Canadian comedy legend Mike Myers delivered a heartfelt, and often humorous, tribute to his home country while accepting the Academy Icon Award at the 2026 Canadian Screen Awards Sunday night.
The Toronto-born actor, comedian and writer, best known for creating characters such as Wayne Campbell from “Wayne’s World” and Austin Powers, used much of his acceptance speech to reflect on the role Canada has played in shaping both his career and identity.
“I had a whole speech written about how I love Canada but I suspect some of you might be sick of hearing that at this point,” Myers joked, prompting a chorus of no’s from the audience.
Throughout his speech, Myers highlighted the pride his family continues to have in their Canadian roots, noting that his children are proud to be Canadian and have expressed a desire to obtain Canadian passports.
The actor sprinkled French into his remarks and gave a special shoutout to Quebec, then thanked Toronto’s public transit system, the TTC and his hometown of Scarborough.
“Scarborough taught me the three Fs,” Myers said. “When to fight, when to be funny and when to flee.”
The emotional high point came when Myers thanked his parents for immigrating to Canada and for encouraging his creativity.
“I want to thank my mom and dad for moving to Canada,” he said becoming visibly emotional. “And for stressing the importance of being silly.”
Myers also paid tribute to a slew of people he worked with throughout his career including several fellow Canadian comedy legends such as Martin Short, whom he described as “insanely generous.”
He also acknowledged actor Eugene Levy, the late Catherine O’Hara and comedian John Candy.
In one of the evening’s most patriotic moments, Myers thanked Canadian taxpayers.
“I want to thank the Canadian taxpayer. I really do” he said. “I always say to my American friends, I had a big ally in my hand. I have 40 million people behind me.”
Closing his speech, Myers summed up his gratitude with a simple message: “Canada…I’d literally be nothing without you.”
