Neill said he had just realised he had been working in the film industry for more than half a century.
"I am very pleased and proud to be accepting this award among my friends and peers. I just worked it out that it’s been 53 years in film — that does indeed sound like a lifetime. Thanks to all concerned. Very honoured."
Fellow Legend Award recipient Oscar Kightley said he was stoked to be alive at the same time as Neill.
"Although we use this word a lot, there are actual legends still among us. People whose existence helps make others around them and the world a better place. Sir Sam Neil is one of those people. He’s done so much for New Zealand and especially the screen industry here. He’s an inspiration to many. I’m stoked to be alive at the same time as him."
From Neill’s breakthrough in Sleeping Dogs and international acclaim in Jane Campion’s Academy Award winning The Piano and as Dr Alan Grant in Jurassic Park and its sequels, to his work in award-winning series Peaky Blinders, The Twelve, Rake, Untamed, Neill’s talent and versatility had earned him recognition on screens around the world, a committee spokesperson said.
The Screen Legend Award was presented to a screen professional, programme or organisation who had made a significant contribution to the New Zealand industry during their career. It was a special honour given at the discretion of the New Zealand Screen Awards Committee.
Previous recipients were multi-award-winning creator and producer, Dame Julie Christie DNZM (2024), writer, actor and director Oscar Kightley (2023), television producer Janine Morrell-Gunn (2022), actor and director Ian Mune (2021), television executive Andrew Shaw (2020), 0 (2019), iconic Māori broadcaster and journalist Tini Molyneux (2018) and veteran producer John Barnett (2017).
This year’s New Zealand Screen Awards will be announced on November 21.
