Baz Luhrmann reveals how he and Catherine Martin maintain a long-lasting Hollywood marriage while living separate lives in Australia

Hollywood power couple Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin have been together for nearly three decades, but their approach to marriage might surprise fans.

On Elizabeth Day’s How To Fail podcast, Baz gave a rare peek into their relationship, revealing how two creative giants make it work despite living very separate lives.

“It’s absolutely real, just not traditional,” Baz explained.

He acknowledged the public’s curiosity about his 29-year marriage, joking about the theatricality of both his films and their life together.

“CM and I… people ask, ‘When did you get married?’ I honestly don’t remember. We’ve always just been together.”

Meeting at NIDA and Launching a Creative Partnership

Baz and Catherine first met in 1988 at the National Institute of Dramatic Art in Sydney.

Catherine was late, preoccupied with sewing, and feared she had made a poor first impression when she knocked on Baz’s office above a brothel in King’s Cross.

She recalls being startled by Baz and his collaborator Craig Pearce, both barefoot and in towels — an encounter she described as unforgettable.

Their collaboration started immediately.

Catherine worked on the stage version of Strictly Ballroom and later its 1992 film adaptation.

From that point on, she has contributed to every one of Baz’s films, earning multiple Academy Awards for Moulin Rouge! and The Great Gatsby.

Most recently, the pair designed a private dining and events carriage for the Belmond British Pullman train, set to launch from London Victoria in summer 2026.

Balancing Individuality and Togetherness

Though Baz and Catherine are a unit, they maintain distinct lives.

Baz emphasized that they need personal space, especially because their work surrounds them with teams and activity constantly.

“We worked out a long time ago that we both need space,” he said, explaining why they sleep in separate beds.

“We are surrounded by our teams of staff all day, every day… and we both needed time to ourselves.”

Catherine echoed the sentiment, noting that living on the Gold Coast offers her a work-life balance that allows daily beach walks and Pilates classes while Baz spends time in New York.

Their long-distance dynamic, especially during film productions like Elvis, has helped them sustain their relationship while focusing on their respective passions.

Family Life and Raising Children in the Spotlight

Baz and Catherine are proud parents to two children: Lilian Luhrmann, 22, and William Luhrmann, 20.

Lilian studied popular music, technology, and digital media at the University of Queensland, while William keeps a low-profile private life.

Baz shared with Elizabeth Day that their children often tease him, keeping him grounded and reminding him that family life has its humor.

Despite their nontraditional living arrangements, the couple maintains a strong commitment to each other.

Baz described marriage as a “contract” that works for both partners and emphasized that weddings also serve as a public declaration of their bond.

Hollywood Appearances and Life Away From the Spotlight

Even in the public eye, Baz and Catherine live life on their own terms.

In 2024, Baz attended a Taylor Swift concert in Sydney’s star-studded VIP box, without Catherine, highlighting their comfort with periods apart.

They recently downsized from a New York Gilded Age townhouse listed at $28 million to a seaside shack on the Gold Coast, marking a new “empty nester” chapter while still engaging in ambitious creative projects.

Baz reflected on their marriage philosophy in a TikTok video, noting that the essence of their union lies in authenticity and acceptance, not in conventional norms.

“Marriage is about advertising to other people that you love and care,” he said.

“But also about creating a contract with each other that works for both of you.”

What’s Next?

Baz and Catherine are poised to continue pushing creative boundaries.

Their private dining carriage on the Belmond British Pullman is just one example of new ventures, while Baz is expected to continue directing films from Australia.

Fans can anticipate further insight into their family and professional life as they balance long-distance projects with a close-knit home life on the Gold Coast.

Summary

Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin have built a long-lasting marriage that thrives on individuality, trust, and shared creative vision.

Living separately, sleeping in different beds, and balancing international careers, they have redefined what partnership can look like in Hollywood.

From award-winning films to innovative design projects, the couple demonstrates that love and commitment can take many forms while keeping a family grounded in humor and support.