Mr. Georges-Henri Denys Arcand

  • Montréal, Quebec, Canada

Order of Canada

  • Officer of the Order of Canada

    • Awarded on: December 29, 1986

    One of the leading lights of the Canadian cinema, he has carved out a career for himself at the National Film Board and in private industry as a producer and director of award-winning films. Co-founder of Cinéastes Assoils, he scripted and produced, among others, the film "The Decline of the American Empire".

  • Companion of the Order of Canada

    • Awarded on: October 29, 2004
    • Invested on: June 10, 2005

    A leading light in Canadian cinema, Denys Arcand has continued to enthrall audiences around the world. Recognized as a superb director and master of dialogue, he has scripted and directed powerful films. He depicts important facets of our society and his critical examinations, imbued with a marvellous sense of humour, provide much food for thought. His work has been honoured in many ways. Jésus de Montréal (Jesus of Montreal), for example, garnered 12 Genie awards and the Prix du Jury at the Cannes Film Festival. However, he is best known for Les invasions barbares (The Barbarian Invasions), which won the most awards in the history of Canadian cinema, including the Best Screenplay award at the Cannes Film Festival, as well as the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. This is a promotion within the Order.