Highlights from the 2018 Junos red carpet

During the 2018 Juno Awards, the stars of Canadian music focused on celebrating the upsides of life and it all began on the red carpet at Rogers Arena before the show.

Host MichaelBublset the tone early on Sunday night as he walked on the red carpet with his wifeLuisanaLopilato (above).

Bublannounced his wife's third pregnancy during the show.He told the audience it was the second time her pregnancy has been linked to theJunos. Five years ago when he hosted in Regina, she was expecting their first child.

High achievers

Grammy-winning rock band Arcade Firewon album of the year as well as an international achievement award. The group was nominated for two other awards.

The Quebec band, all smiles on the red carpet,spoke about gun control duringSaturday's gala and shared optimism during Sunday's award ceremony.

"I just hope that we can all rise above negativity inour livesand just do what we believe in," said frontmanWin Butler ashe accepted the band's album award for Everything Now.

"Speak your truth and don't be afraid to just do whatever thehell you want."

No stranger to the limelight, B.C.-born DianaKrallwon two awards at theJunosthis year the Jack Richardson producer of the year award and vocal jazz album of the year. She also performed at the award show, where shewas joined by Bublfor a charming duet of theNat KingCole classic L-O-V-E.

New artists shine

The carpet also belonged to new artists like Jessie Reyez. The Toronto-born singer-songwriter may have been overwhelmed to win breakthrough artist of the year, but she acted like atrue star on the red carpet.

Reyez andDaniel Caesar, who wonR&B/soulrecording for his album Freudian,each performed separatelyand then reappeared later to duet on Reyez's Figures.

Girl power

Grimes, Buffy Sainte-Marie and pop artist Lights came together for a picture on the red carpet. Later in the show, Grimes and Sainte-Marie introduced Lights with an impassioned speech for gender equality.

"It's time for change, it's time for women to be recognized for our accomplishments and our value to this industry," Sainte-Marie said.

The Beaches an all-female Toronto band took home breakthrough group of the year. Backstage, members said they battled stereotypes when they first started performing.

"People assumed we were fans, but we were headlining.That doesn't happen anymore, which is cool," said guitarist KylieMiller.

All-star tribute

GordDownie'sbrothersMike and Patrick accepted a posthumous award for the singer, who died last October of brain cancer.

An acoustic tribute toDowniewas led by Sarah Harmer and Dallas Green, alongsideBarenakedLadies keyboardist KevinHearn, who performed Bobcaygeonas archival clips of the Tragically Hip frontmanplayed behind them. They all hit the red carpet together.

Reunion

TheBarenakedLadies and former lead vocalist Steven Page walked the red carpet separately but werevisibly emotional during the show after being recognized onstage for their induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.

Politiciansand athletes

It was Vancouver's first time hosting the awardssince 2009andthe city's mayor,GregorRobertson, let his inner rock star shineduringhis red carpet walk. FederalNDPLeaderJagmeetSingh and HeritageMinister MlanieJolywere also there.

There was no shortage of notable facesas Canadian athletes also graced the runway including Canadian figure skater Patrick Chan and bobsledderKaillieHumphries.

• Click here fora complete list of the winners