The first annual ACTRA Awards – the ‘Nellies’ – took place in 1972. The Nellies were presented annually until 1986 when they transferred to the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television, which continued to present the Nellie in several categories for a number of years.

In celebration of ACTRA’s 60th Anniversary, the ACTRA Awards were resurrected and are now presented by ACTRA Branches (see below) across the country.