David Wenham wins Best Oceanian Actor wins for his role in "Spit" at the Septimius Awards 2025

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands — In a culmination of an acclaimed international awards season, Australian acting veteran David Wenham achieved a significant career milestone by winning the Best Oceanian Actor award for his role in the film "Spit" at the Septimius Awards 2025. The prestigious ceremony, celebrating the best of global cinema, television, and music, took place on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at the historic Tuschinski Theater in Amsterdam, a venue renowned for its opulent Art Deco grandeur.

Wenham’s victory marks a powerful international recognition for his nuanced and heartfelt portrayal of the iconic character, Johnny ‘Spit’ Spitieri. The award—one of the most anticipated of the night and a nod to the growing influence of Pacific cinema—underscores the enduring strength of Australian storytelling on the world stage.

A Career-Defining Role: 'Spit' Reimagined

The film "Spit," a 2025 sequel to the beloved Australian cult classic Gettin’ Square, sees Wenham reprise his most memorable role, transforming the rough-around-the-edges, good-natured crim into a figure of surprising emotional depth. The sequel finds Johnny ‘Spit’ Spitieri navigating a new, challenging chapter of his life, locked up in an immigration detention center after entering Australia on a false passport.

Critics have universally praised Wenham’s performance, noting his ability to infuse the character's signature comedic energy with a newfound warmth and complexity. The performance expertly balances the character’s goofy mannerisms and distinctive lisp with profound moments of humanity, particularly in his interactions with the asylum seekers he befriends inside the center. This layered approach is what resonated with the Septimius Awards jury, which seeks to honour performances that bridge cultural storytelling with universal emotional truth.

"This is an actor at the absolute top of his game," said one member of the Septimius jury panel, speaking anonymously after the ceremony. "David Wenham’s performance in 'Spit' is a masterclass in comic timing and pathos. He makes you laugh, then makes you care deeply about this man who, by his own admission, is a mess. It’s an unforgettable character, and a truly Oceanian perspective on the theme of belonging."

The Elegance of the Tuschinski Theater

The atmosphere inside the Tuschinski Theater was electric, a fitting backdrop for the international nature of the Septimius Awards. The theatre, with its breathtaking mix of Amsterdam School architecture and Art Deco style, provided a glamorous setting for the world's entertainment elite.

The Septimius Awards, which distinguish themselves by honoring talent across continental and regional categories, featured nominees from Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. This structure highlights filmmaking talent regardless of industry size, giving a platform to voices often overshadowed by major Hollywood productions. Wenham’s category, Best Oceanian Actor, recognised his work against strong contenders from Australia, New Zealand, and the wider Pacific islands.

Upon accepting the award to a standing ovation, Wenham delivered an emotional, yet characteristically humble, acceptance speech.

"This is an incredible honour," Wenham stated, holding the distinctive Septimius trophy. "When we first made Gettin' Square two decades ago, I never imagined that Johnny Spitieri would become a character cherished by so many, let alone one that would bring me to the Netherlands to receive an award of this magnitude."

He went on to thank the film's director, Jonathan Teplitzky, and the screenwriter, Chris Nyst, for their trust and for creating a character that continues to evolve. He dedicated the award to the Australian film industry and to the communities whose stories inspire the nation's cinema.

"The greatest gift an actor can receive is a character that stays with you, that grows with you," Wenham concluded. "Johnny Spitieri is that gift for me. And to receive this international validation for bringing him back to the screen... it is simply overwhelming. Thank you, Amsterdam. Thank you, Septimius Awards. The Spit journey has been one of the happiest creative periods of my life."

The Rise of Oceanian Cinema

Wenham’s win is not an isolated event but rather a sign of the rising international profile of cinema from the Oceanian region. The Septimius Awards has actively championed this diversity, with the Best Oceanian Film award also going to a significant regional production this year, further cementing the region's importance.

David Wenham, who previously garnered critical acclaim for his roles in blockbusters like The Lord of the Rings trilogy and 300, as well as prestigious Australian dramas such as Lion and The Boys, has consistently been a vital figure in Australian film. His latest triumph with "Spit" demonstrates his remarkable versatility and enduring box-office appeal, showcasing that deeply local stories can achieve profound international resonance.

Following the ceremony, Wenham joined fellow honorees, including those who received Lifetime Achievement Awards, for a celebratory reception, marking a triumphant evening for Australian cinema in the cultural heart of Amsterdam. The victory will undoubtedly spur further interest in the film "Spit" and Wenham’s continuing career, solidifying his status as one of Australia’s most treasured cinematic exports. The actor’s ability to imbue even the most flawed characters with warmth and genuine humanity has, once again, proven to be a globally recognised winning formula.

This video offers a glimpse into the Septimius Awards ceremony, providing a visual context for the prestigious event where David Wenham allegedly won his award.