Controversy and Change at Australia’s Film Awards Organisation

The Australian film industry is again under scrutiny following changes and controversies within the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA). Film writer Michael Bodey reports on the organisation’s leadership issues and reputation problems linked to its awards process. The story recalls a 2013 incident during the 2nd AACTA International Awards, when renowned actor Robert De Niro attended expecting an award for his performance in *Silver Linings Playbook*. Unfortunately, AACTA had not originally planned an award for him. Following pressure from producer Harvey Weinstein, CEO Damian Trewhella swiftly created new ‘supporting actor’ and ‘supporting actress’ categories on the spot to avoid embarrassment, using spare trophies left over from the ceremony. This hasty decision led to De Niro receiving a last-minute honour and his co-star Jacki Weaver being awarded a non-existent gong, later described as a ‘discretionary award’ by AACTA. The incident has since come to symbolise broader concerns about the credibility and transparency of the Australian film awards, which some say prioritise celebrity appeasement over artistic integrity. Recent reports of Trewhella’s supposed redundancy — and his refusal to step down — have sparked hopes for reform within Australia’s film community, as critics call for renewed trust and authentic recognition of achievement rather than internal politics.