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.
Supported by VOLVO, Clé de Peau Beauté, STRAND and Figur, the awards honour an extraordinary line-up of women, with winners to be celebrated on November 19th at The Lands by Capella in Sydney.
Spanning nine categories, this year’s shortlist celebrates achievements across entertainment, business, sport, politics, design and the arts.
Image: marie claire editor, Georgie McCourt.
"Celebrating our seventh year with our biggest Women of the Year Awards yet is an incredibly proud moment for marie claire," shared marie claire editor, Georgie McCourt.
"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," said McCourt.
A judging panel will select the winners, who will be announced at the November 19th awards evening.
The full 2026 marie claire Women of the Year shortlist is below:
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
You can read more via marie claire here.
Image credit: Supplied/marie claire
