Three Canadian Screen Award Wins!
Our neighbourhood is celebrating! Fresh off the Gold Carpet at this year’s Canadian Screen Awards, 9 Story Media Group and Brown Bag Films are proud to share three wins across this year’s awards.
We’re thrilled to announce that Daniel Tiger’s Neighbourhood took home Best Pre-School Program or Series at the Children’s Television Awards ceremony. Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum also had a standout night, with Brown Bag Films Director Hong Qi winning Best Direction, Animation, and Meghan Read (Sago Mini Friends, Atomic Betty, Dina Dana) and Desmond Sargeant (Dylan's Playtime Adventures, Phoebe & Jay, Mittens & Pants) earning Best Writing, Animation for the episode I Am Jackie Robinson.
“We’re incredibly proud to see our teams recognized across multiple categories at this year’s Canadian Screen Awards. These wins reflect the creativity, craft, and collaboration coming out of our Toronto studio, and the dedication of the teams who bring these stories to life every day. It’s also a testament to the strength of our partnerships and the care that goes into every production—we couldn’t be prouder of what’s been achieved together.”
— Coral Schoug, VP, Production, Canada
“We’re incredibly proud to see our teams recognized across multiple categories at this year’s Canadian Screen Awards. These wins reflect the creativity, craft, and collaboration coming out of our Toronto studio, and the dedication of the teams who bring these stories to life every day.”
Daniel Tiger’s Neighbourhood Wins Best Animated Program or Series
Produced by 9 Story Media Group, Fred Rogers Productions, and Brown Bag Films, Daniel Tiger’s Neighbourhood continues to be a beloved preschool series for audiences around the world. The series aired on WildBrain’s Family Jr channel in Canada. Producers Ilene Mitchell and Martin Sal were on hand to accept the award on behalf of the production team.
“This award is an incredible honour. It truly takes a whole neighbourhood to create stories that resonate so deeply with young viewers and their families. The show teaches kindness, empathy, and what it means to be a good friend and neighbour. Every episode reflects the collaboration, creativity, and dedication of this tigertastic team—and I feel so lucky to be part of it. Ugga Mugga!”
— Ilene Mitchell, Producer, Brown Bag Films
In Daniel Tiger’s Neighbourhood, Daniel invites viewers ages 2–4 into his world, offering a child’s-eye view of early life experiences. Alongside his friends, Daniel navigates everyday moments—like school and friendships—through memorable songs and engaging storytelling. Inspired by the legacy of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, the series continues to model the social-emotional skills that support growing and learning.
“This award is an incredible honour. It truly takes a whole neighbourhood to create stories that resonate so deeply with young viewers and their families. The show teaches kindness, empathy, and what it means to be a good friend and neighbour.”
Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum Earns Multiple Animation Awards
Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum was also recognized with nominations, underscoring the strength of the series. Based on Brad Meltzer and Chris Eliopoulos’ bestselling Ordinary People Change the World books, the adventure-comedy follows Xavier, Yadina, and Brad as they travel back in time to meet history’s greatest heroes—and learn how to become heroes in their own lives.
The award-winning episode I Am Jackie Robinson highlights the courage it takes to stand up for what’s right, as Jackie Robinson inspires Xavier to challenge injustice and create change. Congratulations to director Hong Qi on winning Best Direction, Animation, and to Meghan Read and Desmond Sargeant on winning Best Writing, Animation for this standout episode. In Canada, families can watch Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum on TVO Kids and Knowledge Network.
"I’m beyond thrilled to be part of this recognition for Best Director. This one really belongs to an amazing team who poured so much creativity, care, and collaboration across every stage of production. It’s been an incredibly rewarding ride bringing this story to life—and I’m so proud of what we built together.”
— Hong Qi, Director, Brown Bag Films
"I’m beyond thrilled to be part of this recognition. This one really belongs to an amazing team who poured so much creativity, care, and collaboration across every stage of production. It’s been an incredibly rewarding ride bringing this story to life—and I’m so proud of what we built together.”
Bringing Award-Winning Stories to Young Audiences
Both Daniel Tiger’s Neighbourhood and Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum are animated in Toronto by Brown Bag Films and produced by 9 Story Media Group. Daniel Tiger’s Neighbourhood is co-produced with Fred Rogers Productions.
“These awards reflect the calibre and consistency of the work we’re delivering across Brown Bag Films. Our ability to partner closely with creators and scale production across projects allows us to bring ambitious ideas to screen with both creative excellence and efficiency. It’s a great moment to see that work recognized.”
— Nicole Gibbs, VP, Studio Strategy
In total, 9 Story Media Group and Brown Bag Films productions received 14 nominations at this year’s Canadian Screen Awards. Congratulations to all of our teams and partners on these well-deserved recognitions, and to all of this year’s honourees.
“These awards reflect the calibre and consistency of the work we’re delivering across Brown Bag Films. Our ability to partner closely with creators and scale production across projects allows us to bring ambitious ideas to screen with both creative excellence and efficiency.”
The Children’s Television Awards were hosted by Devo Brown on May 29 at the CBC Broadcast Centre in Toronto, as part of Canadian Screen Week. The celebrations lead up to the final broadcast of the 2026 Canadian Screen Awards, hosted by Andrew Phung, airing on Sunday, May 31 at 8:00 PM ET on CBC and streaming platforms including CBC Gem, Crave, CTV, Global, and STACKTV.
To see the full list of winners, visit the Canadian Academy.
