Jennifer Podemski: ACTRA National 2024 ‘Woman of the Year’
by Staff Editors
(March 6, 2024 – Toronto, ON) Canadian performers are shining the spotlight on ACTRA member Jennifer Podemski by naming her this year’s ACTRA National ‘Woman of the Year.’
“Jennifer Podemski is a performer, creator, producer and activist – an inspiration to everyone working in our entertainment industry,” said Eleanor Noble, ACTRA National President. “She understands the power of storytelling and is deeply committed to the mentorship and growth of Indigenous creators. For decades she has fought to raise the bar for women and equity deserving filmmakers to be able to create high-quality Canadian content. We are proud to honour Jennifer on International Women’s Day.”
Jennifer Podemski is an award-winning actor, writer, director and producer. Her on-screen credits include: The Rez; Degrassi: TNG; Blackstone; Departure; and Reservation Dogs (Disney+). Jennifer’s first on-camera role was on Wonderstruck when she was 13 years-old and she continued her career as a background performer. At age 17 casting directors visited her high school, Earl Haig’s Claude Watson School Of Performing Arts, and cast her in the CBC mini-series Conspiracy of Silence. Behind-the-camera she has been at the helm of many TV series including: The Seventh Generation; Rabbit Fall; The Other Side; Moccasin Flats; and Future History (CBC Gem). Recently, she co-created the award-winning mini-series Little Bird (CRAVE / APTN), which received a record 19 nominations for the 2024 Canadian Screen Awards.
“I am truly honoured to be acknowledged as the 2024 ACTRA National Woman of the Year,” said Podemski. “It is a privilege to do the work I do and to have a career that has spanned 30 years. It continues to amaze me. I promise to continue to do my part in passing on knowledge and uplifting Indigenous women with love. I would also like to acknowledge the incredible women who came before me and truly created space for so many of us to do what we do.”
Since 2010, ACTRA has bestowed the annual National Woman of the Year Award upon an ACTRA member who uses their passion to support ACTRA members and women within the broader audiovisual industry.
SOURCE: ACTRA National
