The original Sapphires. photographed in their
St Kilda apartment 1966. From left: Laurel Robinson, Naomi Mayers(lead singer)
and Beverley Briggs Source: Supplied
Holly Byrnes, The Daily Telegraph, reports
Hollywood is about to turn on its bright
lights for the March 22 US premiere of The Sapphires, but first the AACTAs
spotlight will be turned this week on the real women behind the acclaimed
movie's success.
Set to share Wednesday night's red carpet with A-listers like Nicole
Kidman and Cate Blanchett, Laurel Robinson and Beverly Briggs admit there are
nerves ahead of taking a well-deserved bow for their role in inspiring the
smash hit movie.
It was Laurel's son Tony Briggs who retold the true story of his mother
and three aunts who were transformed into the first indigenous all-girl singing
group, fashioned to rival The Supremes and who would later tour Vietnam to
entertain the troops.
With 12 AACTA nominations, including best film, the foursome (which also
included Naomi Mayers and Lois Peeler) The Sapphires is poised to
continue the sweep which saw it bank $14.3 million at the box office.
Earning their own applause, the women will join Jessica Mauboy and a
choir of soul singers on stage at the end of the Australian Idol star's
performance of one of the sound track's hits, I'll Take You There.
Robinson said: "they asked us to sing with Jessica and the choir
but we said no..." with Briggs adding, "we'd be drowned out
anyway."
A humble Robinson, who is preparing to fly to Los Angeles for the
movie's US debut, said: "we'll just come out and take a bow, we're happy
with that."
Instead the elders sang the praises of Mauboy, who affirmed her movie
star potential in the comedy drama.
"She's amazing...she's just a little bundle of dynamite. Always
cheerful, always smiling," Robinson said.
Oscar-winner Russell Crowe will host the AACTAs (formerly the AFIs) to
be telecast on Channel 10 from 9.30pm.
No comments:
Post a Comment