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David Billington Award

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. 

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 KEATING 

2002 – NICK ZUBKO

2001 – JOHN SCOTT

2000 – ANDY THOMSON 

1999 – ANNE WHEELER

1998 – BRUCE NELSON

1997  – ARVI LIIMATAINEN

1996 – JAN MILLER

1995 – CARRIE HUNTER

1994 – WILLIAM MARSDEN 

1993 – LES KIMBER

1992 – DR. CHARLES A. ALLARD

1991 – ALBERT KARVONEN

1990 – FIL FRASER

1989 – THOMAS PEACOCKE

David Billington