2026 Buffy Awards winners
FORT MCMURRAY — The Arts Council of Wood Buffalo celebrated another year of artistic excellence in our region with their annual Buffy Awards gala Saturday night at Keyano Theatre.
The 2026 Wood Buffalo Excellence in Arts Awards recognized 12 artists, organizations and community leaders for their achievements and contributions to arts and culture across the region.
This year’s gala, themed Electric Midnight, drew inspiration from the bold energy of 1970s music culture, including glam rock, neon nightlife and the electric atmosphere of the stage.
Kelvin Sawatzky received the Lifetime Achievement Award, while Stacey Grant was recognized with the Literary Arts Award.
Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta received the Creative Collaboration Award, and Vinz Hernandez was presented with the Arts Education Award.
The Arts Administration Award went to ACFA régionale de Wood Buffalo, while Shaylean Gladu received the Indigenous Artist Award.
Dan Gillies received the Ken Flaherty Music Award, and Brenda Rye was recognized with the Arts Champion Award.
The Youth Leader in the Arts Award went to Kye Courtoreille, while Zoe Power received the Rising Star Award.
Hanna Fridhed was presented with the Performing Arts Award, and Nick Vardy received the Studio Arts Award.
The gala combined the awards presentations with live performances and an immersive production built around the Electric Midnight theme.
Held each October, the Wood Buffalo Excellence in Arts Awards are intended to recognize artists and arts organizations demonstrating outstanding achievement and making meaningful contributions to the region’s cultural landscape.
The program also aims to elevate local talent, strengthen artists’ professional portfolios and networks, and create new opportunities within Wood Buffalo, across Alberta and beyond.
Known affectionately as the Buffys, the annual gala is considered Wood Buffalo’s premier arts event and brings together artists, organizations, cultural leaders and community members to celebrate the region’s creative community.
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