AACTA Young Stars is back!

THE SEARCH IS ON: AACTA YOUNG STARS NATIONAL YOUTH CASTING CALL RETURNS WITH MARVEL CINEMATIC UNIVERSE CASTING DIRECTOR SARAH FINN, JOINING THE JUDGING PANEL

Ready to be discovered? AACTA is thrilled to announce the return of AACTA Young Stars: National Youth Casting Call, now in its third year. In collaboration with Casting Networks®, Casting Guild of Australia (CGA), and Screenwise, this nationwide search is dedicated to uncovering the next generation of Australian acting talent, offering young performers the chance to help them achieve their dreams.

The selection process will be overseen by a leading panel of casting directors, including internationally renowned casting director, Sarah Finn, who is best known for casting the Marvel Cinematic Universe as well as several Oscar-winning films such as, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri Crash, and Black Panther. Thea McLeod (Neighbours), Anousha Zarkesh (Kangaroo, Territory),and Nikki Barrett (Elvis, The Narrow Road to the Deep North) return as judges for a third year bringing a wealth of casting knowledge and direction.

Guest judges Dacre Montgomery (Stranger Things, Went Up The Hill) and Kartanya Maynard (Heartbreak High) will round out the panel, offering their unique industry insights after appearing in some of the biggest shows in recent time 

The overall winner will receive an extraordinary career-launching package, including:

• A $10,000 Flight Centre voucher 

• $2,500 in travel support to the United States, where they’ll meet with a renowned international Casting Director and network with industry leaders.

• The opportunity to participate in an acting course at the American Arts Film & Television Academy (AAFTA) in Los Angeles. 

• The chance to connect with top Australian Casting Directors.

• One year-long access to The Studio by Casting Networks in Sydney.

• Each finalist will also receive a complimentary six-month Casting Networks Premium membership, as well as new headshots at the Casting Networks pop up studio as part of AACTA Festival at HOTA on the Gold Coast. 

Applicants will be asked to submit a self-tape showcasing their acting ability, which will be reviewed by an esteemed panel of judges. Last year, thousands of aspiring actors applied, with judges facing the difficult task of narrowing down the finalists. The 50 finalists will be invited to AACTA Festival on the Gold Coast, where they can take part in exclusive workshops, mentor sessions and invaluable networking opportunities with leading casting directors from Australia and around the world. 

Last year’s recipient, Joe Bird, was selected from a highly competitive pool of young talent, emerging as the top choice from more than 50 outstanding finalists. He is now preparing to travel to the United States to hone his craft and meet with an acclaimed US casting director. Adding to the program’s success, Mia Foran, who won the inaugural Young Stars initiative, went on to secure a recurring role in Neighbours, highlighting the real career opportunities and industry pathways that can follow.

AACTA Awards and Industry Development Manager, Ivan Vukusic said “Very happy once again to be a part of this golden opportunity for Australia’s youngest actors. We’re honoured to have Sarah Finn join the panel this year, as well as Dacre Montgomery and Kartanya Maynard, who will bring so much lived experience to the initiative. This year’s cohort will really be learning from the best! Thanks to our partners the CGA and Casting Networks and a big welcome and thank you to Screenwise, a new partner for this year”

“We’re so excited to launch this year’s AACTA Young Stars Competition. The Casting Guild of Australia loves working alongside AACTA and Casting Networks on this incredible initiative, which celebrates the amazing emerging talent we have right across Australia. Every year, we’re blown away by these young performers, and this competition gives them the chance to really shine. 

I’m honoured to join the judging panel again with Anousha Zarkesh, Nikki Barrett, and Sarah Finn, alongside our wonderful ambassadors Kartanya Maynard and Dacre Montgomery. We can’t wait to discover the next generation of stars who will inspire audiences and help shape the future of our industry.”  Thea McLeod, President of the Casting Guild of Australia.

CEO and Principal Director of  Screenwise Denise Roberts says  “I am thrilled and honoured to sponsor the AACTA Young Stars Awards this time around. Recognising and supporting our up-and-coming talent is crucial to the future of our film industry.  These emerging young artists bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that enrich our cinematic landscape. Celebrating their achievements and nurturing their potential ensures a vibrant and dynamic future for storytelling in Australia. I am excited to witness the incredible journeys these young stars are embarking upon and to play a part in their success."

Entries are now open via aacta.org. Submissions close at 5pm AEDT on Monday 13 October 2025.