We were thrilled to announce at the Founders Day Assembly in February that Adam Elliot (OH 1989) was awarded the 2024 OHA Medal, the OHA’s highest honour in recognition and appreciation of exceptional achievement to the community beyond expectation in their field of endeavour.  

Adam is an Academy Award® winning animation writer and director who has always based himself in his hometown of Melbourne. His animated films are what he calls ‘clayographies’ which are clay animated biographies based on the bittersweet lives of his family and friends. 

After graduating from the Victorian College of the Arts in 1996, Adam has created seven animated films that have been voiced by some of the world’s leading actors. His breakthrough came with his film Harvie Krumpet, which won the 2004 Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film, cementing Adam’s place on the international stage. 

Adam’s contributions to animation continue to be recognised globally. In 2025, he received his second Academy Award nomination, for his feature film, Memoir of a Snail. The film centres on Grace Pudel, a lonely hoarder of ornamental snails who lives in Canberra, and stars Sarah Snook, Jacki Weaver, Eric Bana and Kodi Smit-McPhee as the main characters. The Academy Award nomination further solidifies Adam’s legacy in the industry. His dedication to handcrafted storytelling and unique visual style has made him a pioneer in stop-motion animation, inspiring filmmakers worldwide. Today, Adam remains a passionate advocate for independent cinema, championing stories that celebrate life’s imperfections with heart and humour. 

Adam joins an illustrious list of Old Haileyburians to have been awarded the OHA’s most prestigious award. 

Congratulations Adam.