Posted 19 October 2026 in Press Release
Supported by VOLVO, STRAND and Figur, the awards honour an extraordinary line-up of women, including Nicole Kidman, Kylie Minogue, Ash Barty, Nagi Maehashi and Mary Fowler.
Global icons, fearless advocates, groundbreaking entrepreneurs and emerging leaders have been named among the nominees for the 2026 marie claire Women of the Year Awards, with winners to be celebrated on Thursday, November 19, at The Lands by Capella in Sydney.
Now in its seventh year, marie claire Women of the Year returns for its biggest celebration yet, recognising extraordinary Australian women whose leadership, creativity and courage are changing lives and shaping culture.
Spanning nine categories, this year’s shortlist celebrates achievements across entertainment, business, sport, politics, design and the arts. It brings together household names and emerging voices, united by their power to challenge expectations, create opportunities and drive meaningful change.
Nicole Kidman, Kylie Minogue, Adut Akech Bior, Ash Barty and Magda Szubanski are shortlisted for Icon of the Year, recognising their exceptional careers and enduring cultural influence.
The Entrepreneur of the Year category celebrates founders turning bold ideas into businesses with purpose. Nominees include RecipeTin Eats founder Nagi Maehashi, ON THE HOUSE founder Remy Tucker, Andromeda Robotics founder Grace Brown and Marrawah Law founder Leah Cameron. Their work spans food, access to period products, technology addressing loneliness and Indigenous legal leadership.
In Creative of the Year, author Liane Moriarty, filmmaker Selina Miles, artist Atong Atem and actor Heather Mitchell are recognised for original work that expands perspectives and sparks conversation. Meanwhile, Celia Pacquola, Tina Arena, Teresa Palmer and Philippa Northeast are nominated for Entertainer of the Year.
Georgie McCourt, Editor of marie claire Australia, said: “Celebrating our seventh year with our biggest Women of the Year Awards yet is an incredibly proud moment for marie claire. This shortlist captures the extraordinary breadth of female talent in Australia, and the many different ways women are making an impact.
“Some of these women are names we’ve known and loved for decades. Others are women we want every Australian to know about. What connects them is the conviction to pursue something bigger—whether that’s changing an industry, standing up for a community or opening a door for the next generation.
“Championing women is at the heart of everything we do. These awards give us the opportunity to recognise their achievements, amplify their voices and celebrate what becomes possible when women have the support and freedom to fulfil their potential.”
Image: Georgie McCourt, Editor of marie claire Australia
The Advocate of the Year shortlist honours women confronting violence, responding to humanitarian crises, protecting queer cultural spaces and championing First Nations food knowledge. Nominees are Sherele Moody, Dr Alison Thompson OAM, Kat Dopper and Mindy Woods.
Sporting excellence takes centre stage in Champion of the Year, with distance runner Rose Davies, para-cyclist Tara Neyland, freestyle skier Jakara Anthony and footballer Mary Fowler recognised for their achievements and influence on the next generation.
Australian creativity is further celebrated through Designer of the Year, featuring Sarah Gittoes, Louise Olsen, Denni Francisco and Kit Willow — women whose distinctive visions are shaping jewellery, objects and fashion.
The Powerhouse of the Year category recognises leadership and influence across defence, business, politics and the arts. Nominees include Lieutenant General Susan Coyle, Simone Young, Shemara Wikramanayake, Allegra Spender and Zali Steggall, who are jointly nominated, and Anika Wells.
Looking to the future, Rising Star celebrates mountaineer Bianca Adler, youth mental-health advocate Chloe Wyatt-Jasper, comedian and writer Anisa Nandaula, and Victorian MP Georgie Purcell.
A judging panel will select the winners, who will be announced at the November 19 awards evening.
The full 2026 marie claire Women of the Year shortlist:
ICON OF THE YEAR
Nicole Kidman
Kylie Minogue
Adut Akech Bior
Ash Barty
Magda Szubanski
ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
Nagi Maehashi
Remy Tucker
Grace Brown
Leah Cameron
CREATIVE OF THE YEAR
Liane Moriarty
Selina Miles
Atong Atem
Heather Mitchell
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Celia Pacquola
Tina Arena
Teresa Palmer
Philippa Northeast
ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR
Sherele Moody
Dr Alison Thompson OAM
Kat Dopper
Mindy Woods
CHAMPION OF THE YEAR
Rose Davies
Tara Neyland
Jakara Anthony
Mary Fowler
DESIGNER OF THE YEAR
Sarah Gittoes
Louise Olsen
Denni Francisco
Kit Willow
POWERHOUSE OF THE YEAR
Lieutenant General Susan Coyle
Simone Young
Shemara Wikramanayake
Allegra Spender and Zali Steggall — joint nomination
Anika Wells
RISING STAR
Bianca Adler
Chloe Wyatt-Jasper
Anisa Nandaula
Georgie Purcel
For more information, please contact: Luke Robinson – 0417548688 | luke@storydisco.com.au
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