by FIlmInk Staff
Screen Producers Australia (SPA) is proud to announce that acclaimed filmmaking duo Nadia Tass and David Parker of Cascade Films will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 24th Annual SPA Awards, to be held at The Star Gold Coast on Thursday 30 April 2026.
With a creative partnership spanning four decades, Tass and Parker have made an enduring contribution to Australian and international screen culture, building a body of work defined by originality, craft and global reach.
Through their production company Cascade Films, founded in 1985, they have produced award-winning feature films and television that have screened at major international festivals including Cannes, Venice, Sundance and Toronto, earning more than 70 international awards.
Together, they are behind some of Australia’s most iconic films, including Malcolm (1986), Rikky and Pete (1988), The Big Steal (1990), Amy (1998) and Matching Jack (2010). Malcolm, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, was both a critical and commercial success, launching their careers onto the international stage.
Tass is one of Australia’s most respected directors across film, television and theatre, with a career spanning major international studios including Universal, Disney, Warner Bros and CBS. Her work has received more than 70 international awards and includes both Australian classics and internationally produced films and television.
Parker is a multi-disciplinary filmmaker whose career spans writing, producing, cinematography and directing. His work on Malcolm and The Big Steal earned Australian Film Institute Awards for Best Screenplay, alongside a NSW’s Premier’s Literary Award, and he has worked internationally across both studio and independent productions.
Beyond their screen work, Tass and Parker have played a significant role in supporting the broader industry. Through Cascade Films, they established The Melbourne Film Studio, a production hub that supported numerous Australian productions and emerging filmmakers over two decades.
SPA CEO Matthew Deaner said the award recognises a creative partnership that has shaped Australian screen production over generations.
“Nadia and David’s work has had a lasting impact on Australian screen culture. Their films have connected with audiences at home and internationally, while their commitment to building sustainable production has supported the wider industry. This recognition reflects both their creative achievements and their contribution to the sector as a whole.”
The Lifetime Achievement Award honours individuals whose careers have made a profound and lasting contribution to the screen industry. Tass and Parker’s partnership exemplifies a sustained commitment to storytelling, collaboration and industry development.
The award will be presented at the SPA Awards ceremony on Thursday 30 April 2026, the final evening of SCREEN FOREVER 40, on Queensland’s Gold Coast.
For more information, visit screenforever.org.au.
