Australian Academy Awards (AACTA) International nominations: ‘Belfast,’ ‘The Power of the Dog,’ ‘Succession,’ ‘The White Lotus lead

The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) announced the nominations for their annual AACTA International Awards, with Belfast leading the film nominations with seven, including two acting nods in each of the supporting categories.

New Zealand-born Jane Campion’s The Power of the Dog followed closely behind with six nods, for lead actor Benedict Cumberbatch; supporting actress Kirsten Dunst; supporting actor Kodi Smit-McPhee; and directing and screenplay for Campion.

In television, Succession and The White Lotus (where it’s in the comedy series category) each earned three nominations, including mentions for their Australian lead actors Sarah Snook and Murray Bartlett, respectively.

“It’s hugely encouraging to see so many Australians nominated and featured on the international stage,” AACTA CEO Damian Trewhella stated. “We wish them the very best of luck along with all the nominees, and we look forward to seeing the results early in the new year.”

Several other Australians nominated include Nicole Kidman, who earned two: one for her role as Lucille Ball in Being the Ricardos and the other for her work in Nine Perfect Strangers. Cate Blanchett was nominated in supporting for Don’t Look Up. Shaun Grant and Justin Kurzel were nominated for directing and writing Nitram, respectively, as well as being producers of the film itself. Australian producers of best drama series nominee Nine Perfect Strangers and best film nominees The Power of the Dog were also among those nodded today.

The 2021 AACTA International Awards will be presented virtually at 7am AEDT on Thursday, January 27; 12pm PT on Wednesday January 26.

FILM

Best Film
Being The Ricardos
Belfast
Dune
Licorice Pizza
Nitram
The Power of the Dog

Best Direction
Belfast – Kenneth Branagh
Dune – Denis Villeneuve
Licorice Pizza – Paul Thomas Anderson
Nitram – Justin Kurzel
The Power of the Dog – Jane Campion

Best Screenplay
Being the Ricardos – Aaron Sorkin
Belfast – Kenneth Branagh
Licorice Pizza – Paul Thomas Anderson
Nitram – Shaun Grant
The Power of the Dog – Jane Campion

Best Lead Actor
Benedict Cumberbatch – The Power of the Dog
Caleb Landry Jones – Nitram
Andrew Garfield – tick, tick … Boom!
Will Smith – King Richard
Denzel Washington – The Tragedy of Macbeth

Best Lead Actress
Penélope Cruz – Parallel Mothers
Lady Gaga – House of Gucci
Jennifer Hudson – Respect
Nicole Kidman – Being the Ricardos
Kristen Stewart – Spencer

Best Supporting Actress
Caitríona Balfe – Belfast
Cate Blanchett – Don’t Look Up
Judi Dench – Belfast
Kirsten Dunst – The Power of the Dog
Sally Hawkins – Spencer

Best Supporting Actor
Bradley Cooper – Licorice Pizza
Jamie Dornan – Belfast
Ciarán Hinds – Belfast
Al Pacino – House Of Gucci
Kodi Smit-McPhee – The Power of the Dog

TELEVISION

Best Drama
Maid
Mare of Easttown
Nine Perfect Strangers
Squid Game
Succession
The Handmaid’s Tale

Best Comedy
Hacks
Sex Education
Ted Lasso
The Great
The Kominsky Method
The White Lotus

Best Actor In A Series
Murray Bartlett – The White Lotus
Lee Jung-Jae – Squid Game
Ewan Mcgregor – Halston
Jeremy Strong – Succession
Jason Sudeikis – Ted Lasso

Best Actress In A Series
Jennifer Coolidge – The White Lotus
Nicole Kidman – Nine Perfect Strangers
Jean Smart – Hacks
Sarah Snook – Succession
Kate Winslet – Mare of Easttown