5th Genie Awards

The 5th Genie Awards were presented on March 21, 1984, to honour films released in 1983.

This year's entries numbered 15 features, 14 theatrical shorts and 5 theatrical documentaries. Maria Chapdelaine led with 11 nominations overall. However, the nominations were criticized for the fact that three of the five nominees for Best Picture, Maria Chapdelaine, The Terry Fox Story and The Wars, failed to garner Best Director nominations. After surveys, polls and scrutiny, it was found that the voting system was valid and it remained unchanged.

After much debate, the contentious categories of Best Foreign Actor and Best Foreign Actors were dropped. A new points system was instituted which encouraged creative input by Canadians in the awards categories, while allowing some foreign participation and co-production eligibility.

The ceremony, which was hosted by comedian Louis Del Grande, was noted for the participation of Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, as presenter of the award for Best Picture. The Globe and Mail film critic Jay Scott criticized his inclusion, writing "Why did he agree to participate in this thing? In the closing moments of his stewardship has he developed an uncontrollable urge to know what it's like to be Ronald Reagan?"