As the Canadian entertainment industry prepares to celebrate its brightest talents at the upcoming Canadian Screen Awards, a standout honor has been announced: Manny Jacinto, the Vancouver-born actor known for his breakout role in The Good Place and his upcoming turn in Star Wars: The Acolyte, will receive an honorary award recognizing his contributions to film and television. The news, revealed by the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, shines a spotlight on Jacinto’s journey from engineering student to Hollywood standout—a trajectory marked by versatility, humility, and a commitment to elevating diverse narratives.
From Equations to the Spotlight: Jacinto’s Unconventional Path
Long before he became a fan-favorite actor, Manny Jacinto was crunching numbers. Born to Filipino immigrants in Vancouver, he initially pursued a degree in civil engineering at the University of British Columbia, a path chosen out of practicality. “My parents wanted stability for me,” Jacinto recalled in a 2022 interview. “But I’d always loved performing. I just didn’t know how to bridge that gap.”
That bridge emerged during his college years, when a friend persuaded him to audition for a local theater production. Jacinto landed the role, and the thrill of performing proved irresistible. He began taking acting classes while completing his degree, balancing differential equations with drama exercises. After graduation, he faced a crossroads: a steady engineering job or the precarious pursuit of acting.
“I gave myself two years to make it work,” he said. “If nothing happened, I’d go back to engineering.” Those two years tested his resolve. Jacinto booked minor roles in Canadian TV series like Supernatural and Once Upon a Time, but his big break came in 2016 when he was cast as Jason Mendoza in NBC’s afterlife comedy The Good Place.
Jason Mendoza: The Role That Changed Everything
As Jason, the lovably dimwitted Florida man obsessed with dance battles and Blake Bortles, Jacinto stole scenes with his impeccable comic timing and earnest delivery. Though the character could have veered into caricature, Jacinto infused him with unexpected depth, earning praise from critics and fans alike. “Manny made Jason the heart of the show,” said The Good Place creator Michael Schur. “He’s a master of finding truth in the absurd.”
The role catapulted Jacinto into the Hollywood mainstream, but it also posed a challenge: avoiding typecasting. “After The Good Place, I got a lot of ‘dumb guy’ offers,” he admitted. “I wanted to prove I could do more.”
Pivoting to Drama: Top Gun: Maverick and Beyond
Jacinto’s next career phase showcased his range. In 2022, he appeared in Top Gun: Maverick as Lt. Billy “Fritz” Avalone, a stoic pilot navigating the film’s high-stakes aerial sequences. Though his role was smaller, Jacinto’s intensity left an impression. “He brought a quiet gravitas,” said co-star Miles Teller. “You believed he was a top-tier Navy flier.”
The same year, he starred in Nine Days, a metaphysical drama about souls competing for the chance to be born. As Kane, a soul grappling with existential despair, Jacinto delivered a haunting performance that critics hailed as a revelation. “That role was cathartic,” he shared. “It pushed me to explore parts of myself I hadn’t confronted before.”
A Galaxy Far, Far Away: Joining the Star Wars Universe
Jacinto’s career reached new heights in 2023 when he was cast in Star Wars: The Acolyte, Disney+’s highly anticipated series set during the High Republic era. Details about his character remain under wraps, but insiders describe him as a “charismatic, morally ambiguous figure” entangled in the emerging dark side forces.
For Jacinto, a self-professed Star Wars fan, the role is a full-circle moment. “I grew up watching the prequels, dressing up as Obi-Wan,” he said. “To be part of this universe now—it’s surreal.” The series, which premieres in June 2024, has already generated buzz for its diverse cast and fresh take on Sith lore. Showrunner Leslye Headland praised Jacinto’s “magnetic unpredictability,” adding, “He brings layers to every scene that keep you guessing.”
The Canadian Screen Award Honor: Celebrating Homegrown Talent
The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television’s decision to honor Jacinto with an honorary award underscores his impact both at home and abroad. The Canadian Screen Awards, often referred to as Canada’s Oscars, celebrate excellence in film, television, and digital media. Past honorary recipients include legends like Christopher Plummer and Sandra Oh, making Jacinto’s inclusion a testament to his rising stature.
“Manny embodies the spirit of Canadian artistry—humble, hardworking, and fearless in taking creative risks,” said Academy CEO Tammy Frick. “He’s a role model for aspiring actors, especially those from underrepresented communities.”
Jacinto, who retains strong ties to Vancouver, has often spoken about the importance of representation. “Growing up, I rarely saw Filipino faces on screen,” he noted. “If my journey helps someone out there feel seen, that’s the real honor.”
Beyond Acting: Advocacy and Quiet Influence
While Jacinto’s on-screen work has garnered attention, his off-screen efforts reflect a deeper commitment to community. He’s been a vocal supporter of mental health initiatives, partnering with organizations like the Canadian Mental Health Association to destigmatize therapy. During the pandemic, he also funded scholarships for Filipino-Canadian students pursuing the arts.
“Success isn’t just about roles or awards,” he said. “It’s about lifting others up.” Colleagues describe him as a generous collaborator. “On set, he’s the first to check in on everyone,” said The Acolyte co-star Amandla Stenberg. “He leads with kindness, which isn’t always common in this industry.”
Navigating Fame: Privacy and Perspective
Despite his rising profile, Jacinto has maintained a low-key personal life. He rarely discusses his relationships or private struggles publicly, a choice he attributes to his upbringing. “My parents taught me the value of keeping some things sacred,” he explained. “Fame can be fleeting, but your sense of self shouldn’t be.”
This grounded approach has endeared him to fans. At conventions and fan events, Jacinto is known for his patience, spending hours signing autographs and listening to personal stories. “Meeting people who’ve connected with my work—that’s the fuel,” he said.
The Road Ahead: New Challenges and Legacy
With The Acolyte poised to launch him into blockbuster stardom, Jacinto remains focused on diverse projects. He’s attached to star in The Spiderwick Chronicles reboot and is developing a limited series about the Filipino diaspora in Canada. “I want to tell stories that resonate with my heritage but have universal themes,” he said.
As for the Canadian Screen Award, Jacinto plans to dedicate it to his parents. “They sacrificed everything to give me opportunities,” he shared. “This honor is as much theirs as it is mine.”
A New Chapter for Canadian Cinema
Manny Jacinto’s journey—from solving equations in Vancouver to wielding lightsabers in a galaxy far, far away—reflects the evolving landscape of Canadian talent. As the industry continues to champion diverse voices, his story offers a blueprint for authenticity in an often homogenized field.
“Manny’s success isn’t an outlier; it’s a sign of what’s possible,” said filmmaker Atom Egoyan. “He’s proof that Canadian artists can shape global narratives without losing their roots.”
When Jacinto takes the stage to accept his award, it will mark more than a personal milestone—it will celebrate a artist who redefined what it means to dream boldly, both on and off the screen.