When Luhrmann translated "Strictly Ballroom" to the screen in 1992, Martin recreated her designs, earning praise and accolades (including awards from the Australian Film Institute). She garnered an Oscar nod for her second feature, Luhrmann's "William Shakespeare's 'Romeo + Juliet'" (1996). Martin created highly stylized, dazzling set pieces that utilized references from various time periods. Of particular note were the masquerade ball and the funeral sequence.

Their third feature collaboration, "Moulin Rouge!" (2002), the last in Luhrmann's "Red Curtain" trilogy was arguably the most successful. Faced with recreating Parisian streets as well as the titular nightspot on soundstages in Australia, Martin more than rose to the challenge. Her richly detailed sets and extravagant clothing (co-designed with Angus Straithie) provided much color and razzle dazzle to the film. Critics and audiences may have been divided over the merits of the musical, but there was no denying CM's contribution. The Motion Picture Academy, in particular, took note and awarded her Oscars for her work in two categories, Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design.