For 50 years, Clyde Gilmour, CM (1912-1997) was heard on CBC Radio, and as a writer at The Toronto Evening Telegram, he became the first full-time film critic at a Toronto newspaper. In his honour, the Company 3 TFCA Luminary Award is given annually to a Canadian who has significantly enriched the understanding and appreciation of Canadian cinema. This includes—but is not limited to—critics, programmers, writers, directors, producers, distributors, actors, academics, cinematographers, technicians, etc. Anyone who can viably be seen as forwarding Canadian cinema / cinema culture through their work is eligible.

The 2021 recipient, and winner upon the 25th anniversary of the TFCA, is David Cronenberg. As part of his recognition, Cronenberg was invited to select an emerging filmmaker to receive $50,000 in services courtesy of Company 3. He chose Kelly Fyffe-Marshall.

Previous winners

2020 – Jason Ryle

2019 – Michèle Maheux

2018 – Tantoo Cardinal

2017 – Zacharias Kunuk

2016 – Alanis Obomsawin

2015 – Deepa Mehta

2014 – Piers Handling

2013 – Norman Jewison

2012 – not awarded

2011 – John Dunning

2009 – Mark Peranson

2008 – not awarded

2007 – not awarded

2006 – Allan King

2005 – Robin Wood

2004 – Kay Armitage

2003 – not awarded

2002 – Wayne Clarkson

2001 – James Quandt

2000 – not awarded

1999 – Elwy Yost

1998 – Gerald Pratley

1997 – Wayne Clarkson