Hudson Williams Honors Girlfriend Katelyn Larson in Canadian Screen Awards Acceptance Speech

Hudson Williams took a moment during his acceptance speech at the 2026 Canadian Screen Awards to publicly celebrate his relationship with girlfriend Katelyn Larson.

The actor claimed the Best Lead Performer, Drama Series honor at Sunday's ceremony (May 31) held at CBC Broadcast Centre in Toronto, Ontario for his portrayal of Shane Hollander in the first season of Crave's Heated Rivalry. At 25 years old, Williams became the youngest actor ever to receive this particular award.

Stepping up to the microphone without prepared remarks, Williams worked through a handwritten list of acknowledgments. After crediting the show's team, the streaming service, and his parents, he turned his attention to his partner.

"My partner Katelyn, wherever you are…there you are, love you, thank you so much for always keeping me stable because sometimes I'm- I'm not," he shared from the stage.

The camera caught Larson in the audience beaming at his words, displaying finger hearts—a gesture that became popular in Korea during the 1990s.

Williams also used the platform to recognize his on-screen counterpart Connor Storrie, who wasn't present at the event. "If I could cut this award down the middle I would because if these gay, yearning, little bottom eyes didn't have a big sexy Russian to feast upon, my performance wouldn't be as good. To the honorary Canadian Connor Storrie, I share this award with you," he said.

The night proved successful for Heated Rivalry beyond Williams' individual win. The series also took home Best Drama Series and earned the fan-voted Cogeco Fund Audience Choice award, along with several additional accolades from the previous evening.

Williams made another appearance on stage later in the night when he presented fellow cast member Sophie Nelisse with the Radius Award.

Earlier at the event, Williams and Larson walked the red carpet together, posing for photographers alongside his parents.