Jay Scott (1949-1993) became one of Canada most esteemed film critics through his work at outlets like The Globe and Mail. Scott helped put Canadian cinema on the map. Voted by members of the TFCA, the Jay Scott Prize for an Emerging Artist is given to an emerging talent and considers their body of work.

The Jay Scott Prize recognizes an emerging Canadian talent who is positively affecting the direction of Canadian cinema. This includes, but is not limited to, significant contributions from directors, actors, writers, producers, etc., but they must be involved in the making of films (shorts or features) on some level.

The winner of the  Jay Scott Prize for an Emerging Artist at the 28th annual TFCA Awards is  J Stevens, director/co-writer of Really Happy Someday.

Previous winners

2023 – Ariane Louis-Seize

2022 – Carol Nguyen

2021 – Bretten Hannam

2020 – Kelly Fyffe-Marshall

2019 – Deragh Campbell

2018 – Molly McGlynn

2017 – Sofia Bohdanowicz

2016 – Ashley McKenzie

2015 – Anne Émond

2014 – Albert Shin

2013 – Matt Johnson

2012 – Nicolás Pereda

2011 – Ingrid Veninger

2010 – Daniel Cockburn

2009 – Xavier Dolan