Brian Walsh Award Returns

THE AACTA BRIAN WALSH AWARD, SPONSORED BY NICOLE KIDMAN, RETURNS FOR 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 and foster their craft to support a sustainable career both in Australia and internationally, head toaacta.org for more information.

“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.” Said Nicole Kidman.

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, excluding the AACTA Award for Best Short Film.

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.

The judging panel will be comprised of some of Australia’s most prominent screen professionals and is led by Culture Editor-at-Large of The Sydney Morning Herald and Melbourne Age Michael Idato. Further judges will be announced in coming months. 

Key information and dates:

Location: HOTA, Home of the Arts, Gold Coast

2025 AACTA Awards Industry Gala & After Party: Wednesday 5 February

2025 AACTA Awards Ceremony & Official After Party: Friday 7 February

AACTA Festival: Wednesday 5 February – Sunday 9 February

AACTA Festival Website: aactafestival.com

For more information about the AACTA Brian Walsh Award and the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts, visit aacta.org.