“This honour is deeply meaningful,” said Tonya Williams. “It represents the totality of my journey, one that started in an industry where I rarely saw myself reflected. From those early moments on Canadian television, to my time in the U.S., and through building Reelworld, I’ve always been guided by the belief that there is power in inclusion. It has been my joy to blend my passion for the work with my passion for seeing more diversity on our screens. I carry my pride as a Canadian Black woman into everything I do, always striving to shine a positive light on my community wherever I go. I share this honour with every artist, every advocate, and every underrepresented voice who continues to push this country forward.”
Williams joins a distinguished group of Order of Canada recipients whose work has shaped the country’s cultural identity. Her legacy as a creator, advocate, and changemaker continues to open doors and pave the way for future generations of Canadian talent.
About Tonya Williams
Tonya Williams is a Canadian award-winning actress, producer, and advocate, best known for her roles in various television shows, including Polka Dot Door and her 19-year portrayal of Dr. Olivia Winters on The Young and the Restless. Throughout her career, she has received numerous awards, including two NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Series, two Emmy nominations, the 2023 Visionary Award from the Legacy Awards, and the 2024 Changemaker Award from the Canadian Screen Awards. In 2025, she was inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame.
In 2000, Tonya founded the Reelworld Film Festival, now known as Reelworld Screen Institute, to create opportunities and support the career development of Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour in the Canadian screen industries. In 2020, she established Access Reelworld, which is Canada’s largest searchable recruitment platform for Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour creatives in the screen industries.
About Reelworld
Reelworld was founded in 2000 by award-winning actress and producer Tonya Williams to amplify films and media led by racialized and Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, Métis) people and to increase access to creative, career and leadership opportunities in Canada’s screen industries. Its acclaimed Reelworld Film Festival+Summit welcomes audiences annually to experience the best of Canadian cinema and connect with a diverse network of industry changemakers. To encourage growth and inclusion in the sector, the Reelworld Screen Institute platforms and supports the creative and career development of Indigenous and racialized professionals through high-impact training programs. Through Access Reelworld—Canada’s largest open directory of racialized and Indigenous crew and talent—and the Reelworld Foundation, a registered charity, Reelworld is leading systemic transformation and accountability toward a more equitable and vibrant industry.
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