Stephen Johnson’s High Ground topped the Film Critics Circle of Australia awards on Monday, winning in all five of its nominated categories, including Best Film.
The western/thriller, which follows a young Aboriginal man who teams up with an ex-soldier to track down his warrior uncle in 1930s Arnhem Land, was awarded Best Cinematography, Best Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor for Sean Mununggurr.
Johnson was the joint winner of the Best Director award with Nitram‘s Justin Kurzel, whose psychological drama took out the remainder of the acting categories.
They consisted of Best Actor for Caleb Landry Jones, Best Actress for Judy Davis, and Best Actress – Supporting Role for Essie Davis.
The FCCA noted that voting was “extremely tight” in the final round of voting for the awards, resulting in dual winners for Best Director.
The full list of winners is below:
Best Film
High Ground
Producers: David Jowsey, Maggie Miles, Wityana Marika, Greer Simpkin, Stephen Maxwell Johnson
Best Director
Stephen Maxwell Johnson, High Ground
Justin Kurzel, Nitram
Best Screenplay
Chris Anastassiades, High Ground
Best Cinematography
Andrew Commis, High Ground
Best Actor
Caleb Landry Jones, Nitram
Best Actress
Judy Davis, Nitram
Best Actress- Supporting Role
Essie Davis, Nitram
Best Actor Supporting Role
Sean Mununggurr, High Ground