Working Dog to receive Longford Lyell Award

The Australian Academy also announced this morning the recipients for 2025’s most prestigious screen honour - the AACTA Longford Lyell Award. At the 2025 AACTA Awards Ceremony on Friday 7 February, Ed Kavalee and Sam Pang will present the AACTA Longford Lyell Award to Working Dog (Santo Cilauro, Tom Gleisner, Jane Kennedy, Michael Hirsh, and Rob Sitch). This Award recognises the talents of Australian screen practitioners who inspire others through their work, acknowledging their valuable contribution to promoting Australian screen culture and excellence. Past recipients of this award include Catherine Martin, Paul Hogan, Andrew Knight, Cate Blanchett, Jacki Weaver and Peter Weir.

Working Dog are the most successful and prolific independent creatives of our generation. Over the last 30 years they have created, produced, cast and directed successful broadcast television, film and even theatre. They have been ahead of the curve and spotted and nurtured talent well before anyone else, with many of those talent going on to become household names. Working Dog’s autonomous path and achievements not only inspire, but have illuminated the path for young creatives, demonstrating what is possible through collaboration, hard work, clever ideas and an unwavering commitment across decades of shifting screen landscapes.

Their productions have made a remarkable and valuable contribution to Australian culture and our vernacular. The Castle, Thank God You’re Here, Russell Coight’s All Aussie Adventures, Utopia, Frontline, and The Dish - just a few of their notable projects that are firm favourites with the Australian public and industry peers.

AACTA FESTIVAL EVENT:

Fans and industry professionals alike will have a rare opportunity to hear more from the creators and stars behind some of Australia’s most beloved productions as the remarkable team at Working Dog will be in conversation with Ed Kavalee in their session Working Dog… It’s the Vibe.  The wide-ranging discussion will cover where it all began, how they have remained friends, and how they have managed to turn a passion for comedy into a thriving creative production entity. Next year will also commemorate the 25th anniversary of The Dish and AACTA Festival will celebrate with a special outdoor screening. 

AACTA have teamed up with a number of local businesses to help you plan your trip to Queensland. Take advantage of discount accommodation offers and deals on exciting Gold Coast experiences available via aacta.org. 

Upcoming Key Dates:

Location: Home of the Arts (HOTA), Gold Coast 

2025 AACTA Awards Industry Gala & After Party: Wednesday 5 February

2025 AACTA Awards Ceremony & Official After Party: Friday 7 February

AACTA Festival: Wednesday 5 February – Sunday 9 February 

For information on the AACTA Festival, AACTA Awards and ticket sales, click here.

For media assets, production stills and available video footage, click here. 

The nominees for the 2025 AACTA Awards presented by Foxtel Group will be announced in early December. Further Festival programs will be announced in December. 

Stay tuned for further updates and announcements including the full event program and ticketing details. For more information, visit the AACTA website at aacta.org.