Bojana Novakovic

Bojana Novaković is an Australian actress, filmmaker, and human rights activist of Serbian heritage. Born in Belgrade, she has built a career that spans independent Australian cinema, Hollywood blockbusters, and television, while also establishing herself as a vocal advocate for environmental and animal rights causes. Her work is marked by a commitment to roles with substance, often gravitating toward complex characters in both dramatic and genre fare.

Novaković first gained international attention in Sam Raimi's horror film Drag Me to Hell (2009), and later became a familiar face on American television as Detective Lizzie Needham in the CBS series Instinct (2018–2019). Her filmography includes major studio productions such as I, Tonya (2017) and Birds of Prey (2020), as well as acclaimed independent projects like The Little Death (2014). As of 2026, she continues to work in film and television while dedicating significant energy to activism, particularly her opposition to the Rio Tinto lithium mining project in Serbia. [edit]

Novaković's family left Belgrade for Sydney in 1988, when she was seven years old, fleeing the political turmoil of the former Yugoslavia. Growing up in Sydney's western suburbs, she attended The McDonald College, a performing arts school, where she graduated as Dux in 1999. Her talent was evident early; she was accepted into the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), one of Australia's most prestigious acting schools, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Dramatic Arts in 2002.

While still a student, Novakovic began auditioning for film roles. She made her screen debut in The Monkey's Mask (2001), a neo-noir thriller starring Susie Porter. Shortly after graduating, she landed roles in the comedy Thunderstruck (2004) and the drama Solo (2006). But her breakthrough came in 2004 with Love Me, a film she not only starred in but also co-wrote and directed. The project earned her the AACTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role, a remarkable achievement for a young performer and a clear sign of her ambition beyond acting. [edit]

Novaković's international career took off in 2009 when she appeared in Sam Raimi's Drag Me to Hell, a horror film that became a cult favorite. She followed that with roles in Edge of Darkness (2010) alongside Mel Gibson and Devil (2010), produced by M. Night Shyamalan. In 2014, she starred in the Australian ensemble comedy The Little Death, which earned critical praise and showcased her comedic timing.

Her television breakthrough came in 2018 when she was cast as Detective Lizzie Needham opposite Alan Cumming in the CBS procedural Instinct. The show ran for two seasons, ending in 2019. Around the same time, she appeared in the Oscar-nominated biopic I, Tonya (2017) and the sci-fi action film Beyond Skyline (2017). In 2020, she joined the DC Extended Universe with a role in Birds of Prey, playing the villainous Ms. Sionis. More recently, she has balanced acting with directing and writing, and in 2026 she remains active in both film and activism. [edit]

Novaković is known for her striking red carpet style, often favoring bold, fashion-forward looks that blend elegance with an edge. She carries herself with a quiet intensity, and her public persona reflects her commitment to meaningful causes. On social media, she shares a mix of professional updates, travel photography, and advocacy posts, engaging with fans who appreciate her authenticity. Her refusal to participate in celebrity parenting culture, as she told the Daily Telegraph in 2026, has earned her respect from those who see her as a grounded figure in an often superficial industry. [edit]

Bojana Novaković carries a presence that resonates deeply across her homeland and beyond, anchored by her status as the 44th most famous person from Serbia, a position she has held steady through recent cycles. This recognition places her firmly within the global consciousness tracked by the iFANN Global Fame Rankings, which measures global attention across media coverage, search, and consumption signals worldwide. Her career trajectory, moving from independent Australian cinema to high-profile American television, has cultivated an audience that values her authenticity over spectacle.

Unlike stars with organized movements, Novaković's fanbase operates without a formal name or structured campaigns. Her supporters engage primarily through social media channels like Instagram, where they follow her professional updates and advocacy work rather than participating in coordinated rituals or fan-funded projects. There are no documented instances of crowds shutting down streets for her appearance or viral legends of extreme adoration; instead, her community connects over shared appreciation for her roles and her vocal stance on critical issues. The core of her public reputation rests on verified milestones, such as her environmental activism against the Rio Tinto Jadar lithium mine project in Serbia, which fans view as a significant personal and political stand. While she does not have a dedicated fandom with inside jokes or specific traditions, the loyalty she commands is rooted in her consistent output as an actress and filmmaker, particularly her memorable turns in *Shameless* and *Chicago P.D.*, alongside her commitment to animal welfare causes that align with her personal values.[edit]

Novaković is fluent in both English and Serbian, a skill that has allowed her to work in international productions and connect with her heritage. She is also a talented photographer, often documenting her travels and behind-the-scenes moments on social media. In 2018, she participated in a PETA anti-fur protest in New York City, publicly ditching fur trim to support animal welfare. Despite her Serbian roots, she identifies strongly with her Australian upbringing and holds Australian citizenship. Beyond these established facts, she became a central figure in the narrative surrounding the fight against the Rio Tinto Jadar lithium mine project in Serbia, publicly framing the struggle as a "Fight for Survival" in 2023. This environmental stance was further cemented when she appeared in the documentary series "Dig, Baby, Dig! Part 2: Serbia" in May 2025, continuing her advocacy on the ground. Another key chapter in her professional story involves her role as Detective Jo Petrovic in *Chicago P.D.*, introduced in 2024, which expanded her reach to new audiences following her earlier success as Bianca Samson in *Shameless*. Her journey began with academic excellence, graduating from NIDA in 2002 after being named Dux of McDonald College in Sydney in 1999, and she received an award from the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts in 2004 for her early work.[edit]

Novaković's family emigrated from Serbia to Australia in 1988, settling in Sydney when she was seven. Her parents made the move to escape the political instability of the former Yugoslavia, and they have supported her career from the start. She has spoken about the importance of family in her life, though she keeps details about her parents and any siblings private. As of 2026, she is not married and has no publicly known children. She lives a largely private life, with her focus on her work and activism. [edit]

Novaković has worked alongside several notable figures in film and television. She co-starred with Alan Cumming in Instinct, and with Margot Robbie in I, Tonya and Birds of Prey. Sam Raimi directed her in Drag Me to Hell, and she shared the screen with Stephen Curry in Thunderstruck. Her early film Blackrock featured Heath Ledger. [edit]

Bojana Novakovic has kept her romantic life almost entirely out of the public eye. There are no confirmed reports of her dating, being engaged, or marrying anyone throughout her career. She has never publicly introduced a partner, and she rarely discusses her personal life in interviews.

In 2026, she addressed the topic indirectly by rejecting what she called "celebrity parenting culture," emphasizing that she doesn't think it's useful for women to be told how to be mothers. This aligns with her broader stance on privacy and bodily autonomy. As of 2026, she is reportedly single, with no public relationship on the horizon. Her focus remains on her craft and her activism, and she seems content to keep that boundary firm. [edit]

As of 2026, iFANN currently estimates Bojana Novakovic's net worth at $2 Million. Her income primarily comes from her acting roles in film and television. For her work on the CBS series Instinct, she earned a standard network salary, likely in the range of $30,000 to $50,000 per episode. Her roles in major films like Birds of Prey and Drag Me to Hell would have paid her anywhere from $100,000 to $300,000 each, depending on her billing and contract. Unlike many of her peers, Novakovic has not pursued lucrative endorsement deals or launched business ventures, which keeps her earnings tied to her creative output. She also earns from her work as a director and writer, though those projects are more selective. Her net worth has grown steadily over the years, reflecting a consistent but not extravagant career. She lives modestly, and there are no public records of significant real estate holdings or investments.[edit]

Novakovic's most significant award is the AACTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role, which she won in 2004 for Love Me. That film, which she also co-wrote and directed, remains a highlight of her career. She has not received major international awards, but her work has been recognized in Australia and at various film festivals. [edit]