Canadian children’s programming and interactive content creators were recognized last night at the annual Youth Media Alliance Awards of Excellence Gala held in Toronto. As well as recognizing top English-language screen-based content for young viewers, the awards acknowledged both emerging and ongoing talents within the Canadian youth media industry.

The Emerging Talent Award, sponsored by Corus Entertainment, went to Stephanie Betts, VP of Development at DHX Kids. The award, which is given to professionals 30 or younger, is designed to recognize those who are carving out a niche in the industry and encourage innovation within children’s programming.

Meanwhile, a Special Anniversary Outstanding Achievement Award went to the homegrown 30-year-old franchise Degrassi and its producers Lynda Schyler and Stephen Stohn of Epitome Pictures.

The Outstanding Achievement Award was handed to freelance children’s television producer Bonita Siegel.

Here is the full list of last night’s winners:

Grand Prize for Best Program – All Categories: Stella and Sam (Radical Sheep Productions, Playhouse Disney Canada).

Special Jury Award – Television: What’s Your News? (Lenz Entertainment, CBC).

Special Jury Award – Digital and Interactive Content: TasteBudsTV.com (marblemedia).

Award of Excellence, All Genres, Ages 3-5 category: The Ocean Room (Sinking Ship Entertainment, TVO).

Award of Excellence, All Genres, Ages 6-8 category: Artzooka! (CCI Entertainment, CBC).

Award of Excellence, All Genres, Ages 9-12 category: Vacation with Derek (Shaftesbury Films, Family Channel).

Award of Excellence, Animation, Ages 3-5 category: dirtgirlworld (DHX Media Ltd. & mememe productions, CBC).

Award of Excellence, Animation, Ages 6-8 category: Mixed Nutz (Big Bad Boo Studios, Shaw TV).

Award of Excellence, Animation Ages 9-14 category: League of Super Evil (Nerd Corps Entertainment, YTV & VRAK.TV).

Award of Excellence, Interstitials, All Ages category: Gisèle’s Big Backyard (TVO).

Award of Excellence, Best Original Interactive Content: Ruby Skye P.I.: The Spam Scam (Jill Golick Enterprises, Story 2.OH).

Award of Excellence, Best Convergent Interactive Content: TasteBudsTV.com (marblemedia).