The 1st Gemini Awards were held in Toronto on 4 December 1986 to honour achievements in Canadian television. Gémeaux Award, the French version of the Gemini Awards were held for the first time this year as well. The 1985 television miniseries Anne of Green Gables was the most prominent winner. English-language television coverage of the ceremonies was originally scheduled for broadcast on CBC Television, but labour disruptions at that network forced the telecast to move to a syndicated arrangement of private television stations including Toronto's Citytv. Unused cable channels in Montreal carried the broadcast in that city. The inaugural Gemini Awards were hosted by Second City Television performers Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin and Dave Thomas from the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Awards

Best Comedy Program or Series

Best Documentary, Single Program or Series

Best Dramatic Series

Best Dramatic Mini Series

Best TV Movie

Best Short Drama

Best Information Program or Series

Best Children's Series

Best Writing in a Dramatic Program

Best Writing in a Comedy or Variety Program or Series

Best Direction in a Dramatic Series

Best Direction in a Comedy or Variety Program or Series

Best Direction in a Documentary Program or Series

Best Performance by a Lead Actor in a Continuing Role in a Comedy Series

Best Performance by a Lead Actor in a Continuing Dramatic Series

Best Performance by a Lead Actor in a Single Dramatic Program or Miniseries

Best Performance by a Lead Actress in a Continuing Role in a Comedy Series

Best Performance by a Lead Actress in a Continuing Dramatic Series

Best Performance by a Lead Actress in a Single Dramatic Program or Miniseries

Best Performance by a Supporting Actor

Best Performance by a Supporting Actress

Best Performance by a Broadcast Journalist

Best Performance by a Host or Interviewer

Best Photography in a Dramatic Program or Series

Best Picture Editing in a Dramatic Program or Series

TV Guide's Most Popular Program Award

Earle Grey Award