Reaction from the field
The Gala Les Olivier 2026, set to occur on March 29, 2026, in Montreal, promises to be a significant event in the celebration of Quebec’s humor talent. The gala has become a hallmark of recognition for artists in the region, and this year, the stakes are particularly high as the ceremony will award a total of 22 prizes, showcasing the best performances in comedy.
Leading the charge is Mégan Brouillard, who has made headlines by winning multiple prestigious awards, including the Olivier de l’année, Spectacle d’humour de l’année, and Texte de l’année for her show Chiendent. Brouillard expressed her gratitude, stating, “C’est un gage de confiance. Le public a pris le temps de répondre à une sorte de question mathématique pour moi.” This sentiment reflects the deep connection between artists and their audience, which is a central theme of the gala.
Another notable winner is Liliane Blanco-Binette, who received the Découverte de l’année award. Her show Toréador sold an impressive 25,000 tickets, indicating her growing popularity in the comedy scene. Blanco-Binette remarked, “Je suis très honorée de le recevoir. C’est un prix dont tu rêves quand tu es jeune,” highlighting the significance of such recognition for emerging artists.
Mike Ward, a well-known figure in the comedy world, won the Meilleur vendeur de l’année award. His podcast, Sous écoute, which he started in 2011, has gained immense popularity, boasting 2,000,000 monthly downloads. Ward’s reflection on his career was poignant: “C’est la première fois de ma vie que je ne sais pas ce que je vais faire ensuite,” indicating a moment of uncertainty in his career despite his success.
Arnaud Soly also made waves at the gala, winning the Podcast humoristique sans script de l’année award for his Soly Podcast, which has only released ten episodes. Soly expressed his feelings of being an impostor in the category, stating, “Je me sens un peu imposteur dans cette catégorie, car on n’a réalisé qu’une dizaine d’épisodes.” This humility resonates with many artists who often grapple with self-doubt.
Pierre-Yves Roy-Desmarais received recognition for his contribution to the opening number of the Gala de l’ADISQ, further emphasizing the collaborative spirit of the event. The gala will be hosted by Korine Côté, adding another layer of excitement to the evening.
The 27th edition of Gala Les Olivier will be broadcast live on ICI TÉLÉ, ICI TOU.TV, and Radio-Canada.ca/Olivier, ensuring that fans of Quebec humor can tune in to witness the celebrations. As the event approaches, the anticipation builds around who will take home the coveted awards and how the winners will continue to shape the landscape of comedy in Quebec.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding additional surprises or performances that may be announced as the date approaches. As the gala draws near, the excitement in the community continues to grow, with many eager to see how this year’s event will unfold and what new talents will emerge from the vibrant Quebec comedy scene.
