Capilano University's School of Motion Picture Arts has been honoured with the 2026 Leo Awards Outstanding Achievement Award, recognizing its longstanding contribution to British Columbia's film and television industry. Presented by the Motion Picture Arts & Sciences Foundation of British Columbia, the award recognizes organizations, companies, associations and individuals that have made a significant impact on the province's screen sector.
Michael Thoma, chair of Capilano University's School of Motion Picture Arts, accepts the 2026 Outstanding Achievement Award on behalf of the university, at the Leo Awards, July 4-5 in Vancouver. (Image courtesy of presenting sponsor RBC via LinkedIn.)
At the 2026 Leo Awards celebration on July 4 and 5 in Vancouver, the award's introduction featured remarks from CapU alumna, filmmaker and actor Gigi Saul Guerrero, who spoke about the role CapU played in launching her career. Michael Thoma, chair of the School of Motion Picture Arts, accepted the honour on behalf of the university from presenting sponsor RBC.
"The Leo Awards bring together the incredible talent in B.C.'s film and television community, and it was inspiring to see so many of our students, alumni and faculty recognized among them," said Thoma. "It was especially gratifying to see the School of Motion Picture Arts and Capilano University recognized as an honoured and valued part of that community."
In her remarks, Guerrero reflected on how her time at CapU helped launch her career and laid the foundation for her success as a filmmaker and actor. She also spoke to the school's ongoing impact on emerging creators working in B.C.'s screen industry.
According to the Leo Awards website, CapU's School of Motion Picture Arts received the Outstanding Achievement Award in recognition of its longstanding contribution to film and television education and its role in preparing generations of industry professionals.
Located on CapU's North Vancouver campus, the Nat and Flora Bosa Centre for Film & Animation provides state-of-the-art facilities and hands-on, industry-focused learning. Home to the School of Motion Picture Arts and School of Animation & Visual Effects, the centre prepares students for careers in film, television and animation through real-world projects and mentorship from industry professionals.
The celebration also highlighted the depth of CapU talent across the screen sector, with 60-plus alumni nominated and more than a dozen alumni and faculty receiving Leo Awards honours.
CapU community members receiving Leo Awards included:
FACULTY
Best Sound, Feature Length Documentary
Lisa Kolisnyk (recently retired) (with Doug Paterson, May Guimarães, Chris Hind and Yegor Irodov)
In the Room
ALUMNI
Best Picture Editing, Motion Picture
Nach Dudsdeemaytha
Akashi
Best Musical Score, Motion Picture
Matthew Rogers
Worldbreaker
Best Musical Score, Television Movie
Matthew Rogers
How to Lose a Popularity Contest
Best Short Drama
Josh Hauca and Dan Clarke (with Colin Matthews), producers
Never Use Alone
Best Picture Editing, Short Documentary
Conor Gleeson (with Joseph Boutilier)
The Sound of a Pandemic
Best Cinematography, Documentary Series
Hunter Wood
The Last Captains-All In, All Out
Best Information, Lifestyle or Reality Series
Michael Francis (with Dugald Mclaren, Wendy Mckernan, Bryce Quan, David Way, Lindsay Macadam and Tony Chung), producer
Highway Thru Hell
Best Cinematography Information, Lifestyle or Reality Series
Cuyler Frink (with Sean F. White, Ryan Godard and Dyllan Goodman)
Ocean Warriors: Mission Ready-Plane in Peril
Best Art Direction, Animation Program
Kevin Phibbs
After Us
Best Web Series
Paul Almeida and Makayla Moore, producers
The Dressing Room, Season 2
Best Performance, Web Series
Alex Gullason
The Dressing Room Season 2-Wig in a Box
Best Student Production
Sarah Buchanan, producer
Perfect Definition
Visit the Leo Awards website for a full list of nominees and winners.
For more information
2055 Purcell Way
North Vancouver British Columbia
Canada V7J 3H5
www.capilanou.ca/
