Sir Sam Neill 'honoured' to receive Screen Legend Award
The Jurassic Park and Hunt for the Wilderpeople actor says he's just worked out how long he's been in the industry: "That does indeed sound like a lifetime!"
New Zealand actor Sir Sam Neill has joined the ranks of Dame Julie Christie and actor and director Oscar Kightley in being named a Screen Legend.
The award recognises the 78-year-old’s five-decade career, from his breakthrough in Sleeping Dogs and international acclaim in Jane Campion’s Academy Award-winning The Piano and Jurassic Park and its sequels.
“I am very pleased and proud to be accepting this award amongst my friends and peers,” Sir Sam said.
“I just worked it out that it's been 53 years in film - that does indeed sound like a lifetime! Thanks to all concerned. Very honoured.”
Fellow award recipient Kightley said Sir Sam was one of those people whose existence helped make others around them and the world a better place.
“He's done so much for New Zealand and especially the screen industry here. He's an inspiration to many. I'm stoked to be alive at the same time as him.”
In 1991, Sir Sam was recognised for his contributions to the arts when he was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire and more recently accepted redesignation as a Knight Companion in 2022.
He has also received Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for his performance in the NBC miniseries Merlin (1998) and won a British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Award for Reilly: Ace of Spies (1983).
Sir Sam is the founder and proprietor of Two Paddocks, a boutique vineyard and winery located in Central Otago.
RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
He recently won with the 2025 Logie Award for Best Lead Actor in a Drama for his role in The Twelve.
Beyond acting, Sir Sam is the founder and proprietor of Two Paddocks, a boutique vineyard and winery located in Central Otago.
In 2023, Neill released his bestselling memoir, Did I Ever Tell You This?, offering candid reflections on his life, career, and personal journey.
The winners of this year’s New Zealand Screen Awards will be announced at a ceremony hosted by comedian Pax Assadi, on 21 November at the Viaduct Events Centre, Auckland.
