About the ACTRA Awards in Toronto

In 2003, ACTRA Toronto helped to re-introduce the ACTRA Awards as part of the union's 60th Anniversary celebrations. The purpose behind the Awards' rebirth was to recognize excellence in the performances of ACTRA Toronto members.

The inaugural ceremony was held at the Royal Ontario Museum. The event was an impressive success, combining the best elements of a traditional awards ceremony with an intimate gathering between friends. From these humble beginnings the stature of the Awards grew.

The show moved into the luxurious and sophisticated Carlu theatre, in the heart of downtown Toronto, and a new statuette was commissioned to be bestowed on Award winners. Now in its eighth year, the ACTRA Awards in Toronto has become one of the premier events in the city. But despite its growth the heart of the ACTRA Awards is the same: the recognition and celebration, by fellow performers, of the outstanding performances delivered by ACTRA Toronto members.

About the ACTRA Awards in Toronto

The annual ACTRA Awards in Toronto celebrate outstanding lead and supporting performances by ACTRA Toronto members. The Awards are a opportunity to applaud the artistic achievements of our peers, who include some of Canada's most gifted performers.

Any member in good standing (Full, Apprentice, ACTRA Additional Background) can submit another member's work for consideration in one of these three categories:

• Outstanding Performance – Male
• Outstanding Performance – Female
• Outstanding Performance – Voice.

In addition to the three Outstanding Performance awards, there is the annual Award of Excellence. This award is presented to a distinguished ACTRA Toronto performer who has made a significant and lasting contribution to the entertainment industry. The Award of Excellence is selected by the executive and governing council of ACTRA Toronto.

Members can submit performances for consideration as often as they like, in any category, provided the submission meets the following criteria:

• Performances can only be submitted by ACTRA Toronto members whose membership status is in good standing. Suspended, Resigned or Withdrawn members are ineligible to make submissions.
• The performance must be a lead or supporting role.
• The nominated performance must be from an ACTRA-signatory production.
• The production can be indigenous or international, and in any format (TV series, MOW, feature or short film).
• Eligible productions must have had their first exhibition or broadcast during the year's eligibility period (December 1st, 2008 to November 30th, 2009, for the 2010 Awards.)

The deadline for performance submissions for the 2010 ACTRA Awards in Toronto was November 30, 2009.

Submissions are made online. A short list of Award Nominees, five performers in each category, is established by a nominating jury of members. The Award Winners are chosen by a separate jury of members.

If you have any further questions about the submission process, please contact us.