AACTA Brian Walsh Award

The Brian Walsh Award for Emerging Talent Returns for its Second Year!

Submissions are now open for the second year of the Brian Walsh Award for Emerging Talent. The award pays homage to the late Brian Walsh, one of Australia’s most admired screen creatives, and is dedicated to recognising the innovation and passion exhibited by individuals who are in the early stages of their acting careers.

This Award, funded by the generous support of Nicole Kidman, promises to continue his legacy by fostering the promising talent who will shape the future of the Australian screen industry. The Award, won in its inaugural year by Ngali Shaw, provides the exceptional opportunity for the winner to develop their skills to support a sustainable career both in Australia and internationally.

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 contributed so much to the Australian film and television landscape over his storied career but one of his best skills was spotting talent and providing opportunities for them. In creating an award to honour Brian Walsh, my hope is that it will help emerging Australian actors to hone their craft and take their talents to the world.    Brian played an important and influential role in my own career and this award, returning for the second year, celebrates that legacy by investing in the next generation of Australian actors.”

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 Thursday December 12, 2024.

Saturday, November 30 – Entries Open
Entrants must submit:

• A professional headshot.
• A CV outlining all acting experience.
• A one-page letter of endorsement that can be written by the applicant or another person recommending the consideration of the applicant.
• A piece to camera by the applicant that details what their acting aspirations are, and how the award and career development funds will help them achieve their aims; and
• Show reel or a scene from a released production of that demonstrates their acting ability;
• A self tape (composed of the entrant's choice)

5:00PM AEDT Thursday 12 December - Entries Close 

Friday December 13 – Monday, December 16
Applications will be shortlisted.

Monday, January 6
Interviews will be conducted with the Top 3 finalists by the jurors. 

Michael Idato - Sydney Morning Herald Editor

Additional judges to be announced.