The winners of the inaugural Lieutenant Governor’s Daryl Duke Awards for Screenwriting were announced last night at a reception at the Vancouver International Film Centre.  Lieutenant Governor Iona Campagnolo was in attendance to speak and present the winners with their awards.

Chris Haddock, creator of critically acclaimed television shows DaVinci’s Inquest, DaVinci’s City Hall and Intelligence, won the award for achievement in writing for television.  “It's a great honour to accept this award”, says Haddock.  “I hope I can live up to the expectations that this implies and help to ensure that Mr. Duke's spirit continues to inspire writers everywhere.”

Julia Kwan, writer and director of the award winning film Eve & the Fire Horse, won the award for achievement in writing for feature length film.  "I am very honoured to be presented a Daryl Duke Screenwriting Award,” says Kwan, “especially since it is named after the director of The Thornbirds, a mini-series that I adored as a child."

The Lieutenant Governor’s Daryl Duke Awards for Screenwriting were created to honour Daryl Duke’s contribution to the film and television industry and to celebrate excellence in screenwriting, a particular passion of Daryl’s.  The program is sponsored by British Columbia Film and supported by the BC Chapter of the Directors Guild of Canada and individual donations contributed in Mr. Duke’s memory.  Each recipient received $12,500 and a ceremonial talking stick by Coast Salish artist Jim Yelton.

“Daryl was a man of vision who worked tirelessly in support of Canadian filmmakers to help them tell their own uniquely Canadian stories,” says Michael Francis, BC Film Chairman.  “I am delighted that we are able to celebrate his life and career through the outstanding achievements of two extraordinary Canadian storytellers: Chris Haddock and Julia Kwan.”

As a director and producer, Daryl Duke's Emmy Award winning career included success in feature film, television drama, documentary and television specials.  In a professional life that spanned more than half a century, Daryl worked with all of the major North American television networks and for most of the studios in Hollywood.

Mr. Duke is best known for having directed "The Thorn Birds", the 10-hour mini-series from the best selling book; and "Tai-Pan", based on the novel by James Clavell.  In the mid-1970's, Daryl founded the independent television station CKVU-TV in Vancouver.  He was the station's first President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, leading it to be the highest rated station in its market.