In a year brimming with cinematic brilliance, one name stands out on red carpets from Sydney to Los Angeles: Emily Raye. The 29-year-old actress from Byron Bay has become Australia’s latest breakout star, dazzling global audiences with her emotional depth, natural screen presence, and fearless choice of roles.
Raye first captured national attention in 2023 with her supporting role in Saltwater, an environmental thriller that premiered at the Sydney Film Festival. But it’s her lead performance in 2025’s critically acclaimed drama Glass Tide that has truly cemented her place among the greats.
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Andrew Coulson, Glass Tide follows the story of a young marine biologist fighting to save her coastal hometown from a corrupt development project. Raye’s performance has been described as “raw, poignant, and unforgettable” by The Guardian Australia, with critics praising her ability to balance vulnerability and strength with incredible authenticity.
The film, now Australia’s official submission for the 2025 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category, has put a global spotlight on Raye. Hollywood studios have already begun knocking, with rumors swirling about her possible casting in an upcoming Marvel project.
But despite the international buzz, Raye remains grounded.
“I never thought I’d be doing red carpet interviews or getting scripts from L.A.,” she told Anoujoum in a recent interview. “I just wanted to tell stories that mattered—especially Australian stories.”
Raye is also using her rising fame to support causes close to her heart. She’s an ambassador for OceanCare Australia and recently launched a mentorship program for young Indigenous filmmakers, aiming to bring more diversity and authenticity to the local film scene.
With her talent, humility, and clear passion for meaningful storytelling, Emily Raye isn’t just Australia’s star of the moment—she’s shaping up to be a defining voice for the next generation of global cinema.