Honours
2016
UBCP/ACTRA Lorena Gale Woman of Distinction Award.
2015
City of Vancouver Mayor’s Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement.
2010
The Gemini Humanitarian Award for 2010. This award is presented to an individual for their exceptional contributions and commitments to community and public service outside the Canadian television industry.
2007
The Leslie Yeo Award for Excellence in Volunteerism for 2007, by Actra Fraternal Benefit Society.
Joy Coghill, portrayed in ACTRA magazine, on her winning of the Leslie Yeo Award
2006
The Senior Leadership Award for Service to Education and Aging, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver.
2005
Vancouver Arts Awards, Performing Arts Category. It is given for "distinguished service to the city in Performing Arts." The award also came with a $5,000 prize to be given away to someone else in the performing arts. Joy had worked with young actor and playwright Kevin Loring in a 2001 production of Margaret Edson's play Wit. Joy chose to give this money to Loring.
Union of British Columbia Performers John Juliani Award of Excellence.
2002
Governor General's Performing Arts Award in Drama.
Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal, celebrating Queen Elizabeth's 50-year reign. Given for outstanding contributions to Canada.
2000
Best National News Commentary (radio) Radio Television News Directors Association for Best Regional News Commentary (radio) R.T.N.D.A.
1999
Significant artistic achievement "Jessie" award to Western Gold Theatre for a "unique mandate and contribution to theatre community".
1996
The Herbert Whittaker Critic's Association Award for outstanding contribution to Canadian Theatre.
1995
Canadian Actors' Equity Association Life Membership for service to theatre.
Honorary degree, University of British Columbia.
1994
Honorary degree, Simon Fraser University.
1992
The Confederation Medal 1867-1992, honouring Canadians who have made a significant contribution to Canada.
1991
Member of The Order of Canada (C.M.)
"It is fitting that one of the great talents of Canadian theatre should receive this honour. Your impressive achievements, both as a performer and as teacher, have been an inspiration to countless aspiring actors. Your dedication to the arts has greatly contributed to the cultural richness of Canada."
Minister of Communications Marcel Masse, February 1991
Jessie Richardson Theatre Award for outstanding performance by an actress for The Road to Mecca with the Arts Club Theatre.
Province People's Choice Award, outstanding performance by an actor for The Road To Mecca.
1990
The Gascon-Thomas Award from the National Theatre School. Every year
the theatre school gives an award to two theatre figures who have made an exceptional contribution to the growth of theatre in Canada and whose examples serve as an inspiration for the students of the School.
Joy acknowledging applause at the National Theatre School's 50th Reunion in 2010.In attendance were all the recipients of the Gascon/Thomas Award, of which Joy and Gratien Gelinas were the first, in 1990.
Vancouver
Professional Theatre Alliance Award (Jessie) Community Recognition Award for "Homework and Curtains" (TouchstoneTheatre).
1998
Vancouver Professional Theatre Alliance Award (Jessie), for Lifetime of Service.
1986
The Sam Payne Award, ACTRA, given for "one who works at her craft diligently and consistently." On receiving the award Joy presented several of her long-time colleagues and associated with flowers, in recognition of their contribution to her development as an actor.
Y.W.C.A Woman of Distinction Award, Vancouver.
The Sam Payne Award, ACTRA
1977
Silver Jubilee Medal, celebrating Queen Elizabeth's 25-year reign. Given for contributions to Canada.
1967
Canada Centennial Medal
1963
Canadian Drama Award
1961
Dominion Drama Festival Acting Award
1942
Best Actress Award in the B.C. Drama Festival