STUDIOCANAL’s breakout Australian hit “Kangaroo” has taken home Feature Film Production of the Year at the 24th annual Screen Producers Australia Awards.
Widely considered one of the Australian screen industry’s top accolades, the award recognises excellence in screen production across film and television. “Kangaroo” emerged from a competitive field, earning praise for both its creative achievements and commercial success.
The film was produced by Bunya Productions, Brindle Films and STUDIOCANAL, with distribution handled by STUDIOCANAL Australia & New Zealand. It also marks the first feature film developed through STUDIOCANAL’s Australian production division.
In 2025, “Kangaroo” became the highest-grossing Australian film at the local box office, further cementing its reputation as one of the year’s standout homegrown releases.
Elizabeth Trotman, CEO of STUDIOCANAL Australia & New Zealand, said: “We are incredibly proud to see ‘Kangaroo’ recognised as Feature Film Production of the Year by Screen Producers Australia. This award is a testament to the extraordinary talent, vision and dedication of the producers and creatives who brought this film to life, and to the power of Australian stories on the world stage.”
Brindle Films producers Trisha Morton-Thomas and Rachel Clements added: “We’re so excited that ‘Kangaroo’ has won the leading Australian screen producing award. It’s a real honour, and we’re delighted that the film has been recognised so highly by the national screen industry.”
Bunya Productions’ David Jowsey and Greer Simpkin said: “Bunya Productions is thrilled that Kangaroo has been recognised at the SPA Awards. It’s a beautiful film with heart, humour and meaning, and we’re incredibly proud of what the team has achieved.”
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The SPA Awards celebrate achievement in producing across film, television and digital media, spotlighting leadership, innovation and creative excellence within the Australian screen sector.
“Kangaroo” follows disgraced former television personality Chris Masterman, played by Ryan Corr, who becomes stranded in a remote outback community near Alice Springs. There, he forms an unlikely bond with Charlie, a fearless 12-year-old Indigenous girl, played by Lily Whiteley, as the pair work together to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned joeys.
Filming took place on Arrernte Country in Alice Springs, as well as Sydney’s Bondi Beach, on the traditional lands and waters of the Bidjigal, Birrabirragal and Gadigal peoples. Inspired by the life of kangaroo rescuer Chris “Brolga” Barns, founder of The Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs, the production was backed by Screen Territory, the Screen NSW Made in NSW Fund and Screen Australia.