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Keisha Castle-Hughes

ActorProducer

Keisha Castle-Hughes (born 24 March 1990) is an Australian-born New Zealand film actress who rose to prominence at the age of eleven when playing Paikea "Pai" Apirana in the 2002 film Whale Rider. For her performance in the film, Castle-Hughes was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress, the youngest-ever nominee in the category at the time, and won the Broadcast Film Critics Association Award for Best Actress. Castle-Hughes has appeared in films such as Hey, Hey, It's Esther Blueburger (2008), the New Zealand tele-movie Piece Of My Heart (2009), and Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005). She played Mary in The Nativity Story in (2006), and appeared in Red Dog (2011) and Thank You for Your Service (2017), among several other films. She is well known for television roles as Obara Sand in HBO's Game of Thrones and Special Agent Hana Gibson in FBI: Most Wanted. She also had recurring roles in Roadies (2016), Manhunt (2017), and On The Ropes (2018).

Born:Mar 24, 1990 (36 years old) Donnybrook, Western Australia, Australia
  • 5Movie
  • 8TV Series
  • 2005Career Start

Featured Works

Biography

Keisha Castle-Hughes is a New Zealand film actress born on March 24, 1990, in Donnybrook, Australia. She stepped into her acting career at a young age, gaining attention for her role as Paikea "Pai" Apirana in the 2002 film "Whale Rider". With this performance, she became the youngest person nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress.

After the turning point film "Whale Rider", Keisha Castle-Hughes has appeared in many different projects. In 2005, she gained international recognition by appearing in "Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith". She has also starred in films like "Hey, Hey, It's Esther Blueburger" (2008) and the New Zealand production "Piece Of My Heart" (2009). In 2006, she delivered a remarkable performance as the Virgin Mary in "The Nativity Story".

Some of Keisha Castle-Hughes' most important works include "Red Dog", "Mary: The Birth of Jesus", and the series "FBI: Most Wanted". She also won the hearts of viewers with her role as Obara Sand in HBO's hit series "Game of Thrones". Since 2016, she has continued her career with recurring roles in series like "Roadies", "Manhunt" in 2017, and "On The Ropes" in 2018.

Keisha Castle-Hughes has won several awards for her successful performances. Notably, she added significant success to her career by winning the Broadcast Film Critics Association Award for Best Actress. Currently, Castle-Hughes continues her career actively, impressing her fans with new projects. The best answer to the question of who Keisha Castle-Hughes is lies in her being a talented actress who continues to leave her mark in the world of cinema. Keisha Castle-Hughes' films stand out as impactful works that appeal to audiences of all ages.

CINE5 Editorial TeamAI-assisted content

Interesting Facts

Young Oscar Nominee

Keisha Castle-Hughes became the youngest person nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress in 2002 for her role as Paikea in 'Whale Rider'. This achievement marked an important turning point in her career.

Appeared in the Star Wars Universe

Castle-Hughes had a small role in the 2005 film 'Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith'. This made her a globally recognized face.

Successful Performances on Television

She gained attention as Obara Sand in the HBO series 'Game of Thrones'. This role earned her a wide fan base.

Roles in Various Film Genres

Keisha has acted in films of different genres, such as 'Hey, Hey, It's Esther Blueburger' and 'Thank You for Your Service'. This diversity showcases her acting talent.

Cultural Themes

As a Maori descent actress, Castle-Hughes often emphasizes her cultural heritage. This adds depth and meaning to her projects.

Filmography

Poster for Wellwood
Deputy Gracie Marsh
2025
Poster for FBI: Most Wanted
Hana Gibson
2020
Poster for FBI
Unknown
2018
Poster for Roadies
Donna Mancini
2016
Poster for Kırmızı Köpek
2011
Poster for Game of Thrones
2011
Poster for The Walking Dead
2010
Poster for The Oscars
Unknown
1953

Poster for Wellwood
producer
2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Keisha Castle-Hughes?
Keisha Castle-Hughes is a New Zealand actress and director. She gained worldwide recognition for her performance in 'Whale Rider' in 2002.
How old is Keisha Castle-Hughes?
She is 36 years old, born in 1990.
What is Keisha Castle-Hughes' most well-known film?
Keisha Castle-Hughes' most well-known film is 'Whale Rider'. Her role in this film earned her many awards and nominations.
Where is Keisha Castle-Hughes from?
Keisha Castle-Hughes was born in Donnelly, New Zealand. She comes from a Maori descent family.
In which series has Keisha Castle-Hughes acted?
Keisha Castle-Hughes played Obara Sand in the series 'Game of Thrones'. She has also appeared in series like 'The Walking Dead' and 'The Beautiful Lie'.
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