
Director: Grimes (Juno winner)
• Jessie Reyez — Gatekeeper
Director: Peter Huang
• Leonard Cohen — Leaving the Table
Director: Christopher Mills
• PUP — Old Wounds
Director: Jeremy Schaulin-Rioux
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