During the COVID-19 pandemic, with theaters closed, film productions on hold, and GSCA events being held virtually rather than in person, we did not present the GSCA traditional awards in 2020 or 2021. However, in 2021 we celebrated the industry’s resilience and how everyone worked together to keep audiences safe and engaged during the pandemic. We asked members to send examples of their virtual programming, clips from webinars and instructional videos, testimonials, and anything else that demonstrated industry resilience. We also asked members to nominate people, groups, and organizations who stepped forward in 2020 and 2021 to lead the industry and help members through these challenges. With all of that input, we produced an Awards and Recognition program for the GSCA 2021 Virtual Conference.
2021 Recognition
We kicked off the 2021 GSCA Virtual Conference on September 20 with the Awards and Recognition program, sponsored by IMAX. During the session, IMAX announced the Hall of Fame Award winners—Hubble and Under the Sea—and shared a poignant tribute to IMAX co-founder Graeme Ferguson. GSCA staff awarded The Big Shoe, which recognizes exemplary volunteers, to Mary Jane Dodge, Paul Wild, and James Hyder.
GSCA also celebrated the industry’s resilience. We are inspired by our members and how they worked together while theaters were closed and productions were put on hold. Our members’ collective efforts were an important reminder to audiences around the world that we are vital and that we make a difference. Thank you to everyone who sent in their videos demonstrating how they had kept audiences engaged and safe during the pandemic.
And while we’ve been virtual, that doesn’t mean GSCA hasn’t been active. We’ve been busier than ever, and we take a look back at some highlights from the past 18 months and how our volunteers help us make it all happen. Watch the GSCA 2021 Awards and Recognition program here:
The Big Shoe Award
The Big Shoe recipient is selected by GSCA staff to recognize exemplary volunteers.

Mary Jane Dodge
MacGillivray Freeman Films
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James Hyder
LF Examiner
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Paul Wild
IMAX Victoria in the
Royal BC Museum,
Destination Cinema
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IMAX Hall of Fame Award (tie)
The IMAX Hall of Fame Award, presented by IMAX Corporation, goes to a giant screen film that is at least 10 years old and is selected by vote of the IMAX theater network.