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Nia Vardalos Biography

Birth Name:Antonia Eugenia Vardalos

Birth Place:Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Profession Actress, Writer, Producer, Director

Fast Facts

In 2003, she won the Discover Screenwriting Award from the American Screenwriters Association
Was a recipient of Chicago's Jeff Award for Best Actress
Started off in comedy with the Second City improvisational troupe in Toronto
Was "discovered" by actress Rita Wilson, who recommended Vardalos' play to Tom Hanks
Quote: "I'd been raised by my parents who taught me not to think you're better than you are․"
Often creates films that feature ordinary people in romantic situations
In 1999, she became a naturalized citizen of the United States

Awards

2002WAFCA Award-Best Original Screenplay: winner
2003Oscar-Best Writing, Original Screenplay: nominated
2003Actor-Outstanding Performance by the Cast of a Theatrical Motion Picture: nominated
2003Discover Screenwriting Award-: winner
2003Canadian Comedy Award-Film - Pretty Funny Writing: nominated
2003Canadian Comedy Award-Film - Pretty Funny Female Performance: winner
2003Critics Choice Award-Best Writer: nominated
2003Independent Spirit Award-Best Debut Performance: winner
2003Gold Derby Film Award-Breakthrough Performance: nominated
2003Gold Derby Film Award-Original Screenplay: nominated
2003Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical: nominated
2003ALFS Award-Screenwriter of the Year: nominated
2003MTV Movie Award-Breakthrough Female Performance: nominated
2003OFTA Film Award-Best Breakthrough Performance: Female: winner
2003OFTA Film Award-Best First Screenplay: winner
2003OFTA Film Award-Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen: nominated
2003OFCS Award-Best Breakthrough Performance: nominated
2003PFCS Award-Best Newcomer: winner
2003PFCS Award-Best Screenplay - Original: nominated
2003Golden Satellite Award-Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical: nominated
2003Golden Satellite Award-Best Screenplay, Adapted: nominated
2003Teen Choice Award-Choice Movie Breakout Star - Female: nominated
2003WGA Award (Screen)-Best Original Screenplay: nominated
2009Orpheus Award-Best Feature Film: nominated
2017BTVA People's Choice Voice Acting Award-Best Vocal Ensemble in a Television Series: winner
2017BTVA Television Voice Acting Award-Best Vocal Ensemble in a Television Series: nominated
2024EDA Special Mention Award-She Deserves a New Agent: nominated