2026 - ACTRA Manitoba

ACTRA AWARDS GALA – CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS AND NEW AWARD CATEGORY! If you haven’t yet, mark your calendars- our next Awards Gala is on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS! Please consider the best performances by yourself or other member(s) in a short production, Feature, Movie of the Week or TV episode released or screened for the first time in 2024 or 2025. NEW AWARD CATEGORY: Award for a Breakthrough Performance by an Artist The purpose of the Award for a Breakthrough Performance by an Artist is to recognize ACTRA Manitoba members who have not previously been recognized through the receipt of an ACTRA Manitoba performance award. Criteria: The Member being nominated must not have been the recipient of an ACTRA Award, in Manitoba or in other ACTRA jurisdictions, in prior years; and The performance for which they are nominated: –Is that of a Principal Performer; and -Is in a production that qualifies for that year’s series of awards ACTRA Members and Industry officials (producers, directors, broadcasters and distributors) may submit up to three (3) PRINCIPAL performances in any category per production, free of charge. Submissions must be emailed to manitoba@actra.ca using the form found below. The performer needs to be contracted in the production as a Principal or upgraded to Principal. An eligible performance is one within a production released in the eligible time frame by a Member of ACTRA Manitoba in good-standing at the time of submission and in good-standing at the time of production. Performances may also be submitted by Manitoba Members who were in productions produced in other jurisdictions and released in the qualifying time period. ACTRA Manitoba reserves the right to modify the nature and quantity of Awards after the…

A message from the ACTRA Manitoba Women’s CommitteeKristen Sawatzky has long been a powerful force within Manitoba’s film and television community, making her an exceptional and deserving recipient of the ACTRA Manitoba Woman of the Year Award. Born and raised in Winnipeg, Kristen has dedicated more than 26 years to the industry, building a remarkable career that spans multiple disciplines including dance, acting, puppetry, choreography, movement coordination, stunt performance, stunt coordination, and photography. Her versatility and longevity reflect not only immense talent but also a deep commitment to her craft and to the Manitoba film industry.Kristen’s influence goes far beyond her work on set. She has been a passionate advocate for women in the industry, especially in the male-dominated world of stunts. Through her work as a stunt coordinator, her time on the ACTRA Manitoba Women’s Committee, and as a speaker at SWIFT (Supporting Women in Film Trades) Conference, she has helped challenge barriers and create space for more women to step into roles that once seemed out of reach.Kristen’s generosity extends into every corner of her life. She teaches women’s self-defence through Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, volunteers with animal rescue organizations, supports community initiatives, and donates through her photography business to charities that help women in crisis. Kristen has also photographed countless headshots for actors in our local membership. In 2024, she was recognized with a Winnipeg 150 Award for her leadership in The Front Steps Project, which raised over $7,000 for Harvest Manitoba during the pandemic.Through her talent, her advocacy, and the way she continually lifts others up, Kristen embodies the spirit of the ACTRA Manitoba Woman of the Year Award. Her career is impressive, but it’s her heart, generosity, and unwavering dedication to her community that make her truly deserving of this honour.ACTRA Manitoba is honoured and proud…

Archive: 2026

ACTRA Manitoba Awards Submissions 2026

Kristen Sawatzky named ACTRA MB’s Woman of the Year