He was awarded the C.C. (Companion of the Order of Canada) on November 19, 2015 and invested on February 17, 2017 by His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, for his contribution to Canadian culture. For his groundbreaking contributions to film as an internationally respected filmmaker and for his commitment to mentoring and showcasing Canadian artists. This is a promotion within the Order. He is committed to the development of homegrown talent and a vibrant cultural industry. He has built an international reputation as a filmmaker while remaining firmly rooted in Canada. His outstanding body of work often focuses on the themes of community, isolation and the role of technology in our lives. Generous with his time and talent, he serves as a mentor and teacher, and as an active member of cultural boards and film festival juries. He is also a talented visual artist and director of both theatre and opera.

I think with all directors there are ideas that recur, at least for the ones that have creative control of their films.