It seems the Canadian Screen Awards has a new name: the Candy.

Show host Norm Macdonald suggested it during his monologue at last night's bash as a tribute to late comic John Candy and presenters and winners embraced it.

Best TV comic actress winner Catherine O'Hara said backstage "they can't turn back now" after a slew of winners and presenters used the nickname for the televised awards gala.

Best TV comic actor winner Eugene Levy also said it was a good name as he saluted his friend as "an iconic Canadian" who was "a darling guy to work with."

O'Hara, Levy and Candy worked together on the sketch comedy series SCTV.

Candy died in March 1994 after suffering a heart attack in his sleep, while he was on a film shoot in Mexico. He was 43.

O'Hara and Levy's current CBC sitcom Schitt's Creek won nine awards, including best TV comedy. The drama Room dominated the film categories with nine wins.