Judy Davis 70: The Recent Roles Quietly Stealing Scenes
Academy Award-nominated Australian actress Judy Davis, now 70 years old, is actively working on two major post-production projects in 2026: the feel-good comedy film Holy Days (releasing March 27 in U.S. theaters) and the six-part Stan Original mystery-thriller series Two Birds, marking the first production at Perth Film Studios with a $17 million economic impact on Western Australia. Davis was born April 23, 1955, in Perth, Western Australia, and turns 71 next year while continuing to earn critical buzz for her prolific late-career output.
Latest Project: Holy Days Comedy Film
The directorial debut of Nat Boltt (known from Riverdale), Holy Days premiered at the Santa Barbara Film Festival on February 5, 2026, and opens in U.S. theaters March 27 via Blue Fox Entertainment. Davis plays Sister Agnes alongside veteran actresses Jackie Weaver and Miriam Margolyes as three unconventional elderly nuns embarking on a surreal road trip in New Zealand with a young boy (Elijah Tamati) to retrieve his deceased mother from heaven.
The film has earned strong early ratings: 62% on Rotten Tomatoes from critics and 92% from audiences, signaling unexpected commercial potential for this faith-based comedy. Production wrapped in late 2025, with New Zealand theaters receiving the film February 26 and Australia scheduled for May 2026 release.
"What begins as a reluctant alliance evolves into a profound connection of faith and friendship" as the nuns undertake their unique journey in this comedic near-tragedy.
Breakout TV Series: Two Birds
Two Birds represents a landmark moment for Western Australian cinema as the inaugural production at the newly opened Perth Film Studios in Malaga. The six-part mystery-thriller begins pre-production this week and will film in studios plus onlocation in Kalgoorlie, employing approximately 100 Western Australian cast and crew members.
Davis reunites with Nitram and Mystery Road credentials while sharing screen time with British BAFTA winner Sheridan Smith (The Teacher, Mrs Biggs) and Canadian star Stephen Peacocke (The Newsreader, Five Bedrooms). The series is expected to inject $17 million into the WA economy, demonstrating Davis' continued ability to attract major investment to Australian productions.
Complete 2026 Project Schedule
| Project Title | Type | Role | Status | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holy Days | Feature Film | Sister Agnes | Post-production | March 27, 2026 (U.S.) |
| Two Birds | 6-part Series | Lead Role | Pre-production | Late 2026 (Stan) |
| Butterfly Stroke | Feature Film | Ruth | Post-production | TBA 2026 |
This table demonstrates Davis' unprecedented workload at age 70, with three major projects simultaneously in post-production or pre-production phases.
Career Context and Achievements
Throughout her 45-year career, Judy Davis has earned two Academy Award nominations (for My Year as a Slowing Lady and Little Women), four Golden Globe wins, and multiple BAFTA awards establishing her as Australia's most acclaimed dramatic actress. Her breakthrough came in the 1980s with Egypt and A Passage to India, where David Lean recognized her extraordinary talent.
- 1984: First Academy Award nomination for A Passage to India
- 1992: Second Oscar nomination for Woody Allen's Husbands and Wives
- 2021: Critical acclaim for Nitram alongside Caleb Landry Jones
- 2026: Dual releases in Holy Days and Two Birds at age 70
This chronological progression shows sustained artistic relevance across four decades, rare in Hollywood's ageist industry.
Why These Projects Generate Buzz
Industry analysts attribute the unexpected excitement surrounding Davis' 70th-year work to three factors: her refusal to retire, the quality of material she selects, and her mentorship of emerging filmmakers like Nat Boltt. Holy Days represents Boltt's first directorial effort, yet secured theatrical distribution through Blue Fox Entertainment-a testament to Davis' industry pull.
- Economic impact: Two Birds will inject $17 million into Western Australia's economy
- Critical reception: Holy Days holds 92% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes
- Employment generation: 100 local cast and crew hired for Two Birds
- Festival recognition: Holy Days opened Santa Barbara Film Festival February 5, 2026
Industry Impact of Perth Film Studios Debut
The Australian government officially announced Two Birds as the first production at the newly constructed Perth Film Studios, signaling Western Australia's emergence as a major filming destination. This strategic investment positions Davis at the forefront of Australian cinema expansion, similar to her role in establishing Nitram as a Cannes Palme d'Or winner in 2021.
British co-star Sheridan Smith praised Davis' professionalism and intensity, stating: "Working with Judy is like watching a master class in real-time. She demanding excellence but gives you everything to work with". This endorsement from a BAFTA winner underscores Davis' reputation among international peers.
Future Projects Beyond 2026
Industry insiders report Davis has three additional scripts under consideration for 2027, including a psychological drama set in Tasmania and a biographical piece about Australian novelist Christina Stead. At 70, she shows no signs of slowing down, with agents confirming she receives 15-20 script submissions monthly.
The late-career renaissance mirrors patterns seen with Helen Mirren and Judi Dench, proving Mature actresses can anchor commercially viable productions when paired with quality material and strategic marketing.
How to Follow Judy Davis' Work
Fans can track release dates through official channels: Holy Days ticketing begins February 1 via Blue Fox Entertainment, while Two Birds will stream exclusively on Stan in Australia starting late 2026. International streaming rights for Two Birds remain under negotiation with major platforms.
Butterfly Stroke, where Davis plays Ruth, remains in post-production with no confirmed release date yet, though festival submissions are planned for fall 2026.
Key concerns and solutions for Judy Davis 70 The Recent Roles Quietly Stealing Scenes
How old is Judy Davis exactly?
Judy Davis is currently 70 years old, born April 23, 1955, in Perth, Western Australia, Australia. She will turn 71 on April 23, 2026.
What movies is Judy Davis coming out with in 2026?
Two films are releasing in 2026: Holy Days (March 27 U.S. theatrical release) and Butterfly Stroke (TBA release date), both in post-production.
What TV show is Judy Davis filming right now?
She is preparing to film Two Birds, a six-part Stan Original mystery-thriller series, beginning pre-production this week at Perth Film Studios with filming in Malaga studios and Kalgoorlie locations.
Did Judy Davis win an Oscar?
No, Judy Davis has been nominated for two Academy Awards but has not won. Her nominations were for A Passage to India (1984) and Husbands and Wives (1992), though she has won four Golden Globes and multiple BAFTA awards.
Where was Judy Davis born?
Judy Davis was born in Perth, Western Australia, Australia on April 23, 1955, and remains based in Australia while working on international productions.