Sam Neill’s career spanning more than 50 years will be celebrated at the upcoming New Zealand Screen Awards, where he will receive the Screen Legend award.
Neil made his screen debut in the New Zealand television film The City of Numbers in 1971. He made his first feature film, Sleeping Dogs, directed by Roger Donaldson in 1977, and then landed his breakthrough role opposite Judy Davis in Gillian Armstrong’s My Brilliant Career in 1979. The film garnered him worldwide attention, paving the way for him to star in Final Conflict, and go on to give acclaimed performances in television and movies such as Riley: Ace of the Dead. Spies, Fred Schepisi’s Plenty and Evil Angels, Jane Campion’s The Piano, and Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park.
More recently, Neil has appeared in series such as Peaky Blinders, The Twelve, The Rake, Apples Never Fall and Untamed.
Throughout his career, Neil has been nominated for three Golden Globe Awards and two Emmy Awards. An integral actor on both sides of the Tasman, he also won the AACTA Longford Lyell Award in 2019.
The Screen Legend Award recognizes a screen professional, program or organization who has made a significant contribution to the New Zealand industry over their career.
Previous winners include creator and producer Julie Christie; Oscar Kightley is a writer, actor, and director. television producer Janine Morell-Gunn; actor and director Ian Mune; TV executive Andrew Shaw. Shortland Street. Maori broadcaster and journalist Tini Molyneux and the late veteran producer John Burnett.
“I’m so happy and proud to receive this award among my friends and colleagues. I just calculated that I’ve been in the film industry for 53 years, which feels like a lifetime! Thank you to everyone involved. It’s such an honour,” Neil said.
Oscar Kightley, who also won the Legend Award, said of Neil: “We use the word a lot, but there are still true legends among us. People whose presence helps make the people around them and the world a better place. Sir Sam Neil is one of those people. He has made a huge contribution to the film industry in New Zealand and especially here. He is an inspiration to so many people and I’m thrilled to be living alongside him.”
The New Zealand Screen Awards, which will feature film and television for the first time this year, will be hosted by comedian Pax Asadi and will be held at Auckland’s Viaduct Event Center on November 21. Tinar, Jenny Penn’s Rules and Ka Fawai Tunu lead the field with nine nominations each.
