Shirley Douglas urged the Canuck film and television industry to build a star system and support its actors as she was feted by Women in Film and Television -Toronto at its 21st annual Crystal Awards on Monday.

Douglas, whose illustrious 30-plus-year career has spanned roles in Stanley Kubrick’s Lolita and David Cronenberg’s Dead Ringers, also paid tribute to producers and creators of screen-based content in her acceptance speech, after picking up WIFT-T’s international achievement award.

‘We appreciate how hard you work before you send for us [actors],’ she said.

Douglas, the daughter of politician Tommy Douglas, fondly recalled her early days in theater in Regina and London, when actors’ names were splashed on posters and advertisements of productions they were starring in.

‘Things have taken a bit of a turn in a funny direction,’ she said, adding that posters now vaguely describe productions as ‘spellbinding’ or ‘unforgettable.’

‘What was so spellbinding? The set?’ she asked to laughs from the audience. ‘We need to know who are in these productions… that’s how theater was built!’

Meanwhile, TV veteran and Canwest SVP of drama and factual content Christine Shipton garnered the outstanding achievement award for her contribution to screen-based media.

‘Every year we face new challenges in our industry… it’s always how will it be made, where’s the money, where are the audiences, how will it all come together? [The industry] throws us curveballs, but you know, we’re really good at dodging them,’ she said.

Among the other Crystal Award winners were screenwriter Tassie Cameron, recognized with the creative excellence award for her work in TV series including The Eleventh Hour, Copper and Flashpoint. Meanwhile, longtime TVO producer Christa Singer picked up the special jury award of distinction, while Winnipeg producer Lisa Meeches was recognized with the WIFT-T mentorship award.