The Groundbreaking Performance Award

Voting is now open! Deadline: April 18

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Presented by Screen Nova Scotia, this award shines a spotlight on an outstanding performance by a non-union performer in a film or television/web series. Although the screen industry is taking steps towards being more accessible and inclusive, we recognize that there are still barriers to entry, which include access to union and guild memberships. This award will provide an opportunity to recognize and celebrate our emerging, diverse Nova Scotia talent who are delivering powerful and outstanding performances but who are not yet eligible for the ACTRA Maritimes awards.

The screen industry/wider community will select the award winner via an accessible online voting process (see below). The winner will be announced live during the Screen Nova Scotia Awards Gala, taking place on Saturday, May 13th, in the Schooner Ballroom at Casino Nova Scotia. Tickets to the event will be available in mid-April.

There will be a $500 cash prize for the award winner, provided by SNS. To view the eligibility criteria for this award, please click HERE. Last year’s winner was actor Patrick Cadegan for his performance on the comedy web series Tracy & Martina: Dirty Deeds (Swearnet).

The nominees for the 2023 Screen Nova Scotia Award for Groundbreaking Performance are:

  • Patrick Cadegan in Sleepwatching (Feature Film)
  • Deborah Castrilli in Bystanders (Feature Film)
  • Tato’ Crisanto in Lemon Squeezy (Feature Film)
  • Camille Horton-Poole in Lemon Squeezy (Feature Film)
  • Malloy Thurber in SuperBlood (Short Film)
  • Greg Vardy in Tracy and Martina’s Dirty Deeds (Web Series)
  • Ziyin Zheng in Queens of the Qing Dynasty (Feature Film)

Watch the nominee clips: Nominee clips are now available to watch on our Screen Nova Scotia Vimeo page HERE. Please watch all clips before casting your vote.

Deadline: Voting will close on April 18, 2023.

Make your vote: Please enter your email address below to receive the link to vote. Voting is open only to Nova Scotia residents, with one vote per valid email address.

If you have any voting issues/questions: Please contact Alex Brundige at alex@screennovascotia.com / 902-229-1499.