Canadians win early Emmys for work on ‘Boardwalk Empire,’ ‘Game of Thrones’

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – A couple of creative Canadians are among the early Emmy winners.

Toronto-born cinematographer Jonathan Freeman won a creative arts Emmy over the weekend for his work on the HBO series “Boardwalk Empire.”

And Nova Scotia sound designer Paula Fairfield won a sound editing award for her work as part of a team on HBO’s “Game of Thrones.”

The trophies were handed out Saturday at a bash honouring other categories including makeup, music and guest roles.

The glitzy televised Emmy awards ceremony takes place Sunday.

“Orphan Black” star Tatiana Maslany and “Game of Thrones” director Jeremy Podeswa are among the Canadians seeking trophies in that gala.

Before the weekend, Freeman already had two Emmys for his work on the first and second seasons of “Boardwalk Empire” and was nominated last year for “Game of Thrones.”

“In all cases I feel like other people should have won,” Freeman said earlier this summer after the nominations came out.

“I always feel I could do better work.”

The New York-based Freeman, who grew up in Dundas, Ont., was up against four colleagues from “Game of Thrones” including two Canadians — Rob McLachlan and Greg Middleton.

“It is a small world in a way that we all kind of cross paths and whatnot,” he said.

“There’s not really a competitive element to it at all. We’re all very collaborative and share information and we’re all very happy when we know our friends are recognized for their great work.”