17th November 2025
The New Zealand Screen Awards (NZSA) committee has honoured Sir Sam Neill KNZM OBE with the 2025 Screen Legend Award, recognising five decades of outstanding contribution to film and television.
A Legacy That Spans Generations
Sir Sam Neill’s career began in Aotearoa with his breakthrough role in Sleeping Dogs and grew to international prominence through work in The Piano, Jurassic Park, and many more. Idealog+2Variety Australia+2 Over more than 50 years, he has demonstrated incredible range — from big-screen epics to compelling television roles in Peaky Blinders, The Twelve, Rake, Apples Never Fall, and Untamed.
Neill has also received major accolades abroad: Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for Merlin, and a BAFTA for Reilly: Ace of Spies. Idealog In Australia, his performance in Jessica earned him an AFI Award. Idealog Just this year, he picked up a 2025 Logie Award for Best Lead Actor for The Twelve.
What the Award Means
The Screen Legend Award is reserved for individuals (or organisations) whose lifelong work has significantly shaped New Zealand’s screen industry. Idealog Previous recipients include Julie Christie, Oscar Kightley, Janine Morrell-Gunn, Ian Mune, Andrew Shaw, and others.
On receiving the honour, Neill reflected:
“I just worked it out that it’s been 53 years in film – that does indeed sound like a lifetime! … Very honoured.”
His peer, fellow Legend Award winner Oscar Kightley, put it simply: “There are actual legends still among us … Sir Sam Neill is one of those people … He’s done so much for New Zealand … He’s an inspiration to many.
Why It’s Not Just About One Actor
National pride & representation: Neill’s global career helps shine a spotlight on New Zealand’s creative talent.
Longevity & craft: His career is a masterclass in adaptability — from gritty local films to big-budget Hollywood.
Mentorship by example: For emerging Kiwi actors and creatives, Neill embodies persistence, professionalism, and a commitment to both local and international work.
What This Means for NZ Actors & Creatives
Inspiration for emerging talent: Seeing a New Zealander receive such a prestigious lifetime award reinforces that a lasting, globally significant career can start here.
Cultural legacy: Neill’s journey reflects the potential of Kiwi stories and talent — his success story is deeply rooted in Aotearoa, but it resonates worldwide.
Industry confidence: This kind of recognition can encourage investment in New Zealand’s screen sector, making space for more local stories and more local actors.
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