The Little Death actress is nominated for best supporting actress for the racy comedy in which she played an Auslan interpreter helping a deaf man contact a sex chat line. 

It is James’ first foray into film after a career in theatre, which included winning a City of Newcastle Drama Award for her portrayal of Maria in West Side Story and roles with Opera Australia’s South Pacific and The King and I.

On Wednesday, James was in Newcastle for final fittings of her designs by  Ford  for what will be her first  cinema awards evening.

‘‘I’ve never been involved in anything like this, I’m beside myself with excitement about the whole thing. I get tongue tied about it to be honest,’’ James said. 

‘‘It’s such an honour.’’

Giving her home town a nod by choosing a Novocastrian designer for her dress was a no-brainer for the now Sydney-based Merewether High School alumni.

‘‘I think it’s really important to support where you come from. I still have really strong ties to Newcastle and I come up whenever I can,’’ she said. 

‘‘I’m living in Sydney at the moment, which is the nature of the game, but my family are up here still,’’ she said. 

‘‘Newcastle is important to me.’’