Mystery is the name of the game at this year’s Gemini Awards.

Organizers of the 23rd annual event honouring the best in Canadian television announced the nominees Tuesday, with detective shows “Murdoch Mysteries” and “Durham County” leading the field.

“Murdoch Mysteries,” starring Yannick Bisson as an eccentric detective who solves crimes in 19th century Toronto, scored 14 nominations, including best dramatic series, writing and seven acting nods for supporting actors and guest performers.

Close behind with 13 nominations was present-day drama “Durham County,” which follows a homicide detective (Hugh Dillon) who moves to the suburbs and discovers his neighbour may be a serial killer.

It is competing in such categories as best dramatic series, direction and writing, with three of its stars — Dillon, Justin Louis and Helene Joy — up for best performance in their respective categories.

Other multiple nominees include the Henry VIII series “The Tudors” and the miniseries “The Englishman’s Boy” with 12 each, ensemble drama “The Border” with nine, the acclaimed but cancelled “Intelligence” with five and last year’s best comedy winner “Corner Gas” with four.

Gemini nominations are voted on by members of the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television, which also oversees the Genie Awards for Canadian film.

Academy CEO Sara Morton called it “a banner year” for Canadian television.

“The nominees announced today truly exemplify the depth and breadth of our country’s talent, both in front of and behind the camera,” she said in a statement.

“Featuring newcomers and returning favourites, this year’s field of nominees has engaged and entertained audiences in Canada and beyond.”

The full list of nominees can be viewed at geminiawards.ca.

Awards in the news, lifestyle, documentary, sports and children’s programming categories will be given out at three industry galas in late October.

The high-profile categories — best drama, comedy, TV movie, miniseries and actor and actress — will be presented at a Nov. 28 gala in Toronto, which will air on E! Network and Showcase at 9 p.m. ET.






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