The Hollywood Reporter reveals Canada's top entertainment dealmakers for 2026, highlighting industry resilience and growing patriotism.
On September 8, 2026, The Hollywood Reporter announced its second annual list of Canada’s Top 25 Entertainment Dealmakers, showcasing the influential figures shaping film, television, and streaming in Canada and on a global scale. The list highlights how the country’s entertainment industry has leveraged the challenges posed by recent U.S.-Canada relations, particularly during and after Trump’s trade war, resulting in an unexpected boost in Canadian patriotism and an increase in local productions.
The ongoing tensions stemming from Donald Trump’s administration, including threats of economic tariffs, have galvanized support for homegrown content within Canada. This movement, characterized as “Elbows up!”, has led audiences to embrace locally produced works more than ever before. Significant successes include breakout hits like Heated Rivalry and Backrooms, which have attracted attention from Hollywood and redefined the landscape for Canadian creators and financiers. These dynamics suggest a growing recognition of Canadian talent, showcasing that local stories can compete internationally when given adequate support and resources.
The list features executives, producers, and creatives pivotal in steering the industry:
Other notable mentions include Cohan from Bell Media, celebrating successful partnerships for the hit Heated Rivalry, and Creighton of CMF, who saw positive returns from funding Heated Rivalry. These industry leaders collectively embody a shift toward international collaboration for greater storytelling impact.
The roster reflects a renewed pride and commitment to fostering Canadian stories. For instance, tax incentives and co-production treaties are enabling stronger partnerships that enhance the global reach of Canadian narratives. This sentiment resonates through the work of MacMillan, who emphasizes the importance of adapting content distribution strategies to ensure visibility in a changing media landscape.
Corporate strategies geared towards innovation and audience engagement have become essential. Smith, CBC's top programmer, expressed confidence in local programming as a means to connect with both national and international audiences, reiterating that “this is our moment.”
Despite the optimism surrounding this list, the Canadian industry faces significant hurdles, including the need to navigate regulatory uncertainties and shifting audience expectations. Many dealmakers have expressed concerns over the potential negative impacts of AI on job security within the creative sector, as articulated by Kelly, who represents over 30,000 Canadian performers. The concern is that rapid advancements in technology could dilute the human elements essential to storytelling.
The evolving global content economy demands agility from organizations across Canada. As noted by Segal, the focus on shared IP and co-dependence in co-production treaties is crucial for establishing a stable path forward amidst uncertainty.
The publication of the Top 25 Entertainment Dealmakers of 2026 reveals a marked consolidation of Canadian entertainment talent and innovation amid turbulent external pressures. The shift toward increased national pride, burgeoning local productions, and strategic global partnerships indicates a promising era for the Canadian entertainment industry. As the domestic market continues to adapt, the emphasis on creating distinctive Canadian narratives may enhance the country’s profile on the global stage.
For more insights into the changing landscape of entertainment, check out our coverage of Chris Rock’s upcoming film at TIFF and other significant industry developments.
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