The 88th Academy Awards were held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California last night. An annual tradition celebrating excellence in cinematic achievement, the Oscars are a hotly debated ceremony and arguably the most famous awards show of the year.
But did you know that the Toronto Argonauts hold a similar ceremony of their own? No? Well now you do. What can we say, we got inspired by some of the award categories…
Allow us to introduce the 2016 winners!
Best Picture:
“That pre-game feeling” (Credit: Johany Jutras)
It’s hard to describe the atmosphere in the tunnel moments before the team takes the field in an important game, but this photo courtesy of Johany Jutras certainly comes close. Each player’s focus is entirely on the task at hand, with adrenaline pumping and eyes wide open. It also happens to be from the team’s last season at Rogers Centre, so the combination of atmosphere and history makes this our choice for Best Picture.
Worthy Nominees:
“Rivalry” – The Argos/Ticats rivalry is as fierce as they come, and the look on Luke Tasker’s face after locking eyes with Ricky Foley certainly gives some insight into just how intense it really is.
“Still Got It” – Ricky Ray & Dave Stala was the oldest pairing to connect for a touchdown in 2015. This reception was Stala’s first TD in over two years, and it was only Ricky’s 2nd start since undergoing offseason shoulder surgery.
For 2016 Toronto Argonauts Season Tickets At BMO Field CLICK HERE!
Writing
“The Kack Attack Is Back” (Credit: Johany Jutras)
Chad Kackert’s career has followed quite the script. The 100th Grey Cup MVP suffered what looked like a career-ending ankle injury in the fall of 2013, blowing out his ankle so severely that he was forced into an early retirement. He stayed with the organization the following season as the team’s strength and conditioning coach while still keeping in shape, hoping to one day suit up again. He raised eyebrows when he joined the team’s practice roster late in the 2014 season, but a hamstring injury in practice ended his comeback hopes. After almost another calendar year, Kackert made his return on August 14, 2015. Finally, the Kack Attack came back.
Costume Design
Our mascot, Jason!
Our annual winner by default, Jason always puts smiles on Argo fan faces. Gotta give him props, he’s well dressed! His gloves, armour, shoes, he’s just got the fashion game on point.
Argo In A Leading Role
Brandon Whitaker
Following six seasons with the rival Montreal Alouettes, Whitaker joined the Argos and took their ground game up a notch. The five-foot-10, 200-pound tailback was second in the East Division in rushing yards with 636 on 121 carries (5.3-yard average) and three touchdowns while adding 53 catches for 440 yards and three additional scores in the air. An elusive runner with great hands in the passing game, as well as a great pass protector, Whitaker was a perfect fit in Toronto’s offence. The Argos split carries between Curtis Steele and Steve Slaton in 2014, but Whitaker took over in a leading role upon arrival in 2015, and literally ran away with the job.
Argo In A Supporting Role
Greg Van Roten
Van Roten was far and away the team’s most valuable utility player last year. Numerous offensive linemen missed games due to injury in 2015, including Chris Van Zeyl, Jeff Keeping, Bruce Campbell and Wayne Smith. Van Roten stepped in and played practically every position on the line in the mean time, and did a tremendous job under pressure. Both Scott Milanovich and then Offensive Line Coach Jonathan Himebauch praised Van Roten for his versatility, and was a big reason why the Argos passing attack was so successful.
Makeup & Hairstyling
Argos Cheerleaders for ‘Thriller”
It’s not often that “makeup and hairstyling” is associated with professional football, but we have to give props to the Argos Cheerleaders for their rendition of Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ during a break in our Week 19 matchup against the BC Lions. The CFL meets The Walking Dead, who knew? Carl, get in the house!
Music
The “ArgoNotes”
The official band of the Toronto Argonauts, the ArgoNotes are a roughly 50-member all-volunteer pep band that plays before, during and after our games, and we are huge fans! All of our season ticket holders know and love these guys, as they’ve been one of the best parts of our game day experience for 21 years and counting! Look for them at BMO Field in 2016!
Production Design
BMO Field
Speaking of BMO Field! We present the construction crew of the BMO Field renovations with this award, as all of these new photos and videos of our new stadium are really getting us excited. You’re not going to want to miss out on the live atmosphere on an Argos game day this season.
Cinematography
Argos Cheerleaders for “I Really Like You”
The Argos Cheerleaders have cleaned up this year! They released their 2nd annual lip dub video in the summer of 2015 and it knocked our socks off. They teamed up with Video Arcade & Jaylyn Todd in beautiful Mayan Riviera, Mexico to record their version of “I Really Like You” by Carly Rae Jepsen.
You can watch the video HERE!
Directing
Scott Milanovich
Coach Milanovich had a lot on his plate in 2015. He had new starters at virtually every position along with a very difficult schedule, but never let his team use any of that as an excuse. Despite these challenges he led his team to within a field goal away of an appearance in the East Final, and helped craft an offence that is in very good shape heading into 2016. Ricky Ray, Andre Durie, Brandon Whitaker, Tori Gurley, Vidal Hazelton, Kevin Elliott and Diontae Spencer are all currently under contract with the club, and will form an elite offence this season, with Coach Milanovich leading the way.