From 1980 to 1983, only Canadian actors were eligible for the award; non-Canadian actors appearing in Canadian films were instead considered for the separate Genie Award for Best Performance by a Foreign Actor.
Between 1980 and 1983, there was a distinction made between Canadian and foreign actors in the award process. Only Canadian actors could be nominated for this specific award, while those from other countries who appeared in Canadian productions were eligible for a different award.