Tackling Australia’s highest peak was boys own adventure
The Great White Whale documents an attempt to climb Big Ben on Heard Island: have-a-go Australia in its heyday.
Film
We should treasure the hard, bright intensity of youthful genius
Bob Dylan and Bill Gates showed the world can be changed by daring twenty-somethings — but is that happening now?
Could AI kill the Brutalist’s Oscar chances?
A controversy over the use of voice-cloning software has dented the awards frontrunner. It’s not the first film to fall at the final hurdle.
Angelina Jolie shines as a misunderstood Maria Callas
The Hollywood actor plays melancholic diva Maria Callas to perfection in this swansong biopic.
‘With plastic surgery I would not have been working any more than I am’
Isabella Rosellini was once famously dumped as the face of Lancome for being ‘too old’ – she was 42. But the world has turned, she says, and the experience of older women is finally being realised onscreen.
2025 Oscar nominations: see the full list
Emilia Pérez, a zany Spanish-language musical about a drug kingpin pursuing gender-affirming surgery, leads the pack with 13 nominations. Meanwhile, Nicole Kidman’s snub shifts Australia’s hopes to Guy Pearce and Adam Elliot.
Another side of Bob Dylan – the dreamer
“Some of the assumptions we’ve made about him are too simple,” says director James Mangold, whose film A Complete Unknown captures the frenzied four years that saw The Bard rewrite the rules of folk music—and his own mythology.
Five stars: A Complete Unknown finds perfect lead to play Bob Dylan
Every time Timothee Chalamet sang one of Dylan’s songs I had the urge to clap and cheer for what is a 10-star performance.
Babygirl: Nicole Kidman hits career high with a big O
The fake orgasms by the Australian actor in this bold erotic thriller are evidence of ‘raw, astonishing acting’.
Heath Ledger’s legacy is being honoured by these rising Australian stars
For more than a decade, the Scholarship has supported an Australian actor during their breakout moment. Vogue Australia meets this year’s group of finalists and the winner, Andrea Solonge, as they prepare for their close-ups.
How Nicole put nerves, fear aside and made Hollywood sexy again
The film star credits a stable home life for allowing her to take artistic risks in the erotic thriller Babygirl; but while Kidman craves the ‘cocoon’, Aussie co-star Sophie Wilde is ready to break out of hers.
Oscars in trouble: will the 2025 show be cancelled?
In the aftermath of the LA fires, there are calls to scrap the annual awards ceremony for the first time in its 96-year history.
Baldoni sues Lively, Reynolds for defamation
Hollywood power couple Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are being sued for $US400m ($644m) for defamation by actor-director Justin Baldoni.
The perfect film for under-10s this school holidays
Alison Lester’s Magic Beach is now a charming, entertaining, visually beautiful film for youngsters.
The 2025 BAFTA Awards: see the nominees
Guy Pearce is the only Australian up for an award, recognised for his mesmerising turn in The Brutalist.
Howler of a remake lacks bites
Wolf Man is so bad it is unintentionally funny, which is a shame given filmmaker Leigh Whannell is an established talent.
This film is a brutally beautiful Oscar contender
In 2003, aged 29, Adrien Brody became the youngest recipient of the Best Actor Oscar for his performance in The Pianist. I’ll be surprised if he is not nominated again for this film.
Strikes spoil the box office party
The Australian cinema sector was hurt by Hollywood strikes which left box office receipts for 2024 under the $1bn mark, but optimism is high for 2025 | SEE WHAT’S COMING
This film has been compared with Pretty Woman — but it’s no fairytale
The two films share a similar starting point – a rich man hires a beautiful prostitute – but Anora does what Pretty Woman thought about, but pulled back from.
Oscar buzz for this trans gangster musical is a little over the top
Geographically speaking, Emilia Perez is one out of the box. It’s cheesy and loopy and fun to watch – but I’ll be surprised if it wins an acting or directing award at the Oscars.
Characters of couture in vogue
For fashion – and some fiction – as stylish screen productions bring stories of renowned trendsetters to the screen.
The rise, fall — and rise again of Demi Moore
Derided as a ‘popcorn actress’ and damaged by drugs, Demi Moore experienced difficulties in her career and married life. But at 62, she has finally received recognition at the Golden Globes.
‘Popcorn actress’ proves to be star of real substance
A phoenix rising in custom Giorgio Armani Privé, 62-year-old Demi Moore won her first ever award on a night of surprises at the Golden Globes.
Who wore what on the Golden Globes red carpet
Award season is back, and the celebrities are upping the ante with opera gloves, sparkle and golden glamour.
Golden Globes 2025 live updates: Shogun sweeps, Demi Moore scores first-ever win
Hiroyuki Sanada took home Best Actor in a TV Drama for Shogun, while his castmate Tadanobu Asano claimed Best Supporting Actor. Meanwhile, Guy Pearce was edged out by Kieran Culkin for Best Supporting Actor in a Film. In other news, a clearer frontrunner for Best Picture has emerged…
How strangers’ books helped me travel through my grief
The author of Braver Than You Think: Around the World on the Trip of My (Mother’s) Lifetime, reflects on books that made a special trip memorable.
Indie filmmaker Jeff Baena, Aubrey Plaza’s husband, found dead at Los Angeles home
Hollywood writer-director Jeff Baena, who was married to creative collaborator Aubrey Plaza, has died at 47.
Keep Popeye the Slayer Man away from the spinach
Out of copyright, Popeye the Sailor Man will appear in two horror movies in 2025.
With Oscar waiting in the wings, Pearce nominated for our top Aussie
Acclaimed Australian actor Guy Pearce is poised for major film industry honours, including an overdue Oscar, and he is also nominated for The Australian’s Australian of the Year.
A black cast – in whiteface – reimagines the wild west
Sydney Festival marquee show Dark Noon inverts the usual westerns script, as a black South African cast depict three centuries of US history in 100 frenetic minutes: ‘This is what it looks like when you write someone else’s history. Can you see how ridiculous it is?’
Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/arts/film/page/3