Comedian Mae Martin has been announced as the host for the upcoming 55th annual Juno Awards by the organizers. Following their successful hosting of the Canadian Screen Awards in 2024 and the premiere of their Netflix show “Wayward,” Martin will be the first solo comedian to host the Juno Awards since Russell Peters in 2009.
In an interview at CBC News in Toronto, Martin, a Toronto native known for their work in comedy, acting, writing, and music, expressed their excitement about hosting the ceremony in Hamilton on March 29. This opportunity comes just two years after Martin’s first Juno nomination for comedy album of the year.
The Juno Awards have seen a series of repeat hosts in recent years, with Michael Bublé hosting for the third time last year, Nelly Furtado hosting for the second time in 2024, and Simu Liu hosting for the second consecutive year prior to that.
Martin aims to bring a relaxed and energetic atmosphere to the show, hoping to capture the spirit of a live music event. The event will feature performances by Daniel Caesar and William Prince, with other acts like Arkells and The Beaches also set to perform. Joni Mitchell will receive a lifetime achievement award, and Nelly Furtado will be inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
The current landscape of Canadian awards reflects a renewed focus on the value and uniqueness of Canadian art, partly influenced by tensions with the United States. The 2025 Juno Awards celebrated Canadian identity in the face of external pressures, with hosts and performers expressing national pride.
Martin’s involvement in the Juno Awards signifies a positive outlook on the state of Canadian art, given the recent successes in the industry. They believe in the global appeal of Canadian content and the talent within the country’s artistic community.
Changes in this year’s Juno Awards include the addition of the Latin music recording of the year category, along with updated eligibility requirements for rap categories to highlight Canadian talent. The awards ceremony will take place at the newly renovated TD Coliseum in Hamilton on March 29, airing live on various CBC platforms.