One of the most prestigious awards in Canada, Governor General's Awards are a collection of awards, presented by the Governor General of Canada for those who make commendable contributions in literary field. Governor General's Literary Award was conceived in 1937 by the Lord Tweedsmuir, a well known author of fiction and non-fiction.

Awarded for both French and English literary works in seven categories of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, drama, children's literature, Governor General's Awards are presented for two authors each year and it carries a cash price of to $25,000.-One each for text illustration and translation. The award which was the brain child of Lord Tweedsmuir, was continued by successive governors general often by establishing an award for whichever endeavor they personally found important.

Since 1957 the awards are being distributed by the administration of the Canada Council for the Arts during which a cash prize was introduced to the winner. These days the council announces the finalist of this prestigious award a month before they were presented to grab media limelight and for better publicity.

Governor General's awards are presented for achievements in different types of art forms including classical music, films, radio and television broadcasting and others. It was Started as recently as in 1992 by the then Governor General Ray Hnatyshyn, this award carries a cash prize of $25,000 and a medallion made in the Royal Canadian Mint.

Governor General's Awards in Visual and Media Arts started in the year 2000 are presented for distinguished career achievements for artists in fine arts including painting, drawing and sculpture among others. Under this, six awards are presented every year and the Canada Council for the Arts funds and administer the awards.

Governor General's Medal in Architecture, which is in existence since 2002, is another series in the Governor's medals. Following the tradition of the Massey medals, which started in 1950, Governor General's Medals in Architecture involve 12 medals which are awarded every two years. The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada administers the competition.

The publisher of each winning book will receive $3,000 to support promotional activities. Consolation prizes each receive $1,000 and this year's finalists will be announced in late October 2010 and the winners will be selected in mid November.