ALLAN KING, O.C.

Diplôme d'honneur recipient 2008

ACCEPTANCE SPEECHTANCE SPEECH

Born in Vancouver in 1930, Allan King began his prolific career with the CBC before becoming an independent filmmaker. Considered one of the most innovative and controversial directors in Canadian film, King’s current affairs, profile and documentary films have aired around the world for the likes of PBS, CBC, Granada and the BBC. A recipient of numerous prestigious awards, Allan King has also produced several dramatic feature films and programs for television which have been featured around the world. In September 2002, the Toronto International Film Festival featured a 17 film, 9 program series retrospective of his work in both the factual and fiction genres. An active advocate of the interests of the Canadian film and television industry throughout his career, he has served the Directors Guild of Canada for several years in various capacities. Allan King is an Officer of the Order of Canada.

Diplôme d'honneur

SIMON BRAULT , O.C.

Keith Kelly Award for Cultural Leadership recipient 2008

ACCEPTANCE SPEECH

Simon Brault wears several hats within the Canadian arts and culture community. Director General of the National Theatre School of Canada since 1997, Brault has just seen his mandate as Vice Chair of the Canada Council for the Arts renewed for another five years. But it is essentially for his work with Culture Montréal, which he helped create, that Simon Brault is being honoured with the Keith Kelly Award for Cultural Leadership. The initiator of the Journées de la culture, a massive undertaking that since 1997 opens the doors of cultural centres and institutions across all Québec. Simon was also President of the Rendez-vous novembre 2007, a ground-breaking gathering of 1300 participants which produced a 10-year Action Plan aiming to lead political, economical, social and cultural actors towards the edification of Montréal as a 21st century cultural metropolis.  Simon Brault is an Officer of the Order of Canada.

Keith Kelly Award for Cultural Leadership