At the Canadian Screen Awards (CSA) ceremony on Sunday evening, a heartfelt tribute was paid to one of Canada’s most cherished comedic talents, and in response, Mike Myers expressed his gratitude with tears in his eyes.
Accepting the CSA’s Icon Award, which acknowledges ongoing contributions to the industry domestically and internationally, Myers emotionally conveyed, “I just want to say Canada, I don’t know what to say dude. I’d literally be nothing without you.”
The comedian and actor, hailing from Scarborough, a suburb of Toronto, concluded his moving speech by recognizing his homeland for playing a crucial role in shaping some of his most iconic performances, such as those in “Austin Powers,” “Wayne’s World,” and “Shrek.”
Last year, the former “Saturday Night Live” cast member initiated the widely embraced “elbows up” movement in response to threats made by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Canada’s annexation.
During the CSA event, Myers took a moment to acknowledge the support of the Canadian public, stating, “I want to thank the Canadian taxpayer. I really do actually, because I always say to my American friends I had a big ally on my hands — I had 40 million people behind me.”
In a light-hearted moment, Myers commended the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), humorously mentioning that “it’s the better way,” a nod to the public transit system’s slogan. He also expressed appreciation for the staff at Canada House in London, recalling a time when he was in need and they offered him a job that involved stuffing envelopes.
As part of the tribute, a montage showcasing highlights from Myers’ career began with a clip of the comedian proudly declaring, “You can take the boy out of Canada, but you can’t take Canada out of the boy.”
Following the montage were pre-recorded tributes from former co-stars and industry figures, including Will Arnett, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz, praising Myers for creating unforgettable characters and influencing the landscape of comedy and film.
Before accepting the award from Dave Foley of “Kids in the Hall,” Myers was visibly moved as he wiped away tears. Foley, a fellow Canadian comedian and friend, introduced him on stage.
In his acceptance speech, Myers lightened the atmosphere by joking, “I had a whole speech written about how much I love Canada, but I suspect some of you might be sick of hearing that at this point.” He then expressed gratitude to his family, including his wife and children, and fought back tears as he thanked his parents for instilling the value of silliness in him and his siblings.
Additionally, Myers honored several renowned Canadian screen stars, such as John Candy, Martin Short, Eugene Levy, and the late Catherine O’Hara, for their contributions to the industry and their kindness towards him.