Hudson Williams marked a major milestone at the 2026 Canadian Screen Awards in Toronto—winning Best Lead Performer, Drama Series for Heated Rivalry—then used his acceptance moment to single out his girlfriend, Katelyn Larson, with a heartfelt shoutout on Sunda
Hudson Williams knew exactly what he wanted to say the moment he stepped on stage at the 2026 Canadian Screen Awards. On Sunday evening. May 31. at the CBC Broadcast Centre in Toronto. Ontario. Canada. the 25-year-old Heated Rivalry star took home his first major award of his career—then made sure the people behind it were front and center.
Williams won Best Lead Performer, Drama Series for his role as Shane Hollander in the Crave series’ first season. The win also came with a rare distinction: he became the youngest actor to receive Best Lead Performer, Drama Series. There was no prepared speech. Instead, he brought a list of names to thank—starting with the Heated Rivalry crew, then Crave, and his parents.
After those acknowledgments, Williams pivoted to the person the camera eventually caught in the audience: his longtime girlfriend, Katelyn Larson. When he spoke her name, the moment shifted from celebration to something more personal.
“My partner Katelyn, wherever you are…there you are, love you, thank you so much for always keeping me stable because sometimes I’m- I’m not,” he said.
The crowd watched as the camera panned to Larson, who was seen lovingly watching his speech. She held up finger hearts, a gesture popularized in Korea in the 1990s, turning the televised moment into a quiet, shared recognition between them.
Williams didn’t stop there. He also thanked his on-screen partner Connor Storrie, explaining that Storrie was unable to attend the ceremony. Williams then added a playful but pointed dedication.
“If I could cut this award down the middle I would because if these gay, yearning, little bottom eyes didn’t have a big sexy Russian to feast upon, my performance wouldn’t be as good. To the honorary Canadian Connor Storrie, I share this award with you,” he said.
The night also carried wins beyond Williams’ individual honor. Heated Rivalry won Best Drama Series through the fan-voted Cogeco Fund Audience Choice award, plus several additional wins the night before. Williams later returned to the stage to present co-star Sophie Nelisse with the Radius Award.
Before the awards, Hudson and Katelyn also made an appearance on the red carpet. They posed for photos alongside Hudson’s mom and dad earlier in the evening. setting the tone for what became a standout night—first for the milestone on stage. and then for the direct. emotional credit he offered afterward.
Hudson Williams Katelyn Larson Canadian Screen Awards 2026 Heated Rivalry Shane Hollander Crave CBC Broadcast Centre Toronto Best Lead Performer Drama Series Connor Storrie Sophie Nelisse Radius Award Cogeco Fund Audience Choice