This year, with the slight shift in how we format the awards, we added in a touch more flexibility. While that is mainly in the backend, I did want to take the opportunity to expand one of the awards we covered during this period.

It was a fantastic year for Australian and New Zealand Cinema, with each film I saw knocking it out of the park. There were intimate documentaries, films that held up a mirror to society, and those that brought the action to a new level.

This list will look more at the locally made Australian and New Zealand productions/co-productions and not just films filmed in those countries.

Our Highly Commended in 2023 are Bring Him to Me, The Portable Door & True Spirit
Our Best Australian/New Zealand TV in 2023 are The Artful Dodger, Aunty Donna’s Coffee Café, Deadloch, & NCIS: Sydney

So, without further ado, these are the best of Australian and New Zealand Cinema in 2023. Be warned that there will be significant spoilers for the films in question.

The Nominees Are –

Jones Family Christmas

A fun, delightful romp through something we have all experienced, a big family Christmas dinner where nothing goes right.

Red, White & Brass

A film that brings you joy from the moment they start in a house covered in Tongan flags till those final credits roll.

Sweet As

A film that will make you laugh and cry in equal measure which brings a profoundly Australian feel to a coming-of-age story set in the simply stunning Pilbara.

Talk To Me

A completely fraught film that captivates and terrifies you in equal measures.

Uproar

An emotional punch to the face as it explores the power of finding your identity.

And the Winner is!!!!!

Uproar

Directed by – Paul Middleditch & Hamish Bennett
Screenplay by – Keith Aberdein
Story by – Hamish Bennett, Sonia Whiteman & Paul Middleditch
Written by – Hamish Bennett & Sonia Whiteman with Mario Gaoa & Rachel House
Based on – Concept by Paul Middleditch & Mark Turnbull

This was another very tight call, with Red, White & Brass almost coming out on top. I think what sets it apart is that it is a film about the past that could be today. It is about identity and how people champion it while also stripping you of it. It is about finding your place in a cruel world, all while being uplifting at the same time. Julian Dennison shows just how amazing he is as an actor here, and I hope we see him in more wild things in the future.

By Brian MacNamara: You can follow Brian on Twitter Here, when he’s not chatting about Movies and TV, he’ll be talking about International Relations, or the Solar System.

What are your favourite cinematic moments from 2023?, let us know what you thought in the comments below, feel free to share this review on any of the social medias and you can follow us Here. Check out all our past reviews and articles Here, and have a happy day. 

Credits – All images used were created by the respective studios and artists of each film