The Cecil Holmes Award was named for Cecil Holmes, a filmmaker of the 70s whose work was largely unheralded, and who was later instrumental in mentoring a number of directors during the 70s film renaissance. Previous recipients have included producers, directors, and the indigenous filmmakers who created the Central Australia Aboriginal Media Association. In 2008 it was presented to Tom Zubrycki for his work, as well as his work with other filmmakers.

The 2009 Cecil Holmes Award is presented to Paul Cox. Paul, an immigrant to Australia, is one of our most prolific filmmakers having made 18 feature films and documentaries, 11 shorts and three children’s movies. He has incredible energy, persistence and vision – all qualities which are crucial to survive as a filmmaker.  Fiercely independent, he protects his vision of his films, which is almost always achieved with comparatively small budgets. He is loved by actors and numerous younger directors for whom he has been a strong example and a guide.

Past Recipients

2008 Tom Zubrycki
2007 Donald Crombie
2006 Rolf de Heer
2005 John Maynard
2004 Amanda Higgs
2003 John Flaus
2002 Michael Thornhill
2001 Tim Bustall
1999 Lilias Fraser
1998 Philip Batty
1997 Freda Glynn,
1996 Gil Brealy
1995 Richard Mason