Reynolds, Gosling vie for fan-voted Genie prize

Ryan Reynolds, whom People magazine named 2010's Sexiest Man Alive, and noted actor Ryan Gosling are among the prominent young stars vying for a new, fan-voted honour to name 2010's favourite Canadian actor.

Set to be presented during the Genie Awards in March, the fan choice award was spearheaded by celebrity news and gossip site HollywoodLife.com — created by Canadian-born, U.S.-based media figure Bonnie Fuller — and CBC, which is broadcasting the annual celebration of Canadian film.

The five finalists are:

'That's the thing about Canadians: we meld very well. We come in here — we look the same, we sound the same — and so we secretly have infiltrated Hollywood' —Bonnie Fuller

• Ryan Reynolds (Buried, The Proposal).
• Ryan Gosling (Blue Valentine).
• Rachel McAdams (Morning Glory).
• Jay Baruchel (Good Neighbours, The Sorcerer's Apprentice).
• Nina Dobrev (The Vampire Diaries).

The voting closes Friday.

"I don't think that here in the [U.S.], people think about these actors as being Canadian," Fuller told CBC News.

"That's the thing about Canadians: We meld very well. We come in here — we look the same, we sound the same — and so we secretly have infiltrated Hollywood."

Fuller also noted that the short list has skewed young, leaving off more established, veteran stars like Mike Myers and Kim Cattrall.

"A lot of the older Canadian stars actually have spent less time in front of the camera in these past few years. I'm wondering, what is Mike Myers up to these days? I miss him. When are we going to see him next?" she said.

Still, she added, "it was great to see Catherine O'Hara take on a serious role in [the miniseries] Temple Grandin this year because she's best known for her comedy chops."

Fuller will announce the winner in Ottawa on March 10, at the Genies gala hosted by William Shatner.

Lead nominees for this year's ceremony include Barney's Version and Incendies, with the celebrations also to feature performances by Melissa Etheridge, Serena Ryder, Karkwa, Johnny Reid and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet.