Heated Rivalry Dominates Canadian Screen Awards; Show Also Honored at Peabody Ceremony

The cast and crew of Heated Rivalry made a triumphant showing at the Canadian Screen Awards on Sunday evening, with the series and its stars claiming multiple honors at the ceremony held at CBC Broadcast Centre in Toronto.

Hudson Williams took home the Best Lead Performer, Drama Series award, marking a significant career milestone for the actor. During his acceptance speech, Williams expressed gratitude to the production team, Crave, his parents, and his girlfriend Katelyn Larson. He also gave a special mention to co-star Connor Storrie, who was unable to attend as he's currently filming the movie Turpentine in Atlanta.

"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," Williams said.

The drama series itself proved unstoppable at the ceremony, winning both Best Drama Series and the fan-voted Cogeco Fund Audience Choice award. In fact, Heated Rivalry achieved a complete sweep, winning every award the show and its cast were nominated for.

Sophie Nelisse, Williams's co-star, was presented with the Radius Award during the ceremony by Williams. The cast and crew in attendance included Robbie GK, Nadine Bhabha, Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova, creator and director Jacob Tierney, producer Brendan Brady, and Heated Rivalry author Rachel Reid alongside her husband Matt. Harrison Browne, who played Connors in the first season, also attended the event.

The same evening in Los Angeles, Francois Arnaud stepped onto the stage at the 2026 Peabody Awards to accept Heated Rivalry's honor on behalf of the show, alongside Bell Media executive Rachel Goldstein-Couto. The dual recognition came just one night after the series swept the Scripted Television Awards ceremony.