Mike Myers was deeply moved as he received the Icon Award at the Canadian Screen Awards (CSA), a ceremony honoring his significant contributions to the entertainment industry. Born in Scarborough, Toronto, Myers expressed his gratitude to Canada for shaping his career, citing iconic roles in films like “Austin Powers,” “Wayne’s World,” and “Shrek.”
Last year, the former “Saturday Night Live” cast member initiated the “elbows up” movement in response to threats from U.S. President Donald Trump. During his emotional acceptance speech at the CSA event, Myers acknowledged the support of the Canadian public, humorously thanking the Canadian taxpayer for backing him with a population of 40 million.
The comedian also recognized the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and the staff at Canada House in London for their support during his journey. Reflecting on his humble beginnings, Myers shared a touching moment when he was down to $10 and was offered a job stuffing envelopes.
Colleagues and friends paid tribute to Myers through video messages, including fellow Canadian Will Arnett and American stars Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz. A montage of his career highlights was shown, leading to Myers accepting the award from Dave Foley. The ceremony celebrated Myers’ impact on comedy and film, with tributes to his memorable characters and contributions to the industry.
In closing, Myers expressed his love for Canada, humorously acknowledging the audience’s potential fatigue with hearing about it. He thanked his family for their support and paid homage to Canadian screen legends like John Candy, Martin Short, Eugene Levy, and Catherine O’Hara.