The upper lobby of the Vancouver Playhouse was transformed into an atmospheric red carpet lounge on Saturday night (November 23) prior to the UBCP/ACTRA awards ceremony.

Cameras flashed as the Vancouver acting community mingled, introverts and extroverts alike touting small talk, big talk, warm embraces, heartfelt introductions, and mutual praises. From emerging actors to industry vets, the word that came up repeatedly through the night was community.

An autonomous branch of the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists, UBCP/ACTRA represents the interests of over 7000 professional performers in Vancouver’s thriving production sector. Following a warm statement from UBCP/ACTRA president Keith Martin Gordey, the ceremony itself kicked of with a surprise acoustic rendition of “Oh Canada” by the evening’s host, Golden-Globe nominated actor, writer, and director Tom Cavanagh.

“Our mood is festive, our tone is self-aggrandizing,” Cavanagh remarked with faux-pomposity, before disclosing that the last time he hosted the awards, he received a letter from the union complaining that he was too profane. Mercifully, outside of a reference to the “semen portion of the evening”—actually a nod to Cavanagh’s short film with Grant Gustin, “Tom and Grant”—the host managed to keep this year’s show relatively clean.

“We are superior to the Americans in practically every way,” he continued, sensibly, setting the tone with some cheeky self-critical nationalism characteristic of award ceremonies in Vancouver, aka Hollywood North. “In Canada, if you speak two languages, you’re employable. In the US, you’re deportable,” he continued, adding that the only thing America does better is “award shows.” 

Cavanagh then announced with mock pride that the prize for the best speech of the evening was a $20 gift certificate for an allegedly “boutique” poutine—with “best,” he clarified quickly, meaning “shortest.”

The comedic discourse gradually transitioned into some heartfelt words that had the crowd of industry actors nodding in approval. 

Comparing Vancouver to LA, New York, and other major film centres, Cavanagh defined the unique strength of the local scene as its quality of community. It might be the only film centre where you can operate on a first-name basis, he mused. Having a warm alliance of peers who consistently produce such stunning product, he reflected, is a very special and unique thing.

Cavanagh then added that the most precious award is not necessarily the one given at a ceremony like this, but rather that moment on set when you nail a scene, and the gaffer or a background actor comes up to you afterwards and tells you: “Hey, that was really tremendous." His statement bought an audible murmur of agreement from the audience.

The first winner was for best voice. Erin Mathews took home the prize for her role in the animated Super Monsters Furever Friends, saying that her inner green cartoon child was grateful for the award.

Next, the best emerging performer was awarded to Steven Roberts for his work in the feature film In God I Trust.

Christine Willis then awarded the prestigious Lorena Gale Women of Distinction Award to Lesley Ewen for her exceptional contributions to the performing arts, particularly in honour of the work she’s done as a woman of colour in white theatre spaces. 

In accepting the award, Ewen lamented that she could not voice her love and dedication to Vancouver without first expressing her rage at the racism she has faced in the performing arts. Trophy in hand, she declared “I nominated myself for this award!” and stated—to a standing ovation—that Lorena Gale would have loved that.

After brief musical interlude featuring a Prince-inspired trio deploring the effects of the growing number of streaming services on the industry, Cavanagh returned to the stage and announced he would double down on the poutine award and make it $40—“Because some speeches haven’t been that short.” (A reference to Ewen that got an appropriate rise from the audience.)

Best stunt was next awarded to Eli Zagoudakis, Nathaniel Shuker and Marshall Bingham, for their work on the Arrow episode, “The Slabside Redemption”. Bingham addressed the awards team, saying: “You know you’ll have to cut it in three, right?”

The John Juliani Award of Excellence went to industry vet Mel Tuck for his impressive 56-year career as an actor, director, and teacher. Tuck has worked in every province of Canada and dedicated the last portion of his career to teaching in Vancouver, making a profound impact on the industry. Tuck praised the acting community of Vancouver in his brief acceptance speech, and said he was proud, humbled, and grateful to accept this award.

An in memoriam slideshow was accompanied by an acoustic number by D.G. Adams—including the first of two significant references to last week’s passing of musician-actor John Mann—prior to the announcement of Ben Cotton (or “fucking Ben fucking Cotton” in the words of the award presenters) as UBCP/ACTRA’s best actor of the year, for his work in the feature Crown & Anchor.

Finally, the best actress award went to three-time winner Camille Sullivan for her role in the Bruce Sweeney feature, Kingsway. 

Cavanagh then returned to the stage for the great reveal—no poutine prize after all! Hoodwinked! Our host then said a last word in memory of John Mann (who has now been added to the group painted on the windows on the front of the Vancouver Playhouse), and bid a satisfied crowd farewell as Spirit of the West’s “Home For a Rest” rang out across the great room.