In case you missed it, the 2026 Oscar nominations were announced last week! We were so excited to see some Australians names on the list, but it’s not the first time Aussies have been celebrated at the Academy Awards.
But how many Aussies have won Oscars in the past? And how easy is it to break into film in Australia? Here’s what to know about the Aussies taking centre stage at the 2026 Oscars, plus how you can start your own journey into the film industry while studying in Australia.
2026 Aussie Oscar nominations
The most talked-about film of the year, Sinners, dominated with a record-breaking 16 nominations, including one for Best Visual Effects, with Adelaide-based studio Rising Sun Pictures forming part of the visual effects team.
Rose Byrne received a long-deserved nomination for her starring role in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, an intense, realistic film in which she plays a mother on the verge of a breakdown.
Next up is Jacob Elordi, who’s in the running for Best Supporting Actor after playing Frankenstein’s Monster in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein - a change of pace from the romantic lead roles he’s played in recent years.
Last but not least, the iconic Nick Cave has been nominated for Best Original Song for his tune Train Dreams, written for the film of the same name. Can you believe it’s his first-ever Oscar nomination?
Famous Australians at the Oscars
Australia has a long history of success at the Academy Awards, and many past winners and nominees have helped boost Australia’s reputation in Hollywood.
Cate Blanchett has earned eight Oscar nominations across Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress, winning twice for The Aviator and Blue Jasmine, while Nicole Kidman has also picked up the Best Actress award for her performance in The Hours.
Australia’s only Best Picture winner to date was Braveheart, back in 1996, while our first nomination ever went to Kokoda Front Line! in the category of Best Documentary.
You don’t have to be an actor to succeed in film! Catherine Martin is Australia’s most successful Oscar winner, with four Academy Awards for production and costume design on films such as Moulin Rouge! and The Great Gatsby.
The booming Aussie film industry
Australia has become a major destination for international film and TV productions. Government incentives and tax rebates make Australia an attractive place for big-budget projects. These financial supports encourage Hollywood studios and streaming platforms to film locally, which means more jobs and more training opportunities for emerging creatives.
Australia is also home to professional crews, state-of-the-art post-production facilities and big studios like Village Roadshow. Cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast regularly host large international productions, giving students and graduates direct access to the industry.
Studying Film in Australia as an International Student
If you’re serious about working in film, studying in Australia can be a practical way to build both skills and industry connections.
The Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS) is the country’s national screen school and is internationally recognised. Many of Australia’s top directors, editors and producers are AFTRS graduates - including Jane Campion, director of The Piano, and Margaret Sixel, who edited the phenomenal Mad Max: Fury Road.
Griffith Film School in Queensland is one of the largest film schools in Australia and is known for giving its students practical production experience. Students often work on multiple projects during their degree, helping them graduate with a strong portfolio.
Universities such as the University of Melbourne (through the Victorian College of the Arts) and UNSW also offer film and media programs that combine theory with creative practice.
Getting started in the film industry
Studying is just one part of breaking into film. In Australia, practical experience is highly valued. Think about volunteering on short films or student productions to build your experience and your network.
Film festivals, networking events and industry talks can be a great way to meet people working in the field. Even entry-level roles on sets or in post-production can lead to future opportunities.
Remember - there is so much more to film than acting and directing. Interested in editing, sound, cinematography, animation, production design, or visual effects? The world of cinema is your oyster! Who knows - yours could be the next winning name read out at the Academy Awards.
