Actress Phoebe Tonkin has been revealed as the cover star for the first issue of The Hollywood Reporter Australia.
The launch of the new publication was held tonight in Sydney, at an exclusive event attended by a host of notable Australian actors, creators and industry figures, including Christian Wilkins, the Stenmark brothers, Richard Reid, Ana Thu Nguyen and Donny Galella, amongst others, who brought classic Hollywood glamour to the red carpet. Guests gathered to mark the arrival of the iconic entertainment brand in Australia and celebrate the unveiling of its debut issue.
Publisher Paris Raine and Editor-In-Cheif Sean Sennett unveiled the first issue in print. The star gracing the cover was Phoebe Tonkin. An alternate collectible cover featuring actor Josh Hueston will also be available.The pair each grace a bespoke cover of the inaugural edition as they spotlight their current projects – Two Years Later and Off Campus – respectively. Throughout the evening, guests also enjoyed live performances from Olaide Ajewole and DJ Tommy Boutros.
The cover can be seen in our coverage of the launch night here.
As the latest international extension of the globally recognised entertainment trade publication, The Hollywood Reporter Australia will shine a spotlight on the people, projects and businesses shaping the local screen industry. Through exclusive cover stories, power lists, industry roundtables, studio partnerships, national events and membership-led programming, the platform is set to become a leading voice for Australia’s creative community while connecting local talent and stories with the global entertainment landscape.
More about The Hollywood Reporter Australia
The Hollywood Reporter Australia will deliver world-class entertainment journalism across digital, print, and video formats, offering authoritative coverage of the screen industry and the individuals shaping it. Presented in English and aligned with THR’s global editorial standard, the edition will introduce Australian power lists, industry roundtables, studio collaborations, national events, and membership-driven initiatives designed to strengthen visibility, connection and growth across the screen community.
Rove McManus (Comedian, TV Producer) Samantha Armytage (TV Host) and Danny Philippou (Director, ‘Bring Her Back’) react to The Hollywood Reporter launching in Australia. Source: @hollywoodreporterau on Instagram
“Australia is a powerhouse of screen talent and storytelling, said Lori O’Connor, Executive Vice President & Publisher, The Hollywood Reporter. With The Hollywood Reporter Australia, we’re extending our trusted brand to a new market in partnership with Raine Media, creating a platform that celebrates Australian creators while connecting them to THR’s global audience and editorial legacy.”
“It is an honour to bring The Hollywood Reporter Australia to life at a time of extraordinary creative momentum. This launch arrives at a pivotal moment for both national and global storytelling – with Australia’s screen practitioners contributing artistic excellence, innovation, and a creative legacy that enriches the global entertainment landscape,” said Paris Raine, Founder at Raine Media. “This platform reflects our dedication to meaningful journalism, cultural impact, and a commitment to celebrating the unity within our screen community – setting a new standard of visibility and recognition for Australia.”
The Hollywood Reporter Australia is headquartered in Sydney. Sean Sennett joins as Editor-in-Chief, bringing extensive experience across Australian screen and entertainment media.
The launch of The Hollywood Reporter Australia mirrors a model that has been followed by other media organisations in the local market. In 2020, Sydney-based The Brag Media secured the licence from Penske Media to relaunch Rolling Stone Australia as a digital-first platform with quarterly print editions, social media coverage, and original local content alongside mostly syndicated US material. That partnership deepened in 2022 when The Brag Media struck a second licensing deal with Penske to launch Variety Australia, bringing another large US publication to Australia. Both Rolling Stone and Variety Australia operate under the same framework where a local publisher handles editorial, commercial and events operations on the ground, while the US parent provides brand licensing, content syndication and global oversight In the US, Penske Media owns all three publications, including The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, and Rolling Stone.
Stay tuned for more news as The Hollywood Reporter Australia following their launch this week.
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