The Genie Award was an annual accolade presented to recognize excellence in Canadian cinema. Established in 1980, it celebrated achievements in various categories, including acting, directing, and screenwriting. The awards aimed to promote and honor the artistic contributions of filmmakers in Canada. In 2012, the Genie Awards were replaced by the Canadian Screen Awards, which expanded the recognition to include television and digital media. The transition aimed to reflect the evolving landscape of the Canadian entertainment industry while continuing to celebrate the talents of individuals and productions within the country.