Mae Martin is set to host the 2026 JUNO Awards on March 29, 2026, at Hamilton’s TD Coliseum, making history as the first non-binary person to take on this prestigious role.
Martin, known for their work in comedy, acting, and writing, previously hosted the Canadian Screen Awards in 2024. They expressed excitement about the upcoming event, stating, “Hopefully, I’ll be fighting fit from doing a bunch of shows. I’ll be hopefully on my game.”
The JUNO Awards will also honor several prominent Canadian artists. Joni Mitchell is set to receive a lifetime achievement award, while Nelly Furtado will be inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Additionally, Daniel Caesar will receive the International Achievement Award.
The show promises to be a star-studded affair, featuring performances by renowned artists such as Sarah McLachlan, Allison Russell, Alessia Cara, Jully Black, Shawn Desman, and Tanya Tagaq.
Martin’s commitment to social causes is notable, having raised over $40,000 for Doctors Without Borders through their work. They remarked, “I feel very grateful to be from a country where I land at Pearson Airport and there’s a Pride flag in the airport,” highlighting their pride in representing the LGBTQ+ community.
As the JUNO Awards air on CBC TV, CBC Gem, and other CBC platforms at 8 p.m. ET, the event is expected to celebrate artists who are bold and genre-defying. Martin stated, “The Junos have always been about celebrating artists who are bold, genre-defying, and unafraid to be a little weird, so I’ll try to embody those qualities.”
With the event just months away, excitement is building among fans and industry observers alike. Details remain unconfirmed regarding additional surprises or performances that may be announced closer to the date.
