Queensland’s premier celebration of performing arts excellence, the prestigious Matilda Awards, will return to Brisbane Powerhouse on Monday 24 February 2025.
In its 37th year, the Awards spotlight an exceptional field of nominees across a list of 20 categories in live theatre and this year marks the debut of an exciting new partnership with the Actors’ & Entertainers’ Benevolent Fund (ABF Qld).
Among the standout nominees is the ambitious and culturally significant Straight From The Strait by Opera Queensland, Yumpla Nerkep Foundation and QPAC with six nominations.
Receiving five nominations each are Ready or Not, a regional, independent work from Ainslee Palmer supported by HOTA; Scenes from a Yellow Peril by The Reaction Theory & BIPOC ARTS AUSTRALIA; and 37 – a co-production between Queensland Theatre and Melbourne Theatre Company.
Independent company Embodi Theatre’s premiere production AI May comes in with four nominations alongside Dido and Aeneas from Opera Queensland in association with Circa; GRIMM from Shake & Stir Theatre Co, QPAC and Brisbane Festival; and Blue written and performed by Thomas Weatherall in a Belvoir Street production presented by La Boite Theatre.
Matilda Awards Lead Judge Sue Rider was delighted to note the quality and diversity in this year’s awards. “The Matilda Awards are all about recognising outstanding achievements across Queensland’s theatre sector,” she said.
“In 2024 the judging panel viewed 100 shows across the state and were moved and entertained by many stories of difference and inclusivity told with passion and courage. We saw large casts and solo shows, established theatre-makers and early career artists.”
“We’re proud to champion excellence across the board and this year we especially celebrate the remarkable growth of our independent theatre sector,” said Ms Rider.
The partnership with ABF introduces two new awards, each paying tribute to an iconic Queensland arts legend:
- The Carol Burns Award for a Mid-Career Performer: Honouring the legacy of Carol Burns, an artist renowned for her passion for her craft and unwavering support for fellow performers.
- The Tony Gould Award for an Independent Arts Company/Collective: Recognising Tony Gould’s visionary contributions as QPAC’s founding Artistic Director, this award highlights the outstanding achievements of independent companies shaping Queensland’s performing arts landscape.
“Tony and Carol were fierce supporters of our charity, and their careers were intertwined with uplifting and championing the Performing Arts in Queensland,” said Michael Balk, President of ABF.
“Since the loss of Carol Burns’ memorial at Queensland Theatre, and the repurposing of the Tony Gould Gallery at QPAC, we need more than ever to demonstrate that our elders of industry must not be forgotten.”
For more information about nominees and the 2024 Matilda Awards ceremony, visit: www.matildaawards.com.au for details.
Image: The Cast of 37 – photo by Pia Johnson