Ray Lawrence made his directing debut with Bliss, based on Peter Carey's bestselling novel, which competed at Cannes in 1985 alongside films by Peter Weir, Alan Parker and Paul Schrader. In Australia, Bliss triumphed at the Australian Film Institute (AFI) awards, winning Best Screenplay, Best Director and Best Film. Lantana, his second feature, enjoyed critical and commercial success in Australia, Great Britain and Europe and took seven AFI awards, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Adapted Screenplay. Jindabyne is his third film.