ACTRA Awards 2024 Program
Tonight, we gather to honour the performers from our community who over the last two years have delivered unforgettable performances in productions seen across Canada and beyond. This evening is a celebration of their artistry, dedication, and impact.
This program is your companion for the night, featuring everything you need to follow along—from the order of ceremony to acknowledgments and more.
Thank you for joining us as we celebrate the exceptional achievements of the ACTRA Manitoba community!
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ORDER OF CEREMONY
Video: Every Step Of The Way
Opening: Hosts Amy Groening & Aaron Merke
Land Acknowledgment: Kalyn Bomback
Welcome: ACTRA Manitoba President Alan Wong & Gala Producer Shannon Guile
Greetings: ACTRA National Senior Director Christine Basdeo
Greetings: City Councillor Markus Chambers
Outstanding Performance in a Short
Presenters: Jon Dyck-Lyons and Marilyn Ramiscal
Nominees:
Adam Hurtig (Playing Life)
Cory Wojcik (Subs)
Megan Best (Minor Alterations)
Nazariy Demkowicz (Escape!)
Patricia Hunter (Testament)
Outstanding Performance in a Series
Presenters: Lindsay Somers and Douglas Mitchell
Nominees:
Daina Leitold (SkyMed Season 1)
Darla Contois (Little Bird)
Gabriel Daniels (Acting Good Season 1)
Gabriel Daniels (Acting Good Season 2 )
Paul Essiembre (The Porter)
Paul Rabliauskas (Acting Good Season 1)
Wayne Nicklas Award for Outstanding Contribution to Manitoba’s Film & Television Industry
Presented by Alan Wong and Rea Kavanagh
Video: Manitoba Stunt Reel
Outstanding Stunt Performance
Presenter: Rick Skene
Nominees:
BJ Verot (Sniper: Rogue Mission)
Erik Athavale (Sniper: Rogue Mission)
Finn McCager (Sniper: Rogue Mission)
Krystle Snow (Bring It On: Cheer or Die)
Sean Skene (Violent Night)
Video: In Memoriam
Outstanding Performance in a Feature
Presenters: Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers and Megan Best
Nominees:
Alicia Johnston (Francesca Quinn, PI )
Adam Hurtig (Melaleuca)
Erik Athavale (The Girl Who Escaped: The Kara Robinson Story)
Gino Anania (Elevator Game)
Lauren Cochrane (The Hillsdale Adoption Scam)
Solange Sookram (Wintertide)
Stephanie Sy (The Santa Summit)
Summer Howell (Abducted by My Teacher: The Elizabeth Thomas Story)
Tom Keenan (Melaleuca)
ACTRA Manitoba Award for Outstanding Engagement of Manitoba Members
Presenters: Lynne Skromeda and Manitoba Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism: The Honourable Nellie Kennedy
Thank Yous & Credits
Dance Party: With DJ JPQ
CEREMONY CREDITS
ACTRA Manitoba Awards Committee
Senior Producer: Shannon Guile
Production Coordinator: Sam Hutchings
Sponsorship Coordinator: Alan Wong
Writers: Lauren Cochrane & Shannon Guile
Décor & Set Designer: Krystle Snow & Shannon Guile
Social Media: Krystle Snow
Gift Bags & Donations: Sam Hutchings
Awards Selection Committee Coordinators: Shannon Guile, Sam Hutchings, Veronica Ternopolski
Awards Submission Coordinator: Nazariy Demkowicz
Thanks to all our volunteers, ACTRA Manitoba branch staff and council, Canadian Museum for Human Rights, WOW Catering.
Gala Voice: Jane Testar
Post Production Services: Jamie Mierau, Dave Kornas & David Greisman at Foundation Film and Media
Music & Score: Kevon Cronin
Graphic Design: Garth Merkeley at Smerk Design
Technical & AV Management: EventLight
Photographers: Duncan McNairnay & Leif Norman
VIDEO CREDITS
Every Step of the Way
Written by: Lauren Cochrane & Shannon Guile
Directed by: Lauren Cochrane
Produced by: Shannon Guile
1st AD: Kerri Webster
Stunt Coordinator: Kristen Sawatzky
DOP & Editor: Vince Tang
1st AC: Aubrey Stewart
Sound Op: Cody Blacksmith
Gaffer: Sidney Phommarath
Grip: Alec Carlos
Cast:
Maya: Krystle Snow
3rd AD: Gabriel Daniels
Tom: Adam Hurtig
Transport Driver: Kristen Sawatzky
Locations Bud: Alan Wong
Stand In: Sam Hutchings
BG Extra: Stephanie Sy
Crafty: Anjali Sandhu
Stunty Sam: Jacqueline Loewen
Stunty Barista: Terry Ray
“Coats” the wardrobe guy: Nazariy Demkowicz
Red: Laura Olafson
Todd: Kristian Jordan
Sharon I.C.: Sharon Bajer
Scripty: Lauren Cochrane
Crew Captain: Shannon Guile
Crew 1: Candace Heyliger
Crew 2: Alan Castanaga
Crew 3: Alec Carlos
2022/2023 Stunt Reel
Created by: Sean Skene
Thank you to Skene Stunts and all the Manitoba stunt performer members
SPONSORS
Platinum Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Supporters+
Supporters
Donors
HOSTS
Aaron Merke
ACTRA Award-winning actor and comedian Aaron Merke takes the stage as host of this year’s ACTRA Awards! Known for his uncanny ability to bring memorable characters like Zelk from Safehaven to life, as well as countless “random sad dads,” Aaron has made his mark playing characters who often meet untimely ends in film and TV. His career spans a variety of comedic and dramatic roles, including recent work in the upcoming action movie, Normal.
Aaron has found success in both local and national film circles. His passion for character-driven work has not only made him a sought-after actor but has also led him to pursue writing, co-creating pilots and short films that reflect his innovative comedic style.
Amy Groening
Amy Groening is a Canadian Screen Award-nominated actor, born in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Her work spans across Canada and a wide range of genres. She began her career with leading roles in grindhouse horror films, working with Astron-6 and Troma Entertainment. She later studied Meisner acting technique at the Neighbourhood Playhouse Theatre in New York City, followed by a move to Toronto, Ontario.
Notable roles include the NBC Universal pilot Horizon, produced by Gale Anne Hurd of The Walking Dead, a recurring role on CW’s Reign, and a lead role in CW’s comedy series Backpackers.
Amy now divides her time between Western and Atlantic Canada and has become a prominent figure in the East Coast film community. She appeared in season 8 of CBC’s Mr. D and in over seven Atlantic Canadian feature films, including Bone Cage, for which she received a 2021 Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.Amy is also thrilled to have joined the Hallmark family, appearing in over 10 films. Most recently she starred in the 2024 Christmas film Twas The Date Before Christmas.
THANK YOUS
HUGE THANK YOU to all who contributed their time and expertise (in no particular order):
Leah Borchert, Chael Donald, Alan Castanaga, Tim Nhlazane, Anastasia Lopez, Veronica Ternopolski, Paul Little, Lexie Cypurda, Zara Longe, Ryan David Younes, Faith Fundal, Andrew Gallinger, Robin Summerfield, Carole Vivier, Andrew Friesen, Lindsay Somers, Ify Chiwetelu, Orlando Braun, Stephanie Poruchnyk-Butler, Stephen Foster, Genevieve Collins, George Toles, Jessica Gibson, Kevin Maguire, Micheal Petrow, Hazel Venzon, Maryam Decter, Abby Falvo, Maja Aro, Angelica Lisk-Hann, Tyree Trand
ACTRA Manitoba Staff: Rea Kavanagh, Shauntana Holmes, Ellie Macpherson & Julie Penner
ACTRA President: Alan Wong
ACTRA Councilors: Kalyn Bomback, Turk Scatliff, Krystle Snow, Nazariy Demkowicz, Paul Essiembre, Shannon Guile, Diane Isfeld, Lorraine James, Marsha Knight
Thank you to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and WOW Catering for your incredible hospitality.
