Newfoundland-born Gordon Pinsent has earned yet another prestigious acting honour, taking home a Genie Award as best actor for his performance in the critically-acclaimed Canadian film Away From Her.

The Genie Awards, Canada�s top awards for achievement in cinema and television, were handed out last night, Monday March 3, in Toronto. Away From Her was the big winner at the 28^th annual event, taking home seven awards, including best picture.

The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, said Mr. Pinsent is a credit to this province and to the country.

"I offer my sincere, heart-felt congratulations to Mr. Pinsent, a living legend who continues to embody the creative spirit well into his 70s," Premier Williams said. "He is an actor, author, playwright and director whose remarkably diverse career has spanned radio, stage and screen. His success � and the professionalism with which he conducts himself � has made us proud time and again.

"Mr. Pinsent is, without a doubt, an inspiration and role model for many within this province�s creative community," Premier Williams said. "This latest, national recognition is certainly well-deserved."

Newfoundland and Labrador�s Alan Doyle was also nominated for a Genie in the category of best original song, for Young Triffie�s Been Made Away With, from the film of the same name.

The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, said both artists have enjoyed creative success and have become true cultural ambassadors for Newfoundland and Labrador.

"Both Mr. Pinsent and Mr. Doyle are incredibly talented and we, as Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, continue to share in the celebration of their remarkable achievements," Minister Jackman said. "We expect the Provincial Government�s continued investment in our cultural industries will see increasing national and international recognition for our professional artists in the future."

On July 12, 2005, on the occasion of his 75th birthday, the province paid its own tribute to Mr. Pinsent by renaming the Grand Falls �Windsor Arts and Culture Centre the Gordon Pinsent Centre for the Arts. This represented the first time the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador had renamed an arts and culture centre in the province.

The Provincial Government continues to invest in Newfoundland and Labrador�s emerging local film industry. Since 2003-04, film production activity in this province has averaged about $10 million annually and provided employment and development opportunities for professional artists and hundreds more who work behind the scenes to support production.

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