This Just In: Nicole Kidman Is Set to Receive the Trailblazer Award at This Year's Australian Women's Film Festival
Nicole Kidman will receive the 2026 Trailblazer Award at the Australian Women's Film Festival, with Causeway Films co-founders Kristina Ceyton and Samantha Jennings also honoured for reshaping Australian genre cinema.
Nicole Kidman will receive the 2026 Trailblazer Award at the Australian Women's Film Festival (AWFF), recognising her contribution to Australian and global cinema across a career as an actor, producer and advocate for women's storytelling. The festival returns to Sydney on Tuesday, September 22, hosted by Territory actor Kylah Day, with the annual event spotlighting women working across the screen industry both in front of and behind the camera.
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, she has also backed 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.
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 features 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 festival showcases finalist short films across drama, comedy, animation and documentary categories, adding to a busy spring for Sydney's screen culture alongside events like the Sydney Film Festival's expanded 2026 program.
This year's festival will be held on Tuesday, September 22, at Event Cinemas George Street, Sydney, from 6pm. Tickets are available online, with entry including a gift bag, popcorn and cocktails on arrival.
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