Entries close for AACTA Brian Walsh Emerging Talent Award

Submissions are now open for the second year of the Brian Walsh Award for Emerging Talent. The award pays homage to the late Brian Walsh, one of Australia’s most admired screen creatives, and is dedicated to recognising the innovation and passion exhibited by individuals who are in the early stages of their acting careers.

This Award, funded by the generous support of Nicole Kidman, promises to continue his legacy by fostering the promising talent who will shape the future of the Australian screen industry. The Award, won in its inaugural year by Ngali Shaw, provides the exceptional opportunity for the winner to develop their skills and foster their craft to support a sustainable career both in Australia and internationally, head to aacta.org for more information. 

The recipient of the AACTA Brian Walsh Award will receive $50,000 towards their career development, contributed by Nicole Kidman. The Award recipient will also gain invaluable career support, substantial exposure and recognition through AACTA and its partners. The judging panel will be led by Culture Editor-at-Large of The Sydney Morning Herald and Melbourne Age, Michael Idato.

The AACTA Brian Walsh Award for Emerging Talent is open to emerging actors with less than five years of professional, credited experience. Entrants must be over 18 years of age and cannot have previously been nominated for an AACTA Award.

Entries close 5.00pm AEDT Thursday 12 December, 2024.

Saturday, November 30 – Entries Open
Entrants must submit:

• A professional headshot.
• A CV outlining all acting experience.
• A piece to camera by the applicant detailing their acting aspirations and how the award and career development funds will help them achieve their aims.
• A one-page letter of endorsement that can be written by the applicant or another person recommending the consideration of the applicant.
• A video or link to a show reel, or a scene from a released production that demonstrates their acting ability.
• A video or link to a screen test.

Thursday 12 December - Entries Close 

Friday December 13 – Monday, December 16
Applications will be shortlisted.

Monday, January 6
Interviews will be conducted with the Top 3 finalists by the jurors.