The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards celebrated the best of Australian film and television on a glitzy Friday evening, with the Philippou brothers’ haunting horror film Bring Her Back taking center stage. The film, directed by Danny and Michael Philippou, won 10 prestigious AACTA statuettes, including Best Film and Best Direction, marking a significant achievement for the brothers who had previously captured the same awards with their debut film, Talk To Me, two years prior.
Meanwhile, the streaming drama The Narrow Road To the Deep North, directed by Justin Kurzel, also had a successful night, securing nine awards. Jacob Elordi, nominated for an Oscar for his role in Frankenstein, won Best Actor in a TV Drama for his portrayal of a young doctor in a Burmese prisoner of war camp in the series.
The Philippou Brothers: A Rising Force in Horror
The Philippou brothers, known for their anarchic energy and unconventional approach to filmmaking, brought their distinctive style to the AACTA Awards. Their film Bring Her Back not only won Best Film and Best Direction but also swept categories such as Best Editing, Cinematography, and Original Score. The brothers, who first gained fame as YouTubers, have quickly risen in the film industry, maintaining a partnership with the renowned American studio A24.
Michael Philippou expressed his gratitude for the opportunities that arose after the success of Talk To Me, stating, “The right path was the one that came back home to Australia.” His brother Danny humorously described their filmmaking approach as “unprofessional with a splash of chaos.”
Major Wins for The Narrow Road To the Deep North
Justin Kurzel’s adaptation of Richard Flanagan’s Booker Prize-winning novel The Narrow Road To the Deep North was another highlight of the evening. The Prime Video series captivated audiences and critics alike, earning accolades for Direction, Cinematography, and Supporting Actress for Heather Mitchell. Jacob Elordi’s performance as a doctor in a wartime setting was particularly lauded, earning him the Best Actor award in a TV Drama.
The series’ success underscores the growing influence of streaming platforms in delivering high-quality, award-winning content, a trend that has reshaped the landscape of television and film.
Other Notable Achievements
The AACTA Awards also recognized a wide array of talent across various categories. Sally Hawkins, a two-time Oscar nominee, won Best Actress for her role in Bring Her Back, while Richard Roxburgh was awarded Best Actor for his portrayal of journalist Peter Greste in The Correspondent. Greste, in his acceptance speech, honored the memory of journalists who have lost their lives or been imprisoned while performing their duties.
In a poignant moment, the late Julian McMahon was posthumously awarded Best Supporting Actor for his role in The Surfer. His widow, Kelly, accepted the award with an emotional tribute to her husband.
Celebrating Excellence in Australian Film and Television
The AACTA Awards serve as a testament to the vibrant and dynamic nature of the Australian entertainment industry. The event, hosted by comedian Celeste Barber, featured appearances from notable figures such as Baz Luhrmann and Succession stars Sarah Snook and Brian Cox. Snook, who received the Trailblazer Award, has enjoyed a stellar international career with roles in Succession and The Picture of Dorian Gray.
Veteran director Bruce Beresford was honored with the Longford Lyell lifetime achievement award for his extensive contributions to both Australian and Hollywood cinema. Producers Kristina Ceyton and Samantha Jennings were recognized with the Byron Kennedy Award for their creative enterprise.
As the awards season continues, the AACTA Awards highlight the exceptional talent and creativity within Australia’s film and television sectors, setting the stage for future successes and inspiring the next generation of filmmakers and actors.
