Kiwi actor ‘flattered’ by rising star nod
Wellington actress Thomasin Harcourt McKenzie found out she had been named as one of the ‘‘rising stars poised to dominate 2021’’ when her publicist tagged her on social media.
Vogue magazine described the 20-year-old as ‘‘dazzlingly talented’’ as it released its list of 15 stars poised to dominate 2021.
Harcourt McKenzie, who is on holiday in the South Island, said by email she was ‘‘beyond excited and flattered’’ to make the list.
‘‘This has been a big year, full of lulls and a constant feeling of fear, so this mention fills me with hope and motivation for what’s to come.
‘‘I’ve been very lucky to be able to work safely this year and I’m excited for people to see what I’ve been up to.
‘‘I’ve found hope in the fact that the film industry has managed to slowly get back to creating – it’s evidence of people’s determination to overcome obstacles and adapt to the environment.’’
She only found out about the Vogue nod when her publicist tagged her in an Instagram post about it.
Harcourt McKenzie comes from Wellington acting royalty. Her grandmother is New Zealand acting legend Dame Kate Harcourt. Her mother is actor and drama educator Miranda Harcourt and her father is director and playwright Stuart McKenzie.
‘‘We are thrilled to see Thomasin on this prestigious list in such a diverse line-up of talented actors,’’ her parents said via email.
‘‘We’re also looking forward to seeing her latest films in cinemas
and on screens around the world, not least New Zealand film The Justice of Bunny King written by Sophie Henderson, who also wrote Baby Gone.’’
Harcourt McKenzie’s breakout role came in survivalist drama Leave No Trace in 2018 before she went on to co-star in Taika Waititi’s Jojo Rabbit, as well as The True History of the Kelly Gang.
Vogue told its readers that McKenzie has ‘‘four different films lined up for 2021’’.
She is due to be seen in director Edgar Wright’s Last Night in Soho, which Vogue describes as ‘‘a groovy psychological thriller set in Sixties London’’.
Harcourt McKenzie will also be in Sixth Sense directorMNight Shyamalan’s secretive next project Old, which is based on a graphic novel about a group of beachgoers trapped in a mysterious cove who begin to rapidly age.
Along with The Justice of Bunny King, Harcourt McKenzie recently wrapped production on Jane Campion’s latest, The Power of the Dog, which was shot in New Zealand.
Others on the Vogue list of actors to watch included Timothee Chalamet’s older sister Pauline, Heist actress Ursula Corbero, and Iman Vellani, who will take the lead in