The Junos are Canada’s big night for music appreciation, and they went down in Winnipeg over the weekend. Red carpet swag, googly-eyed fans, musical performances, and awards, awards, AWARDS! In few words, it was Arcade Fire and Tegan and Sara who came out on top. You can check out the full list of winners at junoawards.ca, but I’ve included a run-down of of the most notable categories below. It lists all the nominees, the Juno winner, and the most important piece of info: my two cents.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

WINNER Reflektor, Arcade Fire
Loved Me Back to Life, Céline Dion
Nothing Was the Same, Drake
To Be Loved, Michael Bublé
Harmony, Serena Ryder

Julia agrees: Arcade Fire have been touted to the nth degree, meaning everything they release will be heavily scrutinized. Despite the pressure, fans and critics agree that they produced yet another incredible album. They get to stay on their pedestal, gently cuddling their modest collection of eight Juno trophies. I’m down with this win.

SINGLE OF THE YEAR

“Reflektor,” Arcade Fire
“Inner Ninja,” Classified
“It’s a Beautiful Day,” Michael Bublé
“What I Wouldn’t Do,” Serena Ryder
WINNER “Closer,” Tegan and Sara

Julia says: Tegan and Sara worked so hard to maintain creative integrity in a career that has spanned fifteen years, and are finally reaching the commercial success they’ve always dreamed of. Watch this Studio Q interview to get the lowdown straight from their mouths.

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Céline Dion
Drake
Michael Bublé
Robin Thicke
WINNER Serena Ryder

Julia’s sarcasm: Serena Ryder helped co-host the night, and accepted this award with a touching, graceful speech. An excerpt: “Holy s*** this is great… s***. I’m supposed to say stuff.” Right. At least it wasn’t Robin Thicke

GROUP OF THE YEAR

Arcade Fire
Blue Rodeo
Hedley
WINNER Tegan and Sara
Walk Off the Earth

Julia states the obvious: It was clearly a battle between Arcade Fire and the Quin twins. Would have been a respectable choice either way!

BREAKTHROUGH GROUP OF THE YEAR

WINNER A Tribe Called Red
Autumn Hill
Born Ruffians
Courage My Love
July Talk

Julia nods: Mmmhmm. Yes yes. “Breakthrough” is actually an understatement. A Tribe Called Red SMASHED through, changing up the contemporary music scene, blending hip hop and club beats with traditional First Nations music.

POP ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Wild Life, Hedley
To Be Loved, Michael Bublé
Blurred Lines, Robin Thicke
WINNER Heartthrob, Tegan and Sara
R.E.V.O., Walk Off the Earth

Julia cheers: Tegan and Sara took everyone to the cleaners! INTO IT!!!

ROCK ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Love + Fury, Headstones
WINNER Coyote, Matt Mays
Arrows of Desire, Matthew Good
Furiosity, Monster Truck
Transit of Venus, Three Days Grace

Julia goes a little off-track: I know I should talk about his award or his performance, but the dude chopped off his long beautiful rocker hair! I’m disappointed in you, Matthew.

RAP RECORDING OF THE YEAR

Classified, Classified
WINNER Nothing Was the Same, Drake
In My Opinion, Rich Kidd
Flying Colours, Shad
Everywhere We Go, SonReal

Julia asks: Anyone surprised? I mean, it’s hard to compete against Drake. All these albums are great (especially Shad’s!), but let’s be real. Drake sort of has the Canadian music industry wrapped around his finger.

ALTERNATIVE ALBUM OF THE YEAR

WINNER Reflektor, Arcade Fire
The Poet’s Dead, Rah Rah
Today We’re Believers, Royal Canoe
Warring, The Darcys
Uzu, Yamantaka//Sonic Titan

Julia raises her arms: All bow down to the artistic genius that is Arcade Fire!

JUNO FAN CHOICE AWARD

Arcade Fire
Avril Lavigne
Céline Dion
Drake
Hedley
WINNER Justin Bieber
Michael Bublé
Robin Thicke
Serena Ryder
Walk Off the Earth

Julia’s thoughts: Well duhhhhh. Give 65 million Beliebers a chance to vote and they are gonna score him this award… for the 4th year in a row. Whatever.