A landmark year for Lotterywest Films

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

The season opened strongly with Richard Linklater's charming Nouvelle Vague, named Time Magazine's Film of the Year for 2025, and continued with an exceptional line-up of internationally acclaimed cinema. For the first time in Lotterywest Films history, all five Academy Award nominees for Best International Feature Film were featured in the program, further cementing the season's reputation for bringing world-class cinema to Perth audiences.

The calibre of this year's films was reflected in their extraordinary critical success. Across the program, featured films amassed 449 major awards and 1,044 award nominations, including prestigious honours such as the Cannes Palme d'Or, Berlinale Golden Bear and Venice Silver Lion. The season's films achieved an average Metacritic score of 83% and an average Rotten Tomatoes rating of 96%.

Awards season brought further recognition, with nine films shortlisted for the Academy Awards and seven receiving Oscar nominations, resulting in 11 nominations overall. Two films ultimately took home Oscars: Sentimental Value for Best International Feature Film and Mr Nobody Against Putin for Best Documentary Feature.

Of course, this commitment to outstanding cinema is nothing new. We've been screening critically acclaimed films since 1953. Over more than 70 years, Lotterywest Films has introduced Perth audiences to many of the world's most celebrated works, including numerous Cannes Palme d'Or winners. You can explore the full list on Letterboxd.

Festival favourite The Secret Agent emerged as one of the season's standout successes, captivating audiences with its inventive storytelling and drawing large crowds. Meanwhile, Pillion, whilst being one of the years most provocative films was also surprisingly one that tugged at the hug strings.

The Lotterywest Films Audience Choice Award was presented to DJ Ahmet, whose vibrant energy and compelling narrative resonated deeply with audiences and demonstrated the broad appeal of this year's program.

In 2026, Lotterywest Films once again became a festival within the Festival, presenting a concentrated program of local and international stories and screening up to four different films each week.

Highlights included the sold-out world premiere of Birthright, the new dark comedy from Perth director Zoe Pepper, alongside acclaimed documentaries such as the Australian premieres of Broken English, A Tale of Silyan and Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk.

Our In the Frame program also returned for its second year, supporting emerging writers to engage critically with cinema through screenings, workshops and published reviews. The Emerging Critics' Jury Prize was awarded to The Voice of Hind Rajab, with Deaf recognised as the runner-up.

Film writer and critic Simon Miraudo reflected on the program's importance:
"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."

Our beloved Cine Wonders program also returned, bringing a mix of new animations and nostalgic favourites to Luna Palace Cinemas and The Revival House. Through our continued partnership with Sensorium Theatre, we also delivered relaxed and interactive screenings, ensuring cinema remained accessible and welcoming for a wide range of audiences.

Cinema has the power to challenge, inspire and connect us. We thank our audiences, partners, filmmakers, critics and supporters for making the 2026 Lotterywest Films season such a memorable one.

Stay tuned for the upcoming season announcement later this year!