UBCP/ACTRA Awards highlights strength of the performers union

Winners at this year's ceremony expressed gratitude for all the work done by the autonomous organization

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      It was her third honour in four years, but Camille Sullivan was still surprised by her UBCP/ACTRA best actress win.

      “I’m really honoured and thrilled—and a little shocked,” stated the film and TV veteran after picking up the trophy for her role in Bruce Sweeney’s feature, Kingsway. “UBCP/ACTRA has been hugely supportive. And God, they help with everything.”

      At a red carpet event held Saturday (November 23) at the Playhouse in downtown Vancouver—the eighth in UBCP/ACTRA history—Sullivan shared the honours with Ben Cotton, voted best actor for his work in the feature film, Crown & Anchor. 

      UBCP/ACTRA recognition is uniquely significant for Sullivan, Cotton, and the other 7000-plus film and TV professionals who call Vancouver home. An autonomous branch of the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists, it’s the second largest ACTRA branch in Canada, furnishing its members with competitive wages, health and retirement benefits, and improved work opportunities.

      Added to all this; UBCP/ACTRA knows how to pay tribute to the phenomenal talent it represents.

      Nominees for this year’s awards were chosen by a 35-member committee, who winnowed 256 submissions across five categories, for best actor (male and female), newcomer, voice, and stunt work. A short-list subsequently went to the 51 peer members of the adjudicating committee. Scores were then tallied by the accounting firm of Baker Tilley.

      And at the end of that busy process: a gala among the stars.

      On the red carpet, host Sabrina Furminger welcomed an array of familiar faces, from Lorne Cardinal to Sonja Bennett, Gabrielle Miller, John Cassini, and a leather jacketed Aleks Paunovic—who would later present the best actor prize to his friend and colleague, Cotton.

      Inside the theatre, guests mingled before Scrubs-star Tom Cavanagh took up hosting duties onstage, inaugurating the proceedings with an acoustic singalong to “Oh Canada”. An engaging, sometimes salty host, Cavanagh was a credit to show producer-director Jay Ono, who kept things moving with a Prince-inspired musical number and an in memoriam segment—accompanied by D.G. Adams on guitar—that included the first of two poignant tributes to recently departed actor-musician John Mann.

      But this was first and foremost an awards show. In the category of best voice work, Erin Mathews was first to be honoured for her performance in the animated feature Super Monsters Furever Friends—a prize that the seasoned actress accepted on behalf of her “inner green cartoon child.”

      “UBCP/ACTRA supports us all, keeps us safe, and keeps this industry moving for all the talented people who live here,” Mathews would later remark. 

      After only nine months as a member, actor Steven Roberts was especially moved to be recognized by UBCP/ACTRA as this year’s best newcomer for his work in the feature In God I Trust. Rounding out the prizes, Stunt coordinator Eli Zagoudakis was honoured along with performers Nathaniel Shuker and Marshall Bingham for their work on the Arrow episode, “The Slabside Redemption”. 

      Arrow just came to a wrap,” noted Zagoudakis, of the long-running series. “So this is really special. Nathan and Marshall did an amazing job on this stunt so I’m really happy to see the award for these guys.”

      “It’s my first award since I’ve been in the industry,” added Bingham. “It’s pretty awesome.” 

      “It’s amazing to be able to do what we love, make a living from it, and stay safe,” chuckled Shuker, in tribute to the union.

      The most bracing moment of the night was provided by veteran actress Lesley Ewen, clutching her Lorena Gale Woman of Distinction Award as she described the obstacles she’s faced as a woman of colour.

      “It’s taken about 45 years but, finally, okay, I’m ready now,” Ewen joked after the ceremony. “This feels like it’s the end of—not a chapter—but a volume.”

      Finally, as the recipient of the John Juliani Award of Excellence, legendary theatre pioneer and acting coach Mel Tuck echoed Camille Sullivan when asked about the honour. ”This is huge. I was very respectful of John, he was an amazing man, and it’s been a long journey, 56 years, so in that respect I feel very honoured—and also kinda humbled.”

      A triumph for all the winners, but also for the industry at large and in particular, the evening ended with yet another tribute to John Mann as Spirit of the West boomed across the Playhouse auditorium and a satisfied crowd made their way “Home For a Rest”.

      For more information on UBCP/ACTRA, visit .