But 20-year-old Adnyamathanha woman Shantae Barnes-Cowan may just be the next big thing.

She’s certainly had an impressive start, staring in the Australian coming-of-age drama Sweet As, which has now moved from the cinemas to streaming on Prime.

It debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival and won awards at the Berlin Film Festival.

Then there’s the dystopian zombie movie Wyrmwood: Apocalypse and the unique vampire TV miniseries Firebite.

“I’m on my way,” Shantae understated.

“I never did drama in school, but Deb Mailman and Jessica Mauboy are my big inspirations.”

The irony is rich, when you realise Shantae has already been named one of Adelaide’s most inspiring women.

Recognition for her started early, she was 2018 Whyalla NAIDOC Week Female Sportsperson of the Year and Whyalla Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year in 2020.

Now Shantae, who grew up in care, has been recognised in the South Australian Child Protection Awards, named a finalist in the Outstanding Achievement of a Child or Young Person category.

The awards will be announced on Friday 8 September at Adelaide Oval.

“Amazing,” she said. “I was in shock. It’s a big deal for me.

“It’s a chance to become a leader, an example to others. I’m very proud.”

Shantae was placed in the care of Jeanette and Steve Cowan when she was just one, and has three sisters and seven brothers.

“They’re just mum and dad,” she said. “It’s super normal. We’re very close and always will be.

“They want me to come back. They miss me.”

Shantae has now moved to Adelaide, and is pursuing beauty qualifications - her other passion - at TAFE while she auditions for more roles.

She recently finished an Australian western The Redemption filmed in Tamworth.

Her current task, believe it or not, is practicing accents, particularly American ones.

A skill she will need if she wants to perform internationally.

“It’s crazy to me,” she said. “I’ve done a couple of American auditions.

“It’s a bit of fun I suppose; something new.”

But what’s with all the zombie and vampire roles?

“I love them,” she said. “You can get creative. The make-up, the costumes, the special effects.

“It’s so much fun.”

To see the full list of finalists for the 2023 South Australian Child Protection Awards, visit the Awards page.