Jeremy Dutcher was awarded the 2024 Polaris Music Prize for his album, Motewolonuwok at Massey Hall in Toronto, ON last night (September 17).
This is the second time Dutcher has won the award, first taking it home back in 2018 for his album, Wolastoqiyik Lintuwakonawa.
The Polaris Music Prize, which is decided by a Grand Jury of 11 music media professionals from across Canada, is given out to the best Canadian album of the year based on artistic merit without regard to genre, sales history or label affiliation.
The prize comes with a $50,000 monetary reward courtesy of the Slaight Family Foundation.
Upon accepting the award, Dutcher said, “Six years ago, this award changed my life. I have to give unending gratitude to this music community, please keep your hands going for all of these nominees. Not a single album on that list sounded like each other and that speaks to the breadth of music in this place. This choir, these singers, this band, everyone who helped make this album, I love you. I didn’t think this would happen."
Other albums that were in contention include The Beaches' Blame My Ex, Charlotte Cardin's 99 Nights, Cindy Lee's Diamond Jubilee, Allison Russell's The Returner and TOBi's Panic.
Previous winners of the prize include Debby Friday (2023), Haviah Mighty (2019), Kaytranada (2016), Tanya Tagaq (2014), Feist (2012), Caribou (2008), and Final Fantasy, aka Owen Pallett (2006).
Watch the announcement below.