AACTA Brian Walsh Award

NICOLE KIDMAN TO FUND NEW AACTA AWARD IN HONOUR OF THE LATE BRIAN WALSH 

The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) is honoured to announce the establishment of the Brian Walsh Award for Emerging Talent, sponsored by actress Nicole Kidman, a prestigious award aimed at discovering and nurturing the next generation of Australian actors.

This award pays homage to the late Brian Walsh, one of Australia’s most admired screen creatives, who left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry, both in Australia and internationally. Kidman shared a long-term friendship with Walsh, beginning at the infancy of her career, working on the acclaimed series Vietnam (1987) and Bangkok Hilton (1989).

The AACTA Brian Walsh Award for Emerging Talent is dedicated to recognising the innovation, dedication, and passion exhibited by individuals who are in the early stages of their acting careers. This Award, instigated by Kidman, promises to continue his legacy by fostering the promising talent who will shape the future of the Australian screen industry.

The recipient of the AACTA Brian Walsh Award will receive $50,000 towards their career development, contributed by Nicole Kidman. The Award recipient will also gain invaluable career support, substantial exposure and recognition through AACTA and its partners.

NICOLE KIDMAN "Brian Walsh played an important and influential role in the careers of many, including my own. I considered him family, and for that reason I approached AACTA with a view to creating a legacy in his name worthy of Brian's long and substantial career."

The AACTA Brian Walsh Award for Emerging Talent is open to emerging actors with less than five years of professional, credited experience. Entrants must be over 18 years of age and cannot have previously been nominated for an AACTA Award.

Entries close 5.00pm AEDT Friday December 1, 2023.

Thursday 16 November - Entries Open

Entrants must submit a statement, CV, and video content.

Friday 1 December - Entries Close (5.00pm AEDT)

Early February - Recipient announced

Michael Idato - Sydney Morning Herald Editor
Jamie Campbell - Communications Consultant
Rob Collins - AACTA Award nominated actor
Carly Heaton - Head of Scripted Fremantle
Amanda Liang - Chief Content and Commercial Officer at Foxtel Group and Managing Director BINGE
Lindsey Martin - Senior Vice-President of International Co-Productions and Development at CBS Studios
Kirsty McGregor - Casting Director
Unjoo Moon - Director and Producer
Leah Purcell - AACTA Award Winning Actress, Producer, Writer and Director
Pamela Rabe - AACTA Award Winning Actress and Director