Student filmmakers recognised at the 2026 Macademy Awards

The films were presented over two evenings - with the first night selling out within hours. The event was supported by Letterboxd, Auckland Theatre Company and Progear.

Three experienced filmmakers from the New Zealand film industry judged the entries: Tom Augustine, Isla Macleod and Nayheon Lee.

Congratulations to the following award winners:

• Best Film and Direction: Isaac Uammuang (Kupe House) for Drawn to You
• Best Performance: Nita Murali (Mansfield) for her performance in I’m Sorry, I Love You
• Best Cinematography: Elena Askin (Batten) and Sophia Askin (Batten) for the moon is watching u…!!!
• Best Editing (tie): Emily Lou (Hilary) for Priceless and Alerys Bodle (Hilary) for Forgive Me
• Best Script: Kumayl Essop (Te Kanawa) for Growing Pains
• Best Stunts: Sophia Askin and Athena Grant (Hilary) for Court Parker
• Best Sound: Poppy Jackson (Mansfield) for Reel for Real
• Best Feature Film Opening: Sarah Meng (Batten) for Dot Your Eyes Cross Your T's

The audience also voted for an Audience Choice Award, which was won by Isaac Uammuang’s animated film Drawn to You. This marks the third time one of Isaac’s animated films has received the award at the Macademy Awards.

Drawn to You follows a robot that begins to mimic the behaviour of its human owners. The character-driven story was praised for its controlled tone and memorable climactic twist, which prompted a strong response from the audience.

The success continues beyond the Macademy Awards, with eight Macleans College films selected as semi-finalists in the national On Screen film competition. The Macleans College community will be hoping for further success as the competition progresses.