The 2003 New Zealand Film Awards were held on 8 December 2003 in Auckland.
After there had been no New Zealand film awards in 2002, previous organiser the New Zealand Academy of Film and Television Arts had originally announced its intention to again host a film awards for 2003, but later withdrew, claiming insufficient sponsorship to stage the awards.
However, a group from the film industry, led by the New Zealand Film Commission and government agency New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, raised enough sponsorship to host the awards.
[1][2] Feature film Whale Rider dominated the awards with nine wins, and short film Two Cars, One Night won three of the four short film prizes.
[3][4] Best Film Best Director Best Actor Best Actress Best Supporting Actor Best Supporting Actress Best Juvenile Performer Best Screenplay Best Cinematography Best Editing Best Original Score Best Contribution to a Soundtrack Best Design Best Costume Design Best Makeup Lifetime Achievement Award Best Digital Feature Best Performance Best Script Best Technical Contribution Special Jury Prize Best Short Film Best Performance Best Script Best Technical Contribution