 Garner's acting career began as a child in the 1982 film "Monkey Grip" adapted from her mother's 1977 novel of the same name, which Alice featured in as a character, under the name of Gracie.She was nominated for an AFI Award for her role.She starred in "Love And Other Catastrophes" in 1996, winning the Film Critics Circle of Australia award for best supporting actress, and played the role of Carmen in the popular ABC TV series "SeaChange".