A big year for great films: How our program stole the screen

Tue 26 May 2026

Our wonderful 2026 Lotterywest Films season at UWA Somerville took fans on a journey through some of the most daring, moving and inventive recent films.

We had a strong season of films starting with Time Magazine's film of 2025, Richard Linklater's charming Nouvelle Vague and this season marked the first time in history that all five Best International Feature Oscar nominees were featured in the program.  

A few more fun facts!

  • 449 awards for the whole program:(including the Cannes Palme d’Or, Berlinale Golden Bear and Venice Silver Lion)
  • 1044 award nominations across the program
  • Average Meta Critic score rating for the program per film: 83%
  • Average Rotten Tomatoes rating for program per film: 96%
  • 9 films shortlisted for the Oscars
  • 7 films nominated for the Oscars
  • 11 Oscar nominations overall (with some of those 7 films receiving multiple nominations!)
  • 2 films won at the Oscars (Sentimental Value and Mr Nobody Against Putin) 

We've been screening critically acclaimed films since 1953 – check out our list on Letterboxd featuring all the Cannes Palme d’Or winners we've screened over 70+ years! 

The Lotterywest Films Audience Choice Award went to DJ Ahmet, whose vibrant energy and compelling narrative resonated deeply with viewers, highlighting the broad appeal and emotional impact of the 2026 program. 

Our In the Frame program returned for its second. year. This initiative supports selected emerging writers to engage critically with films through screenings, workshops and reviews. The Emerging Critics’ Jury Prize was awarded to The Voice of Hind Rajab, with Deaf as a close runner up. The program brought fresh perspectives to each screening, highlighting the importance of nurturing the next generation of cinematic commentators.  

Simon Miraudo, film writer and critic had some kind words to say on the importance of this program. “Film and art appreciation is good for the soul and it's good for society. In the Frame fills a real gap in Perth by not only encouraging media literacy but also by inviting young people to engage with diverse perspectives, challenging scenarios and awe-inspiring works from all around the world. As General Manager of RTRFM and long-time film critic for Movie Squad, I am grateful Perth Festival continues to foster an environment where screen culture can be celebrated, and importantly, interrogated by the next generation.” 

Festival favourite The Secret Agent was among the season’s standouts, captivating audiences with its inventive storytelling. The season also showcased films celebrated on the global stage, including Oscar winners Sentimental Value (Best International Feature Film) and Mr Nobody Against Putin (Best Documentary Film), giving audiences the opportunity to experience the year’s most acclaimed works in a picturesque setting.  

This year, Lotterywest Films presented a “festival within a festival” inviting audiences to explore a compacted program of local and international stories, screening up to four different films a week. Highlights included the one-night-only world premiere of Birthright (a sold-out screening!), a WA dark comedy by director Zoe Pepper, and fantastic documentaries including the Australian premiere of Broken English, A Tale of Silyan and Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk.  

Our beloved Cine Wonders program returned with a line-up of new animations and nostalgic throwbacks at Luna Palace Cinema and The Revival House with lots of budding young cinephiles in tow. We also continued our collaboration with Sensorium Theatre and offered relaxed and interactive screenings.  

Cinema is truly transformative and we want to thank audiences, partners and critics for making this season a special one.  

Stay tuned, we’ll announce the next season later this year.