The David Billington Award is presented to an individual who has made an invaluable contribution to Alberta’s production community and celebrates those individuals who inspire us all with their vision, passion and dedication.
David Billington came to Alberta in 1975 with 2 national newspaper awards and a stint at Reuters behind him. He worked as a cowboy then joined the Calgary Herald in 1977. In 1978 he became entertainment editor and rodeo commentator for the newly established Edmonton Sun. David was the first print journalist to give serious attention to the arts and in particular, film and television in Alberta. In 1974, David covered Alberta’s first film festival, four years later he was a founding member of the Commonwealth Games Film Festival and was on the pre-selection committee for the first Banff Television Festival in 1979 – a role he played until his death in 1987.
David believed that Alberta film should be held to the exacting standards of the global industry. David Billington was given the very first Billington Award posthumously in 1988. It was accepted by his son Dai Billington.Â
Previous Award Recipients
2015 – GIL CARDINAL
2014 – DALE PHILLIPS
2013 – MURRAY ORD
2012 – TOM RADFORD
2011 – SHAUN JOHNSTON
2010 – DOUG MACLEOD
2009 – LANCE MUELLER
2008 – JEAN MERRIMAN
2007 – LORNE MACPHERSON
2006 – JANE BISBEE
2005 – DOUGLAS MUNRO
2004 – TOM JACKSON
2003 – FRED KEATINGÂ
2002 – NICK ZUBKO
2001 – JOHN SCOTT
2000 – ANDY THOMSONÂ
1999 – ANNE WHEELER
1998 – BRUCE NELSON
1997  – ARVI LIIMATAINEN
1996 – JAN MILLER
1995 – CARRIE HUNTER
1994 – WILLIAM MARSDENÂ
1993 – LES KIMBER
1992 – DR. CHARLES A. ALLARD
1991 – ALBERT KARVONEN
1990 – FIL FRASER
1989 – THOMAS PEACOCKE
