Nicole Kidman to receive AWFF Trailblazer Award as 2026 program announced – The Australian Women’s Film Festival will return in September, with Nicole Kidman named as the 2026 AWFF Trailblazer Award recipient.
AWFF 2026 will take place on Tuesday, 22 September 2026. The festival celebrates women working across the screen industry and showcases finalist short films across drama, comedy, animation and documentary.
Actor Kylah Day, known for Territory, will host this year’s event.
For Australian screen audiences, the announcement gives the festival a major international headline. It also keeps the focus on local pathways for women filmmakers. AWFF’s 2026 program brings together awards, finalist screenings, industry conversation and practical support.
Nicole Kidman named Trailblazer Award recipient
The 2026 AWFF Trailblazer Award recognises Kidman’s contribution to Australian and global cinema.
AWFF says Kidman has challenged expectations across her career. The festival also points to her work as an actor, producer and creative force.
Through Blossom Films, Kidman has supported stories centred on complex female characters. She has also backed emerging writers, directors and creatives.
Causeway Films co-founders honoured
The 2026 AWFF Groundbreaker Award will go to Kristina Ceyton and Samantha Jennings, co-founders of Causeway Films.
The award recognises their contribution to Australian cinema. It also acknowledges their role in reshaping global views of Australian genre filmmaking.
Causeway Films’ credits include The Babadook, The Nightingale, Talk to Me and Bring Her Back.
AWFF says Ceyton and Jennings have championed bold original voices. Their work has helped distinctive Australian filmmakers reach audiences around the world.
AWFF 2026 judging panel
The 2026 judging panel includes producer Bruna Papandrea, Screen NSW Executive Director Kylie Munnich and actor Catherine Laga’aia, known for Moana.
The panel will select the winners across AWFF’s finalist categories.
Inclusive By Design masterclass
AWFF will expand its 2026 program with a new masterclass, Inclusive By Design: Making Films That Pass Every Test.
The session takes place in Sydney on Thursday, 24 September 2026. It will look at how filmmakers can embed inclusion across the creative process.
Tahyna Tozzi will moderate the panel. Speakers include Nell Greenwood from AFTRS, Nina Oyama, Lianne Mackessy, Dianna La Grassa from Bus Stop Films and Rachel Perkins from Screen Australia.
Festival prizes and awards
The winner of Best Film at AWFF26 will receive a major support package.
The prize includes a Sony ILME-FX6 Cinema Line camera, a $10,000 rental package from VA Hire, a $10,000 rental package from Disney Lighting and a $5,000 post-production package from Spectrum Films.
Additional awards will be presented for Best Drama, Best Documentary, Best Comedy and Best Animation. Individual category winners will also be recognised.
AWFF co-founders on the festival
AWFF co-founder Kelly Tomasich said the festival was founded on the belief that women’s voices deserve to be seen, heard and celebrated.
Tomasich said AWFF remains focused on creating meaningful opportunities for women on screen. That includes showcasing strong storytelling and encouraging connection, conversation and collaboration.
Co-founder Tahyna Tozzi said honouring Kidman, Ceyton and Jennings reflects why AWFF exists.
Tozzi said the festival recognises women who have forged new paths and created opportunities for the next generation of filmmakers.
AWFF 2026 details
- Festival: Australian Women’s Film Festival 2026
- Date: Tuesday, 22 September 2026
- Host: Kylah Day
- Masterclass: Thursday, 24 September 2026 in Sydney
- Trailblazer Award: Nicole Kidman
- Groundbreaker Award: Kristina Ceyton and Samantha Jennings
Tickets for AWFF26 and the Inclusive By Design masterclass are available via Humanitix. More information is available at awff.com.au.
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