Overview

Avatar: The Way of Water is directed, produced and co-written by acclaimed director James Cameron. Starring Australian Sam Worthington, the sequel is a continuation of Cameron’s first Avatar film released 13 years earlier. It is one of the most expensive films ever made and the highest grossing film of 2022.

Acceptance speech to come. 

This is Australian Actress Cate Blanchett’s third AACTA International Award for Best Lead Actress in Film for her performance in Tár. Written and directed by Todd Field, the psychological drama stars Blanchett as conductor Lydia Tár. Blanchett has previously received this Award for Carol (2015) and Blue Jasmine (2013).

Following the remarkable life of the rock legend, Austin butler portrays the late singer in Baz Luhrmann’s biographical film Elvis. His portrayal of the singer has been widely acclaimed having received the same award at the domestic 2022 AACTA Awards and is up for multiple nominations during this Award season.

Acceptance speech to come. 

Irish actress Kerry Condon portrays Siobhán Súilleabháin in the critically acclaimed The Banshees of Inisherin. Condon has previously worked with the director and writer Martin McDonagh on multiple projects including two plays and the 2017 crime drama film Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.

Brendan Gleeson has had a highly accomplished career having played a number of recognisable characters in both film and television. Acting alongside Colin Ferrell, Gleeson portrays the character Colm Doherty in The Banshees of Inisherin, a film set upon the backdrop of the Irish Civil War.

The Australian series Mystery Road: Origin is the prequal to the Mystery Road franchise, set in 1999 following a younger detective Jay Swan as he moves back to his home town of Jardine. Australian productions and talent have triumphed on the small screen, with the ABC series also receiving the AACTA Award for Best Drama Series at the domestic 2022 AACTA Awards.

The White Lotus: Sicily has gone back-to-back for Best Comedy Series, with season 1 winning at the AACTA International Awards last year. Following a similar structure to the first season, the second season portrays a number of characters all staying at the White Lotus resort in Sicily, Italy. Created by Mike White, the series explores the complexities of relationships, money and betrayal.

Jennifer Coolidge plays the often rude, always-hilarious Tanya McQuoid in The White Lotus. A fan favourite in the first season and having received multiple nominations and awards for her work, Coolidge reprised her role for second season with Tanya being one of the only characters to have returned.

Acceptance speech to come.

Hailing from Broome, Western Australia, Mark Coles Smith has made a name for himself in the Australian screen industry, having also received the AACTA Award for Best Actor in a Drama at the 2022 AACTA Awards. Aaron Pederson and Smith, who have both played Detective Jay Swan in the Mystery Road Franchise, have now both received an AACTA International Award for their portrayals.

Australian writer, director and producer Baz Luhrmann is known for his extravagant and lavish films including his latest biographical film Elvis. The Gold Coast production follows the life of Elvis from his early beginnings and rise as the King of Rock to his eventual passing. The film has become a critical and commercial success, introducing Elvis into the modern era.

Known for his work in both film and theatre, Martin McDonagh is responsible for several acclaimed productions including the black tragicomedy The Banshees of Inisherin. Directed by McDonagh, the film follows two lifelong friends who find themselves at an impasse when one abruptly ends their relationship, with alarming consequences for both of them.