Montreal, June 3, 2026 – The Quebec director and screenwriter Melanie Charbonneau won, jointly with co-screenwriter Martine Pagé, the award for Best Adaptation at the Canadian Screen Awards 2026 for the feature film Outstanding, an adaptation of the autobiography of Sandra Perron, the first female infantry officer in the Canadian Armed Forces. The award was presented to them on May 28 at the Film Arts Ceremony presented by Telefilm Canada, with the support of Cineplex.
“I am proud of this award. Adapting Sandra Perron’s life was a responsibility, and our work was guided by the desire to live up to what she experienced. Seeing this story recognized at the highest level of Canadian cinema is another step forward for all women who are taking their place, whether in the military, in film, or elsewhere.” entrusts Mélanie Charbonneau.
This recognition marks the culmination of a rare creative streak. In three years, Mélanie Charbonneau has directed two feature films, given birth to her daughter Simone, and established a now-recognizable signature style, which she applies equally to comedy and drama. Her sports comedy, Les Furies, about a roller derby team, grossed over $1,3 million at the Quebec box office. Her biographical drama, Out Standing, has garnered four nominations at the 2026 Canadian Screen Awards and won the Audience Award at Cinéfest Sudbury.
Beyond their genres, her films share a common conviction: to tell the stories of women who take their place and, in the process, open up conversations that go beyond the screen.
About Mélanie Charbonneau
A Quebec director and screenwriter who has established herself as one of the leading voices in Quebec cinema, Mélanie Charbonneau creates films that resonate with audiences, driven by strong performances from actresses and a distinctive auteur vision. She is the creator of...Outstanding, The Furies and FabulousA pioneer of the Quebec web since 2006, creator of the award-winning series I am not a robot and signatory of more than 300 advertising films, she lives in the Eastern Townships with her fiancé, film music composer Antoine Rochette, and continues her work as a filmmaker there.
