Justin Kurzel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Justin Kurzel
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|---|---|
Kurzel, 2024.
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| Born |
Gawler, South Australia, Australia
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| Occupation | Film director |
| Years active | 2001–present |
| Spouse(s) |
Essie Davis
(m. 2002) |
| Children | 2 |
Justin Dallas Kurzel (born around 1974) is a famous Australian film director. He is known for directing movies like Snowtown (2011), Macbeth (2015), Assassin's Creed (2016), and Nitram (2021). His films often tell powerful and sometimes intense stories.
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Early Life and Education
Justin Kurzel was born in Gawler, South Australia. His family has roots from different countries. His father came from Poland and his mother from Malta. Justin has a younger brother named Jed Kurzel. Jed is a blues rock musician. He has created the music for all of Justin's main movies.
Justin studied film and television at the Victorian College of the Arts. This is where he learned how to make movies.
Justin Kurzel's Career in Film
In 1999, Justin Kurzel received a special award called a Mike Walsh Fellowship. His short film from college, Blue Tongue (2004), was shown at many film festivals around the world. It also won an award for Best Short Film at the Melbourne International Film Festival.
Justin's first big movie was Snowtown (2011). For this film, he won the AACTA Award for Best Direction. Many people praised the movie. It has a high rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a website that collects movie reviews. The film was seen as a very strong and impactful viewing experience. This movie was also the first time Justin worked with writer Shaun Grant.
In 2015, Justin directed a film version of William Shakespeare's famous play, Macbeth. This movie was chosen to compete for a big award, the Palme d'Or, at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival.
In 2016, Justin directed Assassin's Creed. This movie was based on the very popular video game series.
Justin also directed True History of the Kelly Gang in 2018. This film was based on a book by Peter Carey. The book tells the story of the famous Australian bushranger and outlaw Ned Kelly. The movie first showed at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival. It was released in Australian cinemas in 2020.
In 2020, it was announced that Justin would direct Nitram. This film tells the story of events that happened before a very sad and serious event in Australian history. The film was also nominated for the Palme d’Or at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival.
In 2019, plans were made for Justin to adapt another award-winning book, The Narrow Road to the Deep North, for television. He worked on this project with his frequent collaborator, Shaun Grant. The TV series started being made in 2023. Actors Jacob Elordi and Ciarán Hinds are in the main roles.
Justin also made a documentary called Ellis Park. This film is about musician Warren Ellis and an animal sanctuary he helped start. It was shown at the Melbourne International Film Festival in August 2024.
Personal Life
Justin Kurzel is married to actress Essie Davis. They have two twin daughters together.
Filmography
Short film
| Year | Title | Director | Writer | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Blue Tongue | Yes | Yes | Also editor |
| 2013 | Boner McPharlin's Moll | Yes | Yes | Part of The Turning |
Feature film
| Year | Title | Director | Producer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Snowtown | Yes | No |
| 2015 | Macbeth | Yes | No |
| 2016 | Assassin's Creed | Yes | No |
| 2019 | True History of the Kelly Gang | Yes | Yes |
| 2021 | Nitram | Yes | Yes |
| 2024 | The Order | Yes | Yes |
| TBA | The Siege | Yes | No |
Documentary film
| Year | Title | Director | Executive Producer |
Writer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Ellis Park | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Television
| Year | Title | Director | Executive Producer |
Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | The Narrow Road to the Deep North | Yes | Yes | Miniseries |
Music video
| Year | Artist | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | You Am I | "Friends Like You" |
Awards and Nominations
AACTA Awards
| Year | Title | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Snowtown | Best Direction | Won |
| 2013 | The Turning | Won | |
| 2021 | Nitram | Best Film | Won |
| Best Direction | Won |
Cannes Film Festival
| Year | Title | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Macbeth | Palme d'Or | Nominated |
| 2021 | Nitram | Nominated |
Other Awards
| Year | Award | Category | Title | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Film Critics Circle of Australia | Best Direction | Snowtown | Won |
| Inside Film Awards | Best Director | Nominated | ||
| 2015 | British Independent Film Awards | Best Director of a British Independent Film | Macbeth | Nominated |
See also
In Spanish: Justin Kurzel para niños
