The Canadian Screen Awards (CSA) honored a cherished comedic figure on Sunday night, with Mike Myers expressing deep gratitude in return. Accepting the CSA’s Icon Award for his significant contributions to the industry, Myers emotionally credited his Canadian upbringing for shaping his iconic roles in productions like “Austin Powers,” “Wayne’s World,” and “Shrek.”
Last year, the former “Saturday Night Live” cast member spearheaded the “elbows up” movement in response to threats against Canada by U.S. President Donald Trump. During the CSA ceremony, Myers recognized the support of millions of Canadians, jokingly thanking the taxpayer for being a crucial ally.
Acknowledging his roots, Myers praised the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and the staff at Canada House in London for their roles in his journey. He recounted a time when he was financially struggling and was offered a job at Canada House, where he started by stuffing envelopes.
As part of the tribute, a montage of Myers’ career highlights featured heartfelt tributes from former colleagues like Will Arnett, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz, who lauded him for creating unforgettable characters and influencing the comedy and film landscape.
Fighting back tears, Myers expressed love for Canada and his family, emphasizing the importance of silliness instilled by his parents. He paid homage to Canadian luminaries such as John Candy, Martin Short, Eugene Levy, and the late Catherine O’Hara for their impact on his career and the industry as a whole.
