In 1979, Gillian Armstrong became the first woman in Australia to direct a feature film and it was a huge hit.
My Brilliant Career, starring Judy Davis and Sam Neil, won seven AFI Awards — including best director and best film — and was selected for the Cannes Film Festival.
Armstrong, who was born in Melbourne in 1950 and graduated Swinburne Art School in 1971, became an integral part of Australia’s new wave of film- and documentary-making in the 70s.
After her first cinematic triumph, movie-goers soon realised Armstrong was exhibiting all the hallmarks of her own brilliant career, with films such as Star Struck, High Tide, Little Women,Charlotte Gray, and Unfolding Florence: The Many Lives of Florence Broadhurst.
In 1993, Armstrong was appointed a Member of Australia for distinguished services to the Australian Film Industry. She has been awarded the Chauvel Award from the Brisbane International Film Festival for her contribution to the Australian Film Industry and the Women in Hollywood Icon Award in recognition of her contribution to the film industry.
Armstrong is a founding member of the Australian Directors Guild and holds an honorary Doctorates from Swinburne University and the University of New South Wales.
This person has made the short list for the title National Living Treasure, this title is conferred when someone accomplishes an outstanding achievement, swelling the country’s consciousness with admiration, pride and acknowledgement... be they scientists or sports stars; actors, artists or Indigenous activists; politicians, philanthropists or explorers, The National Trust’s 2012 nominees are a true cross section of our country’s finest.
Click here to see the full nomination list and vote for your favourite.
