by FIlmInk Staff
At their annual dinner last night in Sydney, The Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers awarded Sue Milliken AO their top honour – 2025 National Cinema Pioneer of the Year.
The award was presented to her by Oscar-nominated Australian director Bruce Beresford.
President of the Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers, Lori Flekser said: “Sue Milliken truly is one of our industry’s greats. She embodies all that the Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers stands for and is a worthy recipient of our greatest honour.”
On accepting the award, Sue thanked the Pioneers and spoke of what her ambition had been as a film-maker: “I’ve always wanted to make films which say something about Australia. Although that isn’t always possible when you have to earn a living. But I think we did it with The Odd Angry Shot, The Fringe Dwellers and Paradise Road and even Ladies in Black, which is about the migrant experience and discovering that all sorts of people are nice if you get to know them”
With a formidable multi-decade career, Sue has produced some of Australia’s most iconic films, including Sirens, Black Robe, Dating the Enemy, My Brother Jack and those titles mentioned in her speech. She co-wrote, with Bruce Beresford, the screenplay for Ladies in Black which was nominated for an AACTA Award.
She has also worked behind the scenes as an advocate for the good and betterment of the Australian film industry, and was a founding member of the Screen Producers’ Association of Australia (SPA) representing producers and lobbying government and industry for support for Australian films.
Sue Milliken was appointed an Officer (AO) in the General Division of the Order of Australia in the 2008 Queen’s New Year Honours List for her significant contributions to the Australian film and television industry and her support of indigenous filmmakers.
Previous honorees of this prestigious award include David Stratton AM, Oscar-winning cinematographer Russell Boyd and AFI-winning producers Patricia Lovell and Jill Robb
The other major award of the night was presented to Adrienne Read. She was the recipient of the 2025 Cinema Pioneers Humanitarian Award for her volunteer community work supporting elderly and isolated individuals.
“I am deeply honoured to be the first woman to receive this prestigious award,” said Adrienne. “It’s an incredible privilege.”
Cinema Pioneers president, Lori Flekser said ‘After her many years of service to the film industry, Adrienne opted to spend her retirement ministering to the needs of others. Social isolation is a critical issue for older Australians and Adrienne is our hero for devoting her time to supporting and assisting so many.”
The Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers instituted this Humanitarian Award in 2019 to recognise outstanding and exceptional service to the cinema industry and/or the wider community by a member of the Society.
At their annual dinner last night in Sydney, The Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers awarded Sue Milliken AO their top honour – 2025 National Cinema Pioneer of the Year.
For more information about Sue Milliken AO: www.suemilliken.com
THE SOCIETY OF AUSTRALIAN CINEMA PIONEERS
Established in 1933, the Society of Australia Cinema Pioneers celebrates both the Australian cinema industry, and those who have worked within its various sectors (including production, exhibition and distribution) for 20 years or more (the key requirement for membership). It is a not-for-profit Incorporated Association, and its 3,300-strong membership is overseen by a National Executive Committee and State branches. It connects members through social and networking events, dinners, and communications, as well as honouring Pioneers of the Year who have made a significant contribution to the industry at both State and National levels. All members are eligible for a cinema ID card that grants free/discounted entry to films at most cinemas nationwide. Application for membership can be made at https://www.cinemapioneers.com.au/memberships/join/
Photo by Alex Brown
