Trailblazer Award
Avan Jogia
Actor
Avan Jogia is an actor, writer, director, and author who can currently be seen in Kane Parsons' A24 phenomenon BACKROOMS. He recently starred opposite Dove Cameron in Amazon MGM Studios' global hit series 56 DAYS, produced by James Wan, which became a No. 1 series worldwide. He also co-produced OUR HERO, BALTHAZAR, directed by Oscar Boyson, and served as Executive Producer on Charlie Kaufman's HOW TO SHOOT A GHOST, starring Jessie Buckley, which premiered at the 2025 Venice Film Festival. Avan made his feature writing and directorial debut with DOOR MOUSE, which premiered at TIFF. Looking ahead, he is set to direct REPLACER – a psycho-sexual horror film starring Halsey, executive produced by Lilly Wachowski – which launched at the Cannes Market 2026, and recently wrapped Season 3 of Netflix's NOBODY WANTS THIS.
Each year the Reelworld Trailblazer Awards recognize six racially diverse industry professionals who are inspiring others and blazing their own trail in the Canadian media and entertainment industry through groundbreaking and innovative work. Past recipients include Elle-Maija Tailfeathers, Simu Liu, Fawzia Mirza, Anthony Q Farrell and Kelly Fyffe-Marshall.