Best Supporting Actress Nominees 2023

 In fourth grade, Sharonne Lanier’s teacher forced the entire class to learn Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech for an oratorical contest. Sharonne thought this idea was weird, but little did she know this would change the course of her life forever. She discovered she had a talent for performing in front of people. This talent would lead her down the road of acting and blossom into her undying passion. 

Sharonne Lanier studied Theatre Performance at the University of Central Florida graduating magna cum laude. While studying, doubts and thoughts of giving up began to cloud her dreams. On the verge of switching paths, her mother said to her, "I believe God gives you dreams and visions for a reason. Don't run from it". Since then, she hasn't looked back. 

Sharonne is a proud member of the Actor’s Equity Association and has performed professionally in countless stage plays, television, and film productions. One of her proudest achievements was working as a company member at the AD Players under Jeannette Clift George where she learned and experienced the value of keeping God at the center of her aspirations. 

It is not Sharonne's goal to simply entertain, but she says, "I am an actress who will use my God given talents to positively motivate people. I seek to participate in productions that aim to teach and enhance the joy and integrity of people's lives. I will leave this world knowing I contributed to making a number of people's lives easier to live.”

Since appearing in the spy comedy Sleeper Agent (2020), Gigi Orsillo has quickly made her mark in faith-based films. 2022 was a big year with the theatrically relased Family Camp (2022), alongside Disney star Leigh Allyn Baker and “The Skit Guys” Tommy Woodard and Eddie James as well as the theatrical release of Running the Bases (2022) with Brett Varvel, Cameron Arnett and Todd Terry… with Pulled from Darkness (2022) and The Happy Camper (2022) releasing this past year as well.  2023 looks to be just as promising for Gigi, having already wrapped A Perfect Christmas (2023) and Christmas at Keestone (2023).  Releasing in spring will be her romcom Just Jake (2023) to uptv and the Pureflix series  Fragment:Oblivion (2023). 

A native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Gigi was raised by parents in the film business. At two years old, she starred in a Christmas commercial for a local mall that aired almost 20 years. She went on to work steadily in television and film—including both hosting and acting roles—before finding her true calling in the faith-based space.

 
Gigi graduated Summa Cum Laude from Oral Roberts University. She studied improvisation at the Groundlings studio and the Meisner technique under Robert Carnegie at Playhouse West. As a mother of three daughters, she finds regular inspiration for her work in family films.

Gigi is represented by Treasure Coast Talent and can be followed on Instagram @gigiorsillo