Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee Win Four Latin Grammys for “Despacito”

Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee proved to be the night’s brightest stars at this year’s Latin Grammy Awards.

The 39-year-old Puerto Rican singer and the 40-year-old reggaeton star, the artists behind this year’s global smash single “Despacito,” picked up four awards from the Latin Recording Academy, including two of the biggest prizes.

Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee

Fonsi and Daddy Yankee won Record of the Year and Song of the Year for “Despacito,” while their remix of the song featuring Justin Bieber was named Best Urban Fusion/Performance.

Not far behind, Vicente Garcia.

The 34-year-old Dominican singer, songwriter and composer picked up three awards, including Best New Artist. He also received the Best Tropical Song prize for his single “Bachata en Kingston,” as well as Best Singer-Songwriter Album for A La Mar.

Latin music veteran Ruben Blades, who won two awards, took home the night’s biggest honor Album of the Year for his album, Salsa Big Band, with Roberto Delgado & Orquesta.

It’s the second Album of the Year trophy for the 69-year-old Panamanian singer-songwriter. He previously took home the award in 2014 for his album Tangos.

Natalia Lafourcade, a Latin Grammy darling, added two more awards to her collection.

The 33-year-old Mexican singer-songwriter won the Best Folk Album award for her album Musas, which was produced in collaboration with the acoustic guitar duo Los Macorinos. The album is a homage to Latin American folk music, coand contains original songs as well as cover versions of other artists’ songs.

Shakira, who is currently on vocal rest and absent from the ceremony, won Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Album for her latest record, El Dorado.

The 2017 Latin Grammy Awards were held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Thursday night. The three-hour show, hosted by Roselyn Sanchez and Jaime Camil, included performances by Fonsi, Steve Aoki, Alessia Cara, J Balvin, Maluma and Person of the Year Alejandro Sanz, among others.

Lin-Manuel Miranda was also honored with the President’s Merit Award for his outstanding and numerous contributions to the Latin community, including his relief efforts for Puerto Rico following the devastation of Hurricane Maria. Upon taking the stage, the Hamilton creator thanked his team and his wife, Vanessa Nadal.

“My people! Thank you, it’s an honor to be here,” Miranda began his Spanglish speech. “No one gets here alone,” he added before expressing how proud he was of the Latino community and dedicating the award to Puerto Rico.

“I know I’m a weird theater kid here, with a weird accent,” he continued. “But let’s keep collaborating and show the world that Latinos can change the world when we collaborate.

Here’s the complete list of winners:

Album of the Year: Salsa Big Band — Rubén Blades con Roberto Delgado & Orquesta
Record of the Year: “Despacito” — Luis Fonsi featuring Daddy Yankee
Song of the Year (A Songwriter’s Award): “Despacito” — Daddy Yankee, Erika Ender and Luis Fonsi, songwriters (Luis Fonsi featuring Daddy Yankee)
Best New Artist: Vicente García
Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Album: El Dorado, Shakira
Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album: Salón, Lágrimas Y Deseo, Lila Downs
Best Urban Fusion/Performance: Despacito (Remix) Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee featuring Justin Bieber
Best Urban Music Album: Residente, Residente
Best Urban Song: Somos Anormales, Rafael Arcaute, Igor Koshkendey & Residente, Songwriters (Residente)
Best Rock Album: La Gran Oscilación, Diamante Eléctrico
Best Pop/Rock Album: Mis Planes Son Amarte, Juanes
Best Rock Song: Déjala Rodar, Juan Galeano, Songwriter (Diamante Eléctrico) & La Noche, Andrés Calamaro, Songwriter (Andrés Calamaro) [Tie]
Best Alternative Music Album: Jei Beibi, Café Tacvba
Best Alternative Song: Amárrame, Mon Laferte, Songwriter (Mon Laferte featuring Juanes)
Best Salsa Album: Salsa Big Band, Rubén Blades Con Roberto Delgado & Orquesta
Best Cumbia/Vallenato Album:
Ni Un Paso Atrás, Jorge Celedón y Sergio Luis Rodríguez
Best Contemporary Tropical Album: Bidimensional,
Guaco
Best Traditional Tropical Album:
To Beny Moré With Love, Jon Secada Featuring The Charlie Sepúlveda Big Band
Best Tropical Fusion Album:
Olga Tañón Y Punto., Olga Tañón
Best Tropical Song:
Bachata En Kingston, Vicente García, Songwriter (Vicente García)
Best Singer-Songwriter Album:
A La Mar, Vicente García
Best Ranchero/Mariachi Album:
Las Caras Lindas, Flor De Toloache
Best Banda Album:
Ayer Y Hoy, Banda El Recodo De Cruz Lizárraga
Best Norteño Album:
Piénsalo, Los Palominos
Best Regional Song:
Siempre Es Así, Juan Treviño, Songwriter (Juan Treviño Featuring Aj Castillo)
Best Instrumental Album: Spain Forever, Michel Camilo & Tomatito
Best Folk Album: Musas (Un Homenaje Al Folclore Latinoamericano En Manos De Los Macorinos, Vol. 1), Natalia Lafourcade
Best Tango Album: Solo Buenos Aires, Fernando Otero
Best Flamenco Album: Memoria De Los Sentidos, Vicente Amigo
Best Latin Jazz/Jazz Album: Dance Of Time, Eliane Elias
Best Christian Album (Spanish Language): Momentos, Alex Campos
Best Portuguese Language Christian Album: Acenda A Sua Luz, Aline Barros
Best Portuguese Language Contemporary Pop Album: Troco Likes Ao Vivo: Um Filme De Tiago Iorc, Tiago Iorc
Best Portuguese Language Rock Or Alternative Album: Jardim – Pomar, Nando Reis
Best Samba/Pagode Album: + Misturado, Mart’nália
Best Mpb (Musica Popular Brasileira) Album: Dos Navegantes, Edu Lobo, Romero Lubambo, Mauro Senise
Best Sertaneja Music Album: Daniel, Daniel
Best Brazilian Roots Album: Ao Vivo – Melodias Do Sertão, Bruna Viola
Best Portuguese Language Song: Trevo (Tu), Ana Caetano & Tiago Iorc, Songwriters (Anavitória Featuring Tiago Iorc)
Best Latin Children’s Album: Marc Anthony For Babies, Varios artistas
Best Classical Album: Música De Compositores Costarricenses Vol. 2, Eddie Mora, Directing The Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional De Costa Rica; Winnie Camila Berg, Solista; Carlos Chaves, Album Producer
Best Classical Contemporary Composition: Sonata Del Decamerón Negro, Leo Brouwer, Composer (Mabel Millán)
Best Recording Package: El Orisha De La Rosa, Carlos Dussán, Juliana Jaramillo, Juan Felipe Martínez & Claudio Roncoli, Art Directors (Magín Díaz)
Best Engineered Album: Mis Planes Son Amarte, Josh Gudwin, Mixer; Tom Coyne, Mastering Engineer (Juanes)
Producer Of The Year: Eduardo Cabra [A La Mar (Vicente García) (A), La Fortuna (Diana Fuentes Featuring Tommy Torres) (S), La Lucha (La Vida Bohème) (A), Sofá (Silvina Moreno) (A), Somos (Swing Original Monks) (A)]
Best Short Form Music Video: Despacito, Luis Fonsi Featuring Daddy Yankee, Carlos R. Perez, Video Director; Joanna Egozcue & Roxy Quiñones, Video Producers
Best Long Form Music Video: Musas, El Documental, Natalia Lafourcade, Bruno Bancalari, Video Director; Juan Pablo López Fonseca, Video Producer

Los Del Río Receive Lifetime Achievement Award from the Latin Recording Academy

Holy Macarena! Los Del Río are getting some love more than 20 years after gaining international acclaim…

This week, the Spanish Latin pop and dance duo behind the smash-hit dance single “Macarena” received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Latin Recording Academy.

Los Del Rio

Los Del Rio, comprised of Antonio Romero Monge and Rafael Ruíz Perdigones, joined a list of honorees that includes Lucecita BenítezJoão BoscoIlan Chester, Víctor HerediaGuadalupe Pineda and Cuco Valoy..

The Lifetime Achievement award is presented to performers who have made unprecedented contributions of outstanding artistic significance to Latin music and the Latin community.

Los Del Rio, who saw “Macarena” reach No. 1 in 15 countries, including the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S., accepted their award with a lot of emotion, saying it was the first time they’ve received this kind of recognition in their 53-year music career.

Benitez accepted the honor given by her friend, Puerto Rican singer Olga Tañon. The 75-year-old Puerto Rican singer dedicated her recognition to her native island, emphasizing that she would never leave Puerto Rico even now that people needs help.

Pineda was presented her award from Pepe Aguilar. The 62-year-old Mexican singer had a political tone in her speech saying: “Music is a universal language. Music not only builds bridges but also breaks down walls. And, the walls fall.”

Meanwhile, Jon Fausty and Lalo Schifrin received the Trustees Award, which is given to individuals who have made significant contributions, other than performance, to Latin music during their careers. All the honorees are chosen by vote by the members of The Latin Recording Academy’s Board of Trustees.

The 18th annual Latin Grammy Awards will broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on November 16, from 8:00 – 11:00 pm ET/PT on Univision.

Erika Ender Among the Latin Recording Academy’s Inaugural “Leading Ladies of Entertainment”

Erika Ender is a leading lady…

The Latin Recording Academy will honor the accomplishments of women working in the Latin music industry, including the 42-year-old Panamanian and Brazilian singer, songwriter and actress, with a ceremony recognizing “The Leading Ladies of Entertainment.”

Erika Ender

Considered one of the most prolific composers in the Latin music market today, Ender is the woman behind Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee’s global hit “Despacito,” having co-written the song with the Puerto Rican superstars.

Last month, Ender was inducted into the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Billboard’s Leila Cobo, Executive Director of Content and Programming for Latin Music and Entertainment, will also be honored during the inaugural event, which will take place on Tuesday (November 14) at Mastro’s Ocean Club in Las Vegas.

Recording engineer Marcella Araica, Rebeca Leon, CEO and Founder of Lionfish EntertainmentGabriela Martinez, General Manager Warner Music Latina and SVP Marketing Warner Music Latin America; and Univision’s Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Jessica Rodriguez will also be honored as 2017’s “Leading Ladies.”

The new Latin Grammy week event will precede the 18th annual awards, which will be broadcast live on Univision from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Thursday (November 16).

“It is my pleasure to welcome this new event to Latin Grammy Week, where we will have another opportunity to celebrate talented and inspiring individuals,” said Gabriel Abaroa Jr., Latin Recording Academy President/CEO, said in a statement. “Women face a myriad of difficulties in the entertainment industry, but despite those obstacles, the women we are honoring have continually demonstrated perseverance, fortitude, and grace under pressure.”

Davina Aryeh, Chief Marketing Officer of The Latin Recording Academy, pointed out that the gender gap in the music industry “is more pronounced for Latinas.”

“We want to empower and inspire women,” she added. “Not only through the symbolic importance of the event…but also through the tangible financial contribution it will have as we donate proceeds back to our Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation in the form of scholarships for young women interested in studying music.”

Camila Cabello Wins First MTV Europe Music Award as a Solo Artist

Camila Cabello is taking Europe by storm…

The 20-year-old Cuban and Mexican singer and former Fifth Harmony member, who recently earned her first No. 1 in the U.K. with her hit single “Havana,” earned her first-ever MTV EMAs prize as a single artist at the this year’s MTV Europe Music Awards.

Camila Cabello

Cabello, who has only been a solo artist since December, picked up the award for Best Pop, beating out Demi Lovato, Miley Cyrus, Shawn Mendes and Taylor Swift.

Cabello’s former group mates didn’t leave empty-handed…

Fifth Harmony, featuring Latina singers Ally Brooke Hernandez and Lauren Jauregui, was named Best U.S. Act.

It’s the second time the all-girl group has won in the category, and it’s Fifth Harmony’s fourth MTV EMAs award.

Jared Leto and his group Thirty Seconds to Mars were named Best Alternative

It’s the ninth MTV EMAs win for the 45-year-old part-Spanish American singer/actor and his bandmates.

The Rita Ora-hosted award show was held at the SSE Arena in Wembley.

Here’s a look at the winners.

2017 MTV EMAs Awards Winners

Best Song
Shawn Mendes, “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back”

Best Artist
Shawn Mendes

Best Look
Zayn

Best New
Dua Lipa

Best U.S. Act
Fifth Harmony

Best Pop
Camila Cabello

Best Video
Kendrick Lamar, “Humble”

Best Live
Ed Sheeran

Best Electronic
David Guetta

Best Rock
Coldplay

Best Hip Hop
Eminem

Best Alternative
Thirty Seconds to Mars

Biggest Fans
Shawn Mendes

Best Push
Hailee Steinfeld

Best World Stage
The Chainsmokers

Gabriel Mariño Wins Two Awards at the Los Cabos Intl. Film Festival

Gabriel Mariño is the man of the hour in Mexico…

The Mexican director’s “Yesterday Wonder I Was” was a big winner at the 6th Los Cabos Intl. Film Festival on Saturday night.

Gabriel Mariño

Mariño’s black & white low-fi fantasy tale won the Premio FIPRESCI in the Mexico Primero category, as well as the Cinemex Prize.

The film is a body-swapping tale of a solitary soul in one of the world’s most populated cities. The entity, completely unintentionally and unexplained, occasionally wakes up in a new body for an unknown period of time. Gender, age and physical features are all lost, the only thing remaining is the entity’s consciousness. The film follows the entity through parks, parties, rooftops and its beloved courtyard garden as it tries to make a connection with someone who will love it in return, in spite of its condition. That possible connection comes in the form of Luisa, a beautiful hairdresser who cuts the entity’s hair after each swap. When finally it wakes up in a body young and attractive enough to instill the necessary confidence, the entity makes its move and begins a relationship with Luisa, not knowing how she will respond to the next swap.

Mariño’s second feature film hit Los Cabos off Mexico’s Morelia Festival last month, where it won the awards for best first/second Mexican film and actress (Sonia Franco).

Sean Baker’s “The Florida Project,” which was shot with an eye for eye-popping color by ace Mexican cinematographer Alexis Zabe, took home the top prize at the festival.

Baker’s latest take on America’s margins – here a hooker mother and six-year-old scam-artist daughter struggling to get by at roadside motel flophouse in the shadow of Disney World – was always a frontrunner in main competition.

David Pablos’ “Dive” took was given the Los Cabos Goes to Cannes Award.

To be directed by Pablos, the project is inspired by a real case of sexual abuse by a trainer of his young female divers in Mexico’s high-board diving team. Winningly, the film looks set to present both the power dynamics, which facilitated the abuse and the protagonist’s psychological battle to recognize that she has even been the victim.

Meanwhile, Nicole Kidman accepted an Outstanding Cinema Award at the beginning of Los Cabos’ awards gala ceremony.

Here’s a look at the night’s big winners:

LOS CABOS COMPETITION: “The Florida Project,” (Sean Baker, U.S.) 

MEXICO PRIMERO

PREMIO FIPRESCI: “Yesterday Wonder I Was,” (Gabriel Mariño, Mexico)
CINEMEX PRIZE: “Yesterday Wonder I Was”
CINEMEX AUDIENCE AWARD: “Road to Mars,” (Humberto Hinojosa)
ART KINGDOM AWARD: “Morir a los desiertos,” (Marta Ferrer, Mexico)

GABRIEL FIGUEROA FILM FUND AWARDS

LOS CABOS GOES TO CANNES AWARD: “Dive,” (David Pablos)
WORKS IN PROGRESS: “History Lessons,” (Marcelino Islas Hernández)
FILM IN DEVELOPMENT: Noche de fuego,” (Tatiana Huezo); “Israela & Talleen,” (Trisha Ziff)
LABO AWARD: “Bayoneta,” (Kizza Terrazas); “The Chambermaid,” (Lila Avilés)
CTT EXP & RENTALS AWARD: “Dive”
CHEMISTRY AWARD: Penumbra, by Pablo Barrera
TALENT ON THE ROAD / WORLD TALENT HOUSE AWARD: “My Tender Matador,” (Rodrigo Sepúlveda, Chile)
LCI AWARD: “Temple,” (Lucia Gaja)

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Nicole Kidman

Camila Cabello to Receive Breakthrough Artist Award at Billboard’s Women in Music Event

Camila Cabello is earning special recognition…

The 20-year-old Cuban singer will be honored at Billboard‘s annual Women in Music dinner and awards ceremony in Los Angeles on November 30.

Cabello, who rose to acclaim as a member of Fifth Harmony before departing the all-girl group in December, will receive the ‘Breakthrough Artist‘ award.

Since launching her solo career, Cabello’s star has been on the rise. She most recently earned her first No. 1 single in the U.K. with her steamy new single “Havana.”

Meanwhile, Kehlani will be handed the ‘Rule Breaker‘ award at the event.

The 21-year-old part-Spanish singer notched her first No. 1 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart  earlier this year, and she most recently appeared on Calvin Harris’ new album, Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1.

Cabello and Kehlani will perform at the reception, which is set to take place at the Ray Dolby Ballroom.

The Women in Music event is held in conjunction with Billboard‘s Women in Music issue, honoring the industry’s most powerful artists and executives.

This year, Selena Gomez has been named Billboard‘s Woman of the Year.

“We look forward to celebrating the amazing talent and power of these female artists and executives who continue to inspire and impact others through their achievements and contributions to the music industry,” says Dana Miller, Chief Marketing Officer of The Hollywood Reporter – Billboard Media Group. “Each year, our Women in Music event brings together the most trailblazing women in music and this year will be no exception.”

Women in Music’s red carpet pre-show, as well as the event, are scheduled to live stream via Twitter on November 30 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm PT / 9:00 pm to 12:00 am ET.

Selena Gomez Named Billboard’s 2017 Woman of the Year

Selena Gomez is the belle of the Billboard ball…

The 25-year-old Mexican American singer has been named Billboard’s 2017 Woman of the Year.

Selena Gomez

Gomez, a two-time Billboard 200 chart-leader will be presented with the award on November 30 at the annual Women in Music dinner and awards gala, held at Los Angeles’ Ray Dolby Ballroom.

Gomez, an award-winning singer, producer and actress, will join an all-star cast of previous Woman of the Year honorees including Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Pink, Katy Perry, Fergie, Beyoncé and last year’s winner, Madonna, who delivered a moving speech that touched on feminism, sexism and much more.

“Not only is Selena soaring on the charts, but she continuously inspires young women everywhere to be authentic, give back and to not be afraid to use their voice,” said John Amato, president of The Hollywood Reporter-Billboard Media Group. “She is never afraid to speak her mind and has used her platform to advocate for the needs of others. We are thrilled to be able to honor her as our Woman of the Year.”

Gomez’ career has never been in better shape. In 2015 and 2016, she enjoyed top 10 Billboard Hot 100 smashes with “Same Old Love” and “Hands to Myself” and “We Don’t Talk Anymore.” The trend continues, with hits “Bad Liar,” “Fetish” (featuring Gucci Mane) and “It Ain’t Me” (with Kygo) in the past year.

Five of her albums have cracked the top 10 of the Billboard 200, with the studio albums Revival (2015) and Stars Dance (2013) leading the chart.

Not confined to music, Gomez also executive-produced the Netflix drama 13 Reasons Why, launched partnerships with Coach and Puma, and worked tirelessly across various philanthropic endeavors, from the Step Up Foundation to coaching for World Kindness Day, and raising more than $500,000 for the Lupus Research Alliance. Also, Gomez has been an active ambassador for UNICEF since 2009.

The event, held in conjunction with the publication of Billboard’s Women in Music issue, also recognizes the most powerful female executives in the industry. Additional Women in Music honorees will be revealed at a later date.

For the first time, the Women in Music event and a red-carpet pre-show will be broadcast live for on Twitter from 9:00 pm-midnight EST on November 30.

Alejandro G. Inarritu to Receive Special Oscar for His Virtual Reality Installation “Carne y Arena”

Alejandro G. Inarritu is getting a special Oscar…

The Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has voted to give a special honorary Oscar to the 54-year-old Mexican filmmaker’s extraordinary virtual reality installation Carne y Arena

Alejandro G. Inarritu

It will be presented at the upcoming Governors Awards on November 11 at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland.

This joins previously announced Governors Award honorees this year including actor Donald Sutherland, director Agnes Varda, cinematographer Owen Roizman and filmmaker Charles Burnett.

In making the announcement of the Oscar to this unique achievement — full name: Carne y Arena (Virtually Present, Physically Invisible) — the Academy said it was in recognition of a visionary and powerful experience in storytelling. It was first unveiled at this year’s Cannes Film Festival in May in a nearby airport hangar where I was among the lucky ones to experience it. And experience is the word.

“The Governors of the Academy are proud to present a special Oscar to Carne y Arena, in which Alejandro Iñárritu and his cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki have opened for us new doors of cinematic perception,” said Academy president John Bailey. “Carne y Arena, Iñárritu’s multimedia art and cinema experience, is a deeply emotional and physically immersive venture into the world of migrants crossing the desert of the American southwest in early dawn light. More than even a creative breakthrough in the still emerging form of virtual reality, it viscerally connects us to the hot-button political and social realities of the U.S.-Mexico border.”

Los Angeles residents currently have the opportunity to see Carne y Arena as it is on display at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, as well as at Fondazione Prada in Milan, and Tlatelolco Cultural Center in Mexico City. It’s a collaboration between Iñárritu, Lubezki, producer Mary Parent, Legendary Entertainment, Fondazione Prada, ILMxLAB, and Emerson Collective.

The Oscar will be Inarritu’s fifth Academy Award. He won three for Birdman including Best Picture, Director, and Screenplay as well as becoming only the second helmer in 65 years to win back-to-back awards when he won Director again for 2015’s The Revenant.

Juanpa Zurita Takes Home Streamy Award in the International Category

Juanpa Zurita is streaming with pride…

The 21-year-old Mexican internet personality, vlogger, and model most notable for his YouTube videos, Instagram skits and vlogs has earned his first-ever Streamy Award.

Juanpa Zurita

Zurita earned the honor in the International category at the seventh annual Streamy Awards, presented Tuesday night at the Beverly Hilton.

Produced by dick clark productions, the Streamys celebrate the best in online video and the creators behind it. This year featured the first Purpose Awards, planned as an annual event recognizing creators, brands and nonprofits that make a difference in their communities and positively impacting humankind.

Jon Cozart hosted the show, which featured a grand finale performance by the Village People, with original singer Victor Willis back out front for the first time in three decades.

Here are the 2017 winners:

Show of the Year: Sugar Pine 7
Creator of the Year: Dolan Twins
Lifestyle: LaurDIY
Comedy: Liza Koshy
Food: Worth It
Branded Video or Series: The Disappearing Girl, Collins Key (AT&T)
Beauty: PatrickStarrr
Feature: This is Everything: Gigi Gorgeous
Acting in a Drama: DeStorm Power (“Caught’)
Acting in a Comedy: Mamrie Hart (“Dirty 30”)
Dance: Alyson Stone
Ensemble Cast: Mr. Student Body President
Storyteller: King Bach
Breakout Creator: David Dobrik
Breakthrough Artist: Poppy
First Person: Lilly Singh
Live: SMOSH Live

The Streamys Premiere Awards were given out Sunday, with winners including Honest Trailers with Ryan Reynolds, Ariana Grande and The Young Turks, among others.

STREAMYS PREMIERE AWARDS WINNERS
(announced 9/24)

OVERALL

Action or Sci-Fi: Crypt TV
Animated: RWBY (Volume 4)
Documentary: Psycho Family
Immersive: BlackBoxTV (BlackBoxTV)
International: Juanpa Zurita 

SERIES

Comedy Series: Rhett & Link’s Buddy System
Drama Series: Cold
Indie Series: Brown Girls
Non-Fiction Series: Ladylike 

SUBJECT

Fashion: Tess Christine
Gaming: Smosh Games
Kids and Family: Brooklyn & Bailey
News and Culture: The Young Turks
Science or Education: Veritasium
Sports and Wellness: blogilates

PERFORMANCE

Collaboration: Honest Trailers and Ryan Reynolds (“Logan Feat. Deadpool”)
MUSIC: Cover Song: Ariana Grande, “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” (Judy Garland)

CRAFT

Cinematography: Casey Neistat (Casey Neistat)
Costume Design: Brandon Rogers, Kimberly Rice, and Jonathan Hinman (“Magic Funhouse”)
Directing: Jack Ferry and Ryan Hunter (“Mr. Student Body President”)
Editing: The Game Theorists (Edward Newton, Thomas Torbergsen, Alex Sedgewick, Ronnie Edwards, Daniel Seibert, Lee Black, and Ryder Burgin)
Visual and Special Effects: Sam Gorski and Niko Pueringer (Corridor)
Writing: DeStorm Power (“Caught”) 

BRAND

Influencer Campaign: Samsung (Casey Neistat)

Lido Pimienta’s “La Papessa” Wins Polaris Music Prize’s Canadian Album of the Year Title

Lido Pimienta has a massive reason to celebrate…

The Colombian Canadian musician’s La Papessa has been declared Canadian album of the year by the Polaris Music Prize grand jury.

Lido Pimienta

The award comes with a check for C$50,000 ($41,000) and was presented by last year’s winner, Kaytranada.

As the 11-member grand jury — selected from the larger jury pool of music media — debated about and voted on the 10-title shortlist behind closed doors at the venue, those artists were honored onstage with a thoughtful essay about their work and a custom-designed poster.

Some of the nominees also performed: Pimienta, Feist, Tanya Tagaq, Lisa LeBlanc, Leif Vollebekk and Weaves.

The audience of 900 was mostly comprised of industry, artists, sponsors and jurors with a small quantity of tickets sold to the public.

Lido Pimienta

The other nine albums on the 2017 short list were A Tribe Called Red‘s We Are The Halluci Nation; BadBadNotGood’s IV; Leonard Cohen‘s You Want It Darker; Gord Downie’s Secret Path; Feist’s Pleasure; Lisa LeBlanc’s Why You Wanna Leave, Runaway Queen?; Tanya Tagaq’s Retribution; Leif Vollebekk’s Twin Solitude; and  the eponymously-titled release by Weaves.

The albums are judged solely on artistic merit, without consideration of genre, sales or professional affiliation, according to the Polaris mandate. The eligibility period for the titles is June 1, 2016 to May 31, 2017.

The nominated albums had been selected by a two-part calculation process. This year’s 201-member jury — made up of music journalists, broadcasters and music bloggers from across Canada — selected 188 titles on the first online ballot, which asked for their top 5 picks ranked in order. The 40-title long list was then determined and the same jurors picked their top 5 from those 40 to determine the short-list.

Slaight Music again donated the prize money, C$50,000 for the winner and C$3,000 ($2,275) for each of nine short-listed acts.

Artists who have previous won the Polaris Music Prize are Kaytranada (2016), Buffy Sainte-Marie (2015), Tanya Tagaq (2014), Godspeed You! Black Emperor (2013), Feist (2012), Arcade Fire (2011), Karkwa (2010), Fucked Up (2009), Caribou (2008), Patrick Watson (2007), and Final Fantasy / Owen Pallett (2006).