Nicole Kidman will be recognised with the 2026 Trailblazer Award at this year’s Australian Women’s Film Festival, honouring her decades-long contribution to Australian and international film as an actor and producer.
The Australian Women’s Film Festival (AWFF) returns on September 22nd, with “Territory” actor Kylah Day set to host the annual event celebrating women working across the screen industry both in front of and behind the camera.
Kidman will receive the Trailblazer Award in recognition of her work as an actor, producer and creative force across a career spanning decades.
According to AWFF, Kidman has “continually challenged expectations, championed bold storytelling and created opportunities for women’s voices to be heard,” while helping elevate Australian talent internationally.
Through her production company Blossom Films, Kidman has also championed projects centred on complex female characters while supporting emerging writers, directors and other creatives.
“Celebrating women like Nicole Kidman, Kristina Ceyton and Samantha Jennings reminds us of why AWFF exists: to recognise those who have forged new paths, challenged expectations and created opportunities for the next generation of filmmakers who are shaping the future of our industry,” AWFF co-founder Tahyna Tozzi said.
Causeway Films co-founders Kristina Ceyton and Samantha Jennings will also be recognised at this year’s festival, receiving the 2026 AWFF Groundbreaker Award for their contribution to Australian cinema and their role in reshaping the global perception of Australian genre filmmaking.
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Through Causeway Films, the pair have produced films including “The Babadook”, “The Nightingale”, “Talk to Me” and “Bring Her Back”, with AWFF recognising their work championing original voices and helping Australian filmmakers reach international audiences.
This year’s judging panel will feature producer Bruna Papandrea, Screen NSW executive director Kylie Munnich and Moana actor Catherine Laga’aia, who will select winners across the festival’s finalist categories.
Founded in 2020, AWFF was established to support and celebrate female storytellers while providing a platform for women working across all areas of filmmaking. The annual festival showcases finalist short films across drama, comedy, animation and documentary categories. This year’s festival will be held on Tuesday, September 22nd at Event Cinemas George Street, Sydney. Tickets are available online.