For Emile Sherman, it is a time for celebrating success but also reflecting on the disturbing revelations involving disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein.

The Australian producer who won a best picture Oscar for The King's Speech has two productions dominating nominations for this year's Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards.

The international cinema hit Lion has 12 nominations and TV series Top of the Lake: China Girl has 11.

"They're both examples of Australian film and television that really have travelled internationally as well as getting big audiences locally," Sherman said. "So we're totally thrilled."

But he has been shocked at the scandal surrounding Weinstein, who championed The King's Speech and Lion at the Academy Awards.

As well as best picture, The King's Speech won best director and two other Oscars in 2011, while Lion had six nominations including best picture this year.

"It was incredibly distressing to learn what's happened," Sherman said of the more than 60 women who have come forward with allegations of sexual assault or sexual harassment against Weinstein. "Hopefully, this is a turning point not only in our industry but also for men in power in general."

Sherman said he had no inkling of Weinstein's behaviour towards women.

"We knew he was relentless in all his activities and relentless on behalf of movies, campaigning for them, and relentless in his working style. But to learn how it was applied to young women was very distressing."

Before the scandal, director Garth Davis' follow-up to Lion, the yet-to-be-completed Mary Magdalene, was considered an Oscars contender for the Weinstein Company next year. It stars Rooney Mara in the title role and Joaquin Phoenix as Jesus.

Lion is nominated in every eligible category except best actress at the AACTAs, including best film, director, best actor for young Sunny Pawar and supporting acting nominations for Dev Patel and Nicole Kidman.

"Lion I'm incredibly proud of," Sherman said. "It's an Australian story with Australian characters shot in Australia and India, with many Australian actors.

"It's almost unprecedented the success it's had if you combine the box office with the awards recognition."