Lauro Chartrand-DelValle (WAR OF THE PLANET OF THE APES) will be presented with the John Juliani Award of Excellence and Jennifer Clement (DIARY OF A WIMPY KID) will receive the Lorena Gale Woman of Distinction Award. The UBCP/ACTRA Awards will be held on Saturday, December 8 at the Vancouver Playhouse with over 600 industry professionals including UBCP/ACTRA members, press and politicians in attendance.

“We take great pleasure in honouring our long standing members, Jennifer Clement and Lauro Chartrand-Delvalle, at our UBCP/ACTRA Awards Gala.” said Keith Martin Gorden, President, UBCP/ACTRA. “Their accomplishments and contributions to the Entertainment Industry make them stand out in a field of local, world class performers”.

The John Juliani Award of Excellence is presented each year to a performer for achievement as a performing artist and distinguished contribution to the film and television industry. Lauro Chartrand-DelValle initially found success as a stunt performer starting in 1989, a natural transition from his life as a competitive martial artist under legendary Master Fumio Demura. Having gained recognition in stunts and being invited into Stunts Canada in 1995, he quickly moved up the ranks to become one of the most sought after action designers and 2nd unit Directors in the industry. Now, with record breaking credits and 7 Leo Awards as a Stunt Coordinator under his belt, Lauro has also transitioned into a writer, director and producer at his Vancouver, BC Canada based company, 2 Chart Productions.

The Lorena Gale Woman of Distinction Award is presented to a UBCP/ACTRA member whose work as a performer and/or beyond, embodies the type of accomplishments that advance the status of women in our society and encourage the continued growth and diversification of opportunities for women. Jennifer Clement, born and raised in Vancouver, has been working as a professional actor for over 30 years, performing over 100 roles in theatre, film & TV across the country. As the Head of the Acting Department at the Vancouver Film School, Jennifer has found her passion supporting the next generation of actors. In the past few years, Jennifer has been inspired by working with young people and teachers through the NTS Drama Festival & ABCDE Association of BC Drama Educators as well as delivering Acting and Film workshops locally and internationally in Sweden, Ukraine, Turkey and Mexico.

The Union of British Columbia Performers (UBCP/ACTRA) is an autonomous branch of ACTRA (Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists), the national organization of professional performers working in the English language recorded media in Canada. ACTRA represents the interests of 22,000 members across Canada – the foundation of Canada’s highly acclaimed professional performing community.

NOTE TO PRESS: A red carpet will precede the Awards Gala, starting at 5:00 PM (all media must be set up by 4:45 PM). Media must RSVP to alyssa@jiveprdigital.com to secure a spot on the carpet. Interviews and photos are available.

Media Contact:

Sarah Wilkinson, Jive PR + Digital

(519) 588-0450, sarah.wilkinson@jiveprdigital.com