by Sean Slatter IF Magazine February 1, 2022

Stephen Johnson’s High Ground topped the Film Critics Circle of Australia awards on Monday, winning in all five of its nominated categories, including Best Film.

The western/thriller, which follows a young Aboriginal man who teams up with an ex-soldier to track down his warrior uncle in 1930s Arnhem Land, was awarded Best Cinematography, Best Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor for Sean Mununggurr.

Johnson was the joint winner of the Best Director award with Nitram‘s Justin Kurzel, whose psychological drama took out the remainder of the acting categories.

They consisted of Best Actor for Caleb Landry Jones, Best Actress for Judy Davis, and Best Actress – Supporting Role for Essie Davis.

The FCCA noted that voting was “extremely tight” in the final round of voting for the awards, resulting in dual winners for Best Director.

The full list of winners is below:

Best Film

High Ground

Producers: David Jowsey, Maggie Miles, Wityana Marika, Greer Simpkin, Stephen Maxwell Johnson

Best Director

Stephen Maxwell Johnson, High Ground

Justin Kurzel, Nitram

Best Screenplay

Chris Anastassiades, High Ground

Best Cinematography

Andrew Commis, High Ground

Best Actor

Caleb Landry Jones, Nitram

Best Actress

Judy Davis, Nitram

Best Actress- Supporting Role

Essie Davis, Nitram

Best Actor Supporting Role

Sean Mununggurr, High Ground