‘Never thought I could get into acting’: Josh Heuston named Breakthrough Actor at GQ Men of the Year in association with BOSS

Suits, style and stars - Heartbreak High’s Josh Heuston was among the best-dressed guests at the GQ Men of the Year awards. See the photos.

He plays a bad boy heart-throb in the Heartbreak High reboot and now Josh Heuston has added another string to his bow.

The model-turned-actor, 26, was named Breakthrough Actor of the Year at GQ’s Men of the Year awards in association with BOSS.

The Sydney-based Instagram star – who has nearly 700,000 followers – is riding high off the success of Netflix’s teen drama, in which he portrays popular high school student Dusty Reid, as well as small role in Marvel Studios’ Thor: Love and Thunder.

Heuston was among the well-dressed guests alongside Russell Crowe, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Grammy-nominee Fisher at the hot-ticket GQ MOTY black-tie event, held at Crown Sydney.

Josh Heuston attends the 2022 GQ Men Of The Year awards in association with BOSS. Picture: Getty Images

He was named Breakthrough Actor of the Year. Picture: Getty Images

It’s been a huge year for Josh Heuston, who was recognised by GQ and BOSS. Picture: Getty Images

Speaking to GQ, Heuston revealed he has his sights set on Hollywood.

“I think America is going to be my next jump, and acting is definitely the focus,” Heuston told GQ.

“I’d always loved movies growing up, but I never thought I could get into acting because I wasn’t super confident like that.”

Heuston reflected on his slightly unconventional path from social media stardom to the screen, saying his influencer career didn’t necessarily help land him acting roles.

“I didn’t go to film school. It’s interesting, because people know you from one thing, you’re trying to … break the narrative of your other career,” Heuston told GQ.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 23: Olivia DeJonge attends the 2022 GQ Men Of The Year Awards at Crown Sydney on November 23, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 23: Jordan Barrett attends the 2022 GQ Men Of The Year Awards at Crown Sydney on November 23, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 23: Jake Millar and Murray Bartlett attends the 2022 GQ Men Of The Year Awards at Crown Sydney on November 23, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 23: Jordan Stenmark and Zac Stenmark attends the 2022 GQ Men Of The Year Awards at Crown Sydney on November 23, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 23: Dacre Montgomery attends the 2022 GQ Men Of The Year Awards at Crown Sydney on November 23, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)

“Having the [social media] following didn’t really help with acting: it opens doors, but it doesn’t necessarily walk you through them.”

GQ editor-in-chief Jake Millar described Heuston as “cool, stylish” and “one of the country’s most exciting young actors”.

“There’s no doubt in my mind he will be one to watch in the years ahead,” Millar said.

“He’s had a huge year. He really stole the show in Heartbreak High … as big as the past 12 months have been for him – I think the year ahead is going to be even bigger.”

The 2022 GQ Men of the Year Awards are held in association with BOSS.

The awards recognise and celebrate “extraordinary people who have achieved success and continually raise the bar in their chosen field”. The coveted GQ Man of the Year gong went to White Lotus star Murray Bartlett.
The special Men of the Year collectors’ edition of GQ is out on Friday.