Local talent shines bright at 2018 ACTRA Awards

Emily Southwood - On May 5th ACTRA (The Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists) Montreal held its 75th Year Anniversary Gala where they honoured two Valley natives in a big way. Sarah (Hansen) Booth’s impressive talent and unstoppable trajectory earned her the distinction of the inaugural Walter Massey Award for Breakthrough Artist. Erika Rosenbaum was named ACTRA Montreal’s Woman of the Year in recognition of her courageous outspoken activism in the #metoo movement. Sarah (Hansen) Booth, a CVR graduate, has flown far from her roots, navigating a quickly rising career in both Canada and the US. She is well know for her work on films such as The Scarehouse and Helix, as well as for TV roles on NBC’s Special Victim’s Unit and CBC’s 21 Thunder. Also a CVR graduate Erika Rosenbaum’s career has landed her in Hollywood performances, as well as in the role of advocate. Most recently, Erika bravely entered the spotlight via her interview on CBC’s The Current as a brave advocate for women facing sexual harassment. The ACTRA Gala, which was held at Time Supper Club and co-hosted by Eleanor Noble and Simon Peacock, celebrated 75 years of the union’s advocacy for Montreal’s impressive and diverse talent. The other recipients of the night’s major awards included Don Jordan, who received the 2018 ACTRA Montreal Award of Excellence in recognition of his artistic and advocacy achievements and producer Irene Litinsky was awarded the Community Builder Award. Rosenbaum was proud to be receiving an award alongside her friend. “We are two small-town girls in a sometimes ruthless business and I think it’s really special that we champion one another.” Booth also expressed the meaning of having her efforts celebrated by her Montreal peers and highlighted for her hometown: “Having people excited and proud about your career, who have known you since you were little, is exhilarating. It pushes you to represent your true self; to utilize your background and the stories around you. I cannot wait to bring projects to film in Quebec. That will be full circle.” As an actress with several producing credits to her name, that dream could surely become a reality for Booth and the Haut-Saint-Laurent community.