Academy Selected Two Women for 2026 Fellowship
Tatti Ribeiro and Noora Niasari received the one-year Academy Gold Fellowship For Women.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Women’s Issues
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The Academy has selected filmmakers Tatti Ribeiro and Noora Niasari as the recipients of the 2026 Academy Gold Fellowship For Women. The pair were chosen from a group of 10 finalists to participate in the one-year career development programme.
Why it matters
This fellowship supports emerging women filmmakers by providing essential mentorship, networking opportunities, and career advancement resources. It aims to foster professional growth for talented artists who have already demonstrated significant potential in the industry.
The fellowship provides a one-year programme of support for selected women filmmakers. The recipients were chosen from a total of 10 finalists.
The players
Tatti Ribeiro
She is a United States-based filmmaker who directed the film Valentina and was recognized with an Independent Spirit Award in 2026.
Noora Niasari
She is an Australia-based director who led the film Shayda, which served as Australia's 96th Academy Awards submission.
The details
The program connects participants with the Academy Gold Alumni Network And Mentorship Program to assist in their professional trajectory. Tatti Ribeiro is based in the United States and directed the film Valentina, while Australia-based Noora Niasari directed Shayda, which was Australia's submission for the 96th Academy Awards.
Timeline
Shayda won the 2023 Sundance World Cinema Dramatic Competition Audience Award.
Tatti Ribeiro received an Independent Spirit Award in 2026.
The 2026 Academy Gold Fellowship recipients were selected on October 13, 2026.
Culture Shift
This fellowship extends the reach of the Academy Gold Alumni Network And Mentorship Program by integrating new filmmakers into its support framework. It reflects a broader industry movement toward formalizing mentorship structures to help emerging creators overcome barriers to entry.
Aspiring filmmakers can track the career progress of these fellows as they gain access to high-level industry networking through the Academy. This program highlights the specific professional development paths available to women in global film production.
The takeaway
Supporting diverse voices through structured mentorship is essential for the long-term health of the global film industry. Filmmakers looking to advance their careers should monitor similar professional fellowship opportunities and portfolio-building milestones.
Further reading
Learn more about ongoing advocacy and professional development initiatives in Women’s Issues.
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