ACTRA Toronto

This week was the Vaughan International Film Festival, and we were thrilled that two ACTRA Toronto productions were nominated at their closing night awards!

GOOD VIBES ONLY was nominated for Best Canadian Film, and HEIRLOOMS was nominated for Best Performance (Chloe Van Landschoot) and won for Best Cinematography (Ian Macmillan)!

Congratulations to all the performers and filmmakers! Learn more about the VFF: https://www.vaughanfilmfestival.com

We are absolutely thrilled to celebrate ACTRA Toronto Members Philip Akin and Brenda Kamino, who were both appointed Members of the Order of Canada!

Philip is a trailblazing actor, director and cultural force and has shaped stage and screen for more than 50 years. At a time when there were few Black performers on Canadian television, he inspired many. Notably, he co‑founded Obsidian Theatre, through which he championed Black artists and reshaped Canada’s theatrical landscape for future generations.

Brenda is a distinguished actor whose career spans 50 years and more than 100 stage, television and screen productions. A champion of equitable representation who advocates non-traditional casting, she expanded opportunities for marginalized artists and transformed diversity in Canada’s performing arts. A beloved mentor, she is the co-producer of the Renaissance Canadian Theatre Company.

The Order of Canada is one of our country’s highest honours. It recognizes people across all sectors of society who have made extraordinary and sustained contributions to our nation.

Congratulations Philip and Brenda!

Meet all of the new appointees: https://www.gg.ca/en/appointments-order-canada-june-2026

Happy Pride from ACTRA Toronto! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ It was a wonderful day as we marched alongside many friends and allies at the Toronto Pride Parade. We had so many incredible moments with the thousands celebrating today as we marched to ensure 2SLGBTQIA+ stories continue to be seen on screen by talented professional performers!

Thank you to our outACTRAto Co-Chairs Madelaine Rose and Matt Lemche for their leadership, our Pride Ambassador (and winner) Ci Hang Ma, Parade Committee Chair Mercedes Morris, ACTRA Toronto Executive, Council and Staff for their support, and of course all the ACTRA Toronto Members who joined us to march today!