Toronto-born actor Stephan James who starred in the critically-acclaimed movie, “If Beale Street Could Talk” and co-starred with Julia Roberts in the Amazon TV series, “Homecoming,” was one of the recipients of the 2019 Canadian Screen Awards.

James who hails from Scarborough, was presented on Sunday night with the  inaugural Radius Award  which was created “to honour a Canadian who is making waves globally.”

Making the presentation was his younger brother, actor Shamier Anderson.

“When I think about the Radius award, an award given to honour a Canadian’s contribution to the world stage, I can’t help but to trace that journey right back here,” James said, as he accepted the award. “More specifically, to my hometown, Scarborough.”

It is a place that has afforded me the perspective that has been invaluable as I continue to navigate through my career,” he said. “It is a place that has taught me about pain, love, hardship and perseverance. A place where we allowed our imaginations to run wild as children, where a night like this was all just a dream. And for this I am truly grateful.”

He also thanked his mother, Carmelita, who was in the audience, for the sacrifices she made. “You’re my biggest fan and my biggest inspiration,” he said. “I love you.”

James dedicated his award to ” young black boys and girls ” across  Canada.

“I want to tell you that your craziest dreams, your wildest imaginations are all possible. No matter where you are, no matter where you come from. Scarborough to the world!”

After starring in several television series as a teenager, James rose to prominence after winning a Canadian Screen Award for his role as sprinter Jesse Owen in the 2016 film Race