The Foyer | Whanganui actor Libby Hunsdale wins New York award for Poppy

23 Mar, 2022 11:26 AM 3 minutes to read

Whanganui actor Libby Hunsdale has won international acclaim for her lead role in the film Poppy after receiving the best actress award at a film festival in New York.

Hunsdale was awarded the Best Actress in a Narrative Feature award and the film Poppy was one of two winners in the Best Narrative Feature Film in the SR Socially Relevant Film Festival New York.

Hunsdale's portrayal of a young woman with Down syndrome who takes control of her life in order to follow her dream of becoming an auto mechanic resonated with American audiences. The winners were announced on March 21 which coincided with World Down Syndrome Day.

Although thrilled by news of the award, Hunsdale said she was not too disappointed she was not able to travel to New York to collect it in person.

Whanganui actor Libby Hunsdale has been recognised on the world stage for her lead role in the film Poppy. Photo / Bevan Conley

"I love Whanganui and I don't think I would want to be anywhere else at the moment.

"I'm really proud to win and I'm so happy for Linda [Niccol - the film's director]. It would have been great to receive the award in person but I'm happy where I am."

Hunsdale said she was currently enjoying a hospitality training course at Training 4 You and she has recently enjoyed working backstage at the Wanganui Repertory Theatre helping with make-up and costumes.

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