by FilmInk Staff
A Record-Breaking Australian Debut, a Cult Classic in the Making, and a Timely Message of Unity for the Holiday Season.
One of the biggest Australian films in recent years, How to Make Gravy has become a phenomenon at home, and now it is gaining international attention.
Last night, How to Make Gravy broke Australian history when it won the C21 International Drama Award for Best TV Movie, presented at the ceremony held during Content London; making it the fi rst Australian production to do so.
Inspired by Paul Kelly’s iconic 1996 song of the same name, How to Make Gravy has evolved from a beloved Australian anthem into a cinematic classic. The film, directed by Nick Waterman and co-written with Meg Washington, produced alongside Academy Award-nominated producer Schuyler Weiss (Elvis), brings Kelly’s deeply emotional narrative to life, exploring themes of family, nostalgia, and the bonds that bring us home.
Director Nick Waterman said: “From the beginning, we set out to make a film that honoured Paul Kelly’s iconic story while also speaking to something much larger, what it means to be human, to be flawed, and to find your way back to the people you love. Seeing audiences around the world embrace How to Make Gravy with such warmth has been profoundly moving. I’m very proud of the team who brought it to life.”
Meg Washington said: “How to Make Gravy has been one of the great creative joys of my life. To witness audiences respond so deeply, both here and overseas, is incredibly humbling. The film shares our belief that music, family and storytelling can still pull us together. I’m thrilled it’s resonating internationally.”
Since its release, How to Make Gravy has achieved historic success locally, earning a record-breaking 15 AACTA nominations, the most ever for a debut feature, along with wins at the ARIA and APRA Awards. Much like the song, the film has struck a deep emotional chord, quickly fi nding cult status and capturing the spirit of togetherness at the heart of the holiday season.
The film is anchored by a rock-and-roll ensemble cast, featuring Agathe Rouselle (Titane) in her English-language debut. She is joined by Australian screen legend Hugo Weaving; Daniel Henshall, who first stunned audiences in Justin Kurzel’s Snowtown and has since become a regular collaborator in Bong Joon-ho’s ensemble; and Jonah Phillips, an electrifying newcomer making his screen debut before starring in the Philippou brothers’ Bring Her Back.
Rounding out the cast is Aussie heartthrob Brenton Thwaites, whose early career skyrocketed with leading roles opposite Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales and Taylor Swift in The Giver.
But perhaps the most intriguing star of How to Make Gravy is Meg Washington – a platinum-selling artist and one of Australia’s most beloved musical figures. International audiences might know her as Calypso from the global phenomenon Bluey, or for her hit song “Lazarus Drug” in the series finale ‘The Sign’. Washington’s contributions to How to Make Gravy go beyond performance – she wrote, produced, and penned the original songs for the film, winning the 2025 AACTA Award for Best Original Song for “Fine”, and the 2025 APRA Screen Award for Best Original Song for “Dream On”.
Meg Washington also wrote the story and songs for The Deb, a musical film directed by Rebel Wilson which dominated entertainment headlines after closing the Toronto International Film Festival in 2024. The Deb is poised for release in Australia, the UK, Ireland, Canada and New Zealand in 2026.
The multi award-winning How to Make Gravy soundtrack has become a standout achievement in its own right with a distinctly contemporary Australian sound. Anchored by Washington’s acclaimed original songs “Fine” and “Dream On”, the soundtrack features spine-tingling music from Australian artists including Grammy-nominated Amyl and the Sniffers, creating a musical world that is as memorable and culturally resonant as the film itself.
With its unique blend of heartfelt drama, stunning performances, and a message that speaks to the need for unity in a fractured world, How to Make Gravy is poised to become an evergreen seasonal classic for audiences worldwide which is evident in this win .At a time when division dominates global headlines, How to Make Gravy is a reminder that compassion and connection still matter. It is a film about putting aside differences, a story that transcends geography and culture, and one that feels especially resonant during the holidays. It is the kind of film that grows with every viewing.
The film was proudly shot in Queensland, Australia, made with the support of Screen Queensland.
Produced in partnership with BINGE/Foxtel, Warner Brothers Australia and Speech&Drama Pictures. Fifth Season is handling international distribution.
