Australian actresses are in high demand in Hollywood and these 6 leading ladies are the cream of the crop. From the striking talents of Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman and Judy Davis through to the comedic Rose Byrne and newbie Margot Robbie these actresses are celebrated members of the industry and continue to define what it means to be iconic.
Nicole Kidman
Since making her film debut in 1983, Nicole Kidman has amassed 80 acting credits including critically acclaimed roles in Moulin Rouge, The Others, The Hours and Cold Mountain. Most recently the Hawaiian born, Australian actress has been commended for her work in the biographical drama Lion and HBO mini-series Big Little Lies. The actress has received four Oscar nominations, and in 2002 she won an Oscar and a BAFTA for her portrayal of Virginia Woolf in The Hours. Kidman currently has two films in post-production and is filming the crime thriller Destroyer.
Cate Blanchett
Graceful and commanding, Cate Blanchett has made a name for herself as one of the world’s most diverse lead actresses. Upon graduating from the prestigious National Institute of Dramatic Art in 1992, Blanchett landed several stage roles, before making her feature film debut in 1997s Paradise Road. Since then she has inhabited an assortment of characters and starred in films such as The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Elizabeth, Babel and Carol. A master of her craft, Blanchett has received seven Oscar nominations and is the only Australian to win two acting Academy Awards for work The Aviator and Blue Jasmine. She currently has three films in post-production and is filming The House with a Clock in its Walls.
Naomi Watts
Born in Kent, England Naomi Watts forged an acting career after moving to Australia with her family in 1982. It was in Australia that she befriended Nicole Kidman. In 1986 she landed her first role in the film For Love Alone, before appearing in televisions shows such as Hey Dad..! and Home and Away. After struggling throughout the 90s, Watts was cast in David Lynch’s psychological thriller Mulholland Drive. Success followed with starring roles in The Ring, 21 Grams, King Kong and The Impossible. She also received two Academy Awards nominations for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role. Watts currently has two films in post-production and is filming The Wolf Hour.
Margot Robbie
Following in the footsteps of many successful Australian actors, Margot Robbie began her career on the soap opera Neighbours. After moving abroad, she found international mainstream success in films such as in Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street as well as Focus, The Legend of Tarzan and Suicide Squad. Her recent portrayal of ice skater Tonya Harding in I, Tonya has received significant praise from critics. Robbie currently has three films in post-production and is filming the drama thriller Dreamland.
Toni Collette
Working steadily since 1992, Toni Collette has generously contributed her talents to the screen and stage, even picking up an Emmy and Golden Globe Award along the way. After landing the title role in Muriel’s Wedding, Collette was catapulted to stardom and went on to star in films including The Sixth Sense, About a Boy, The Hours and Little Miss Sunshine. In 1994, Collette received a Tony Award nomination for Best Leading Actress in a Musical for her role in The Wild Party. She was also nominated for an Academy Award for The Sixth Sense. Collette currently has two films in post-production and is filming the TV series Wanderlust.