Launched by the UBCP/ACTRA Women’s Committee, the Lorena Gale Woman of Distinction Award is presented biennially to a UBCP/ACTRA Member whose work as a Performer and within the community embodies the accomplishments that advance the status of women in society.

Named in honour of UBCP/ACTRA Member Lorena Gale, whose career was characterized by her enduring commitment to power, dignity, intelligence and truth, this award seeks to encourage the continued growth and diversification of opportunities for women, by celebrating those whose accomplishments exemplify that reality.

Ms. Gale’s Film & Television work boasts over 200 credits. Her performances have graced the screen in many Feature Film, MOW’s and Television Episodics – Traitor, Saved, The X-Files, Smallville, Kingdom Hospital and Battlestar Galactica to name only a few. Throughout her career, Ms. Gale has given life to such diverse characters as a man with no legs, the 150 year old Joce Heth in Barnum and Bailey (she played the same role twice in two different versions of the film), a High Priestess and a President (visit www.ubcpactra.com for additional information).

This award was presented every year from 2009 until 2021, when the UBCP/ACTRA Executive Board determined it would be awarded biennially to better reflect the significance of its impact and to allow for a broader and more inclusive nomination process.