Morgan Taylor Campbell Wins Inaugural Northern Star Award at Whistler Film Festival
The Whistler Film Festival, held annually in Canada, has introduced the Northern Star Award, a new accolade dedicated to celebrating exceptional Canadian talent. The award, established as an evolution of the festival’s previous Stars to Watch program, aims to provide actors with an immersive multi-day festival experience, enhanced promotion, and professional development opportunities.
On December 5, at the festival's Talent Luncheon, the inaugural Northern Star Award was presented to Morgan Taylor Campbell by UBCP/ACTRA president Keith Martin Gordy. Campbell, who stars in Queen of the Underworld, was honored for her outstanding performance in a Whistler Film Festival feature or short film.
In her acceptance speech, Campbell expressed gratitude and reflected on her artistic journey. "I’m very thankful to be named WFF’s Northern Star. This is a totem to me that marks the transition in my process of following my inner rhythm over the influence of an external pulse. Thank you for the encouragement to continue heading in the direction of honouring authenticity."
Angela Heck, executive director of the Whistler Film Festival, praised Campbell’s achievements, stating, "Morgan’s remarkable performance in Queen of the Underworld exemplifies the talent and dedication that we strive to showcase at WFF. This award is a testament to her exceptional work and the bright future ahead of her in Canadian cinema."
Jointly presented by UBCP/ACTRA and the Whistler Film Festival, the Northern Star Award underscores a commitment to recognizing and supporting Canadian talent, with a focus on British Columbia. The initiative also highlights Canadian cinema on the international stage, providing actors with media visibility, red-carpet exposure, and professional growth opportunities.
The Whistler Film Festival’s dedication to fostering Canadian talent continues to bolster the country’s presence in global cinema, with the Northern Star Award set to become a key milestone in the careers of emerging actors.