Australia's Oscars - the AACTAs -move to a prime time screening on Channel Ten

AACTA President Geoffrey Rush with Nicole Kidman, Cate Blanchett and Russell Crowe at the 2013 AACTA Awards. Source: News Limited

 

 

 Neala Johnson, The Daily Telegraph, reports

The AACTA Awards are moving to prime time.

The AACTA (Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts) Awards have in past years struggled to find a broadcast home worthy of their place as Australia's answer to the Oscars, but today it was announced that Network Ten would broadcast the third AACTAs ceremony at 8.30pm on Thursday, January 30.

Announcing the partnership in Sydney today, AACTA President Geoffrey Rush said, "The reception and ongoing support of AACTA and the AACTA Awards activities both here and abroad over the past two years has been magnificent. I look forward to the continued opportunity to elevate and celebrate Australian screen achievements."

Ten was also the telecast partner for the awards in January of this year, but did not broadcast the event, hosted by Russell Crowe, until 9.30pm.

The big movie winners in 2013 were The Sapphires and Wish You Were Here, while Howzat! and Puberty Blues dominated the TV categories. Cate Blanchett and Nicole Kidman also attended the event.

Fourteen feature films are currently in competition for the 2014 AACTAs, with screenings to begin today so member voters can whittle the field down to the final nominees.

Next year's AACTAs will again be split over two days at Sydney's Star Event Centre, with an Awards Luncheon on January 28 focusing on more technical categories followed by the glitzy Awards Ceremony on January 30.

Has anyone seen Gemma Ward lately?

Gemma Ward. Picture: Colin Murty Source: The Daily Telegraph

The Daily Telegraph reports

She was set to make her long-awaited return to Sydney's social scene this week but elusive model Gemma Ward made an 11th-hour withdrawal from her homecoming.

Once a regular on the party circuit, the actress - who last year was an extra on The Great Gatsby - was confirmed to attend the AACTA awards on Wednesday night, as well as the opening of the new Christian Dior boutique in the city last night. However, Confidential understands her new agency, IMG Models, spoke with organisers of both events and cancelled Ward's appearances.

It was reported this month that, after signing with IMG, the doll-like Ward was returning to the runway after more than five years. There are rumours she will join new host Jennifer Hawkins on Australia's Next Top Model.

"It's been a long time but Gemma is on her way back. I don't know what happened this week with the no-shows, but we will be seeing her very soon," a source said.

"She's ready for her close-up, so to speak."

Ward's hiatus has been well documented. Following the death of boyfriend Heath Ledger in 2008, the Perth-born beauty shunned the spotlight while living in New York. Ward then made a triumphant return in 2011 during a three-month stint at Western Australia's State Theatre Complex in their production of The Ugly One, as well as appearing as queen of the mermaids in Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.

It was then that Ward opened up about Ledger's death and the effect it had on her, saying they were both "going through hard times" and agreed to be there for each other, without having a serious relationship. Two months later Ledger died.

Long queue for a drink as filmdom lets its hair down

Ryan Corr, Jessica McNamee and Erik Thomson. Picture: Stephen Cooper Source: The Daily Telegraph

The Daily Telegraph reports

He may have missed out on the Best Actor gong earlier in the night but it wasn't enough to slow Joel Edgerton down at the official AACTA's after-party on Wednesday night.

The Wish You Were Here star, who lost out to The Sapphires' Chris O'Dowd, hit The Star's Marquee with a vengeance with fiancee Lexi Blake in tow but was overheard opining the huge crowds made ordering drinks a lengthy task.

"Do you have any power at all to get me a drink?" he asked one passer-by before finally grabbing two glasses of white wine after moving to a different bar.

Another reveller who couldn't wait to wet his whistle was award winner Aaron Jeffery, who didn't even wait until the after-party to toast his victory in the TV acting category.

The Underbelly star, who told Confidential he still has around 5kg to lose after beefing up for his award-winning turn, was seen leaving The Star events centre (with statuette in hand) and emerged moments later in the food court where he and two pals slammed down tequila shots.

Howzat! star Lachy Hulme also looked relieved to unwind after the 90-minute ceremony and had no shortage of well-wishers on hand to give him a consoling pat on the back after his portrayal of Kerry Packer was eclipsed by Rake's Richard Roxburgh.

"You were robbed," seemed to be the recurring sentiment and the Offspring star admitted he was also surprised at the outcome.

"Perhaps I don't have the right connections at the top," he deadpanned to Confidential while nursing a drink and a cigarette.

Meanwhile, Marquee's Boombox Room lit up as the evening wore on, with nominee Sarah Snook earning her stripes as the night's dancefloor diva.

The flame-haired actress even made some modifications to her Christian Dior gown to allow her some extra wiggle room, tying the train in a knot before boogying the night away with a bunch of pals.

Russell Crowe in row with Pizza man

Russell Crowe. Source: The Daily Telegraph

The Daily Telegraph reports

The Star casino has confirmed it is investigating an incident at the AACTA Awards after an actor claimed he was ejected from the after-party on the orders of host Russell Crowe.

Alex Haddad, best known for his work on the Fat Pizza TV series, claims he was standing in the open-air area of Marquee nightclub inside the casino when he saw Crowe waiting nearby.

Asking for a photo with the Oscar winner, Haddad claimed Crowe "rudely declined and started to get abusive".

Haddad said he was then approached by security, taken out of the club and allegedly told to stay away from the Les Miserables star, who had earlier hosted the awards.

But once back inside, Haddad claims security told him to leave for good.

"I wasn't drinking as I don't have more than three drinks because of my liver transplant. I wasn't fighting, and I definitely wasn't harassing Russell," Haddad said. "Security told me Russell had asked for me to be removed."

Haddad said he paid $300 for his ticket to the awards and after-party and that he planned to take legal action.

Crowe, who arrived late at the party, stayed until the wee hours.

A spokesman for Crowe last night flatly denied the Hollywood star had anything to do with Haddad's removal, refuting claims he ordered security guards to order him from the after-party. Yesterday, a spokeswoman for The Star said CCTV footage from Marquee was being reviewed.

"We are investigating the matter,'' she said referring to the alleged incident.

 

Actor Alex Haddad. Picture: Bob Barker Source: The Daily Telegraph

The women behind The Sapphires movie to feature at AACTA Awards

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.

Kidman flying to rescue as Pattinson pulls plug

Robert Pattinson departs Melbourne airport for Adelaide. Picture: Splash New Source: The Daily Telegraph

The Daily Telegraph reports

R-Patz may be out but N-Kid is in ... hopefully.

Despite rumours that Adelaide's newest resident Robert Pattinson was to be the star guest at Wednesday's AACTA Awards, the trip to Sydney conflicts with the British babe's filming schedule on futuristic western The Rover, for which cameras are about to start rolling.

However, Nicole Kidman has emerged as the Twilight star's likely red carpet successor, with organisers hoping she will join Russell Crowe on Wednesday's ruby pile.

"It's looking more on than off," an insider said.

"She's attending the SAG (Screen Actors Guild) Awards on Sunday in LA, so it all just depends on whether she can get here in time."

Kidman is currently promoting gothic drama Stoker with fellow Aussie Mia Wasikowska and Matthew Goode.

Adding to the "on", Kidman's hubby Keith Urban kicks off his latest Aussie tour in Brisbane tonight and the Paperboy actress is expected to bring their daughters Sunday and Faith Down Under at some point soon.

Meanwhile Urban, who jumped from The Voice to American Idol last year, said he never planned to do a second season on the spinning chair Channel 9 series.

"The reason I couldn't is because I am making the record I had to put on the backburner when I was doing the first season," he told News Ltd.

VOTE: news.com.au Audience Choice Award for Most Memorable Screen Moment

Pictures: Supplied Source: Supplied

The Daily Telegraph reports

This year, the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts has identified 20 of the finest moments that viewers throughout Australia were treated to both on the small and large screens.

Now it's time to have your say, by voting in the news.com.au Audience Choice Award for Most Memorable Screen Moment.

The award will be announced at the 2nd AACTA Awards Ceremony on Wednesday 30th January at The Star's brand new Event Centre in Sydney.

And you could be there!

Vote now and go in the draw to win the major prize of a 'VIP Money Can't Buy' experience.

The candidates are:

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST REALITY TELEVISION SERIES

The Amazing Race Australia

Self-confessed cougar, Sarah and her on-again off-again boyfriend James take on the "catch an oily pig" detour challenge at a traditional Filipino fiesta. Sarah's choice of attire, rather than her pig catching ability, has the locals gasping.

MasterChef Australia - Series 4

Jamie Oliver has shown millions worldwide how to prepare simple food, well. He is a campaigner who has changed the way we eat and the way animals for the table are reared. The regular geezer changed the food world for the better. To inspiring chefs he is a role model. To MasterChef Contestants he is a hero ...

My Kitchen Rules - Series 3

MKR's Italian stallions, Nic and Rocco, kicked off their campaign in the cooking competition in style. They received the highest ever score in an instant restaurant for their three course menu. The icing on the cake was receiving a perfect score from the judges for their decadent gateau opera dessert.

The Voice

17-year-old Rachael Leahcar took to The Voice stage wanting to be known as a singer who happened to be blind, not a blindsinger. Her evocative rendition of “La Vie En Rose” moved all four coaches and began her journey with Delta all the way to the Finale.

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST TELEVISION DRAMA SERIES

Puberty Blues

Sue (Brenna Harding) is embarrassed when her drunken parents (Susie Porter and Dan Wyllie) decide to skinny dip.

Rake - Season 2

Cleaver Greene is invited to a birthday party at Barney and Scarlett's place. He is on his best behaviour but when an inebriated party clown prods and pokes about his affair with the conservative NSW premier there is only so much a man can take.

Redfern Now

Grace tells her husband that although she loves him and the kids she doesn't like them and their spoilt behaviour. And she's leaving.

Tangle - Season 3

Christine (Catherine McClements) has been taking everyone else’s advice for way too long. Finally she explodes at a deserving target – the psychologist (Maud Davey).

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST TELEFEATURE OR MINI SERIES

Beaconsfield

12 days in, nature finally has its way. Todd (Lachy Hulme) is disgusted when Brant (Shane Jacobson) has to play out an involuntary poo joke.

Devil's Dust

Whilst John Reid, CEO of James Hardie Industries praises the progress of the company and its future without asbestos, Bernie Banton visits the dying victims in hospital.

Howzat! Kerry Packer's War

Kerry Packer (Lachy Hulme) doesn’t take bad news nor criticism well. He vents his spleen at his long suffering executive Gavin Warner (Craig Hall).

Underground

Julian makes contact with Detective Roberts over the internet and taunts him by making all the phones in the police department ring simultaneously.

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST FILM

Burning Man

In a fragment of Tom's increasingly unstable life, his fury and desire hurtles him towards inevitable disaster.

Lore

In the midst of her journey across ravaged post war Germany, Lore's long standing prejudices are challenged by the mysterious Thomas.

The Sapphires

Dave Lovelace, passionate devotee of soul music, attempts to describe to The Sapphires what he means by ‘sounding blacker’. His ecstatic evocation of the power of soul leaves Gail, Kay, Cynthia and Julie speechless and inspired.

Wish You Were Here

A drunk and confused Alice takes a drive on a rainy night. Relived when she doesn't get pulled up at a roadside RBT her concentration lapses and the unexpected happens.

HIGHEST GROSSING FILM AT THE AUSTRALIAN BOX OFFICE

Kath & Kimderella

After the Royal Wedding of Kim to Prince Julio the family appear on the castle balcony where Kath makes a revolutionary speech to the angry people of Papilloma, assisted by the official palace signer.

A Few Best Men

As her daughter's wedding spirals out of control, conservative Barbara (Olivia Newton-John) walks in on the best men (Kris Marshall & Kevin Bishop) doing cocaine in her Senator husband's study.

Mental

Uptight Auntie Doris is introduced to the Moochmores' new nanny Shaz and her extra friendly dog Ripper.

Housos vs Authority

Franky is always in trouble with the 'coppas' or the ladies. Sometimes he's in trouble with both at the same time. 

Auditioning Now! Sponsors for the 2013 AACTA Awards

AACTA President Geoffrey Rush was quoted saying he'd ''hate to see, for financial reasons, the whole thing (AACTA Awards) come to an unnecessary full stop''. Picture: Gary Ramage Source: PerthNow

Neala Johnson, News Limited Network, reports

The show will go on - even though Australia's answer to the Oscars has lost a major sponsor.

Australian Film Institute CEO Damian Trewhella remains upbeat after it was revealed the AACTA Awards had lost its naming-rights sponsor Samsung.

Industry magazine Encore reported AACTA President Geoffrey Rush as saying he'd ''hate to see, for financial reasons, the whole thing come to an unnecessary full stop''.

Trewhella said the situation is ''not that bad at all''.

''I wouldn't like to be seen to be contradicting Geoffrey too much, but ultimately I don’t think the risk on the scale is a fatal risk,'' Trewhella said.

''GR has been the most phenomenal leader as Pres, and if his remarks help mobilise the corporate sector to get behind us, that's great. It's a call to action.''

Trewhella expects the 2013 AACTA Awards to have great cut-through with the general public and media after a string of populist movie releases this year, including The Sapphires and Kath & Kimderella, and high-rating TV shows.

''There's always swings and roundabouts every year, and this year has been a great swing with The Sapphires, Mental, Howzat, The Voice - it's quite an incredible time. It's probably going to be the best Awards we’ve seen for a long time.''

Samsung had been a major sponsor of the former AFI Awards since 2006, taking over naming-rights in 2009.

It was the title sponsor of this year's inaugural AACTAs (Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts), which were revamped during 2011 to align Australia's awards season with those in Hollywood and Britain.

Trewhella quashed fears the AACTAs might collapse just a year after the relaunch.

''The show is going on and it will be going on at full speed. It could be going on at extra speed if we have that particular sponsorship category filled,'' he said.

''Fortunately, it isn't the sky falling. Sponsorship is always a difficult matter but it only makes up one portion of the overall support base. It's not ideal. But it's a great opportunity for another naming-rights partner now.

''Geoffrey, Rusty (Russell Crowe), Cate Blanchett - everybody's behind this. It's a really great event that went very well last year. We've got a few months left to go - if there's somebody out there looking to align their brand with the pinnacle of the Australian film and television industry, here’s the opportunity.''

The AACTAs are hoping to pin down potential replacements within the next six to seven weeks as they work towards announcing nominations for the 2013 Awards in late November.

The AACTA Awards will be handed out in late January in Sydney.

The big winners at the 2012 Awards were Red Dog, Snowtown, The Slap and East West 101.

Blooper mars Elliott's coming out

''A big white elephant in the room we never talked about'' … Stephan Elliott found it hard to come out as gay, even after directing Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.

Andrew Taylor, The Sydney Morning Herald, reports

Stephan Elliott does not regret coming out at last week's AACTA awards, but admits he made a serious verbal gaffe that implied he was afraid of his family.

''I basically was scared that I was gay,'' Elliott told the audience. ''Even after Priscilla[Queen of the Desert], I stayed offshore basically because I was frightened of my family.''

However, the director has told The Sun-Herald he meant to say he was frightened ''for my family. Yep.''

Elliott said he was not worried they would verbally or physically abuse him for being gay.

''No,'' he said. ''No way in the world. It was just kind of a big white elephant in the room that we never talked about.''

He is circumspect about why he said he was scared: ''I can't really, for their protection, go into it but it's family-related.''

Elliott, 47, was born in beachside Dee Why and grew up in nearby St Ives, the middle child of three and the son of steel-sheeting entrepreneur Peter Elliott. He attended Sydney Grammar School and admitted he had a privileged, if not always happy, upbringing.

Elliott, whose new film is the comedy A Few Best Men, was rebellious.

''I bucked the system by not doing what I should have done, which is what everyone wanted me to be, which is become a doctor or a lawyer or a grown-up,'' he said.

Elliott said he never intended to publicly reveal his sexuality at the award ceremony, saying: ''I honestly didn't mean to go there. I just had a moment.''

Reflecting on his public coming out, he said: ''It did actually hit me pretty hard. It's a weird moment. A weight comes off.''

The revelation, he said, was not a ploy to help publicise his new film.

''It had nothing to do with promoting the film. If anything, it could do more damage. I mean, publicists from my end were furious.''

Elliott said he was dismayed by what he termed ''the marriage equality war'' playing out in Australia, which he said had fallen behind the rest of the world in respecting the rights of homosexuals.

He admitted he had not fought for gay rights in the past.

''I've played a very non-political role all my life,'' he said. ''Honestly, I've been a bit lazy.''

The turning point was Elliott's life-threatening skiing accident in the French Alps in 2004, after which he was given 15 minutes to live. Despite being told he was going to die, Elliott said his partner, Will Bevolley, whom he married in a civil ceremony in Britain four years ago, was not allowed in the ambulance because he was not family.

''God, I've been with the man for 16 years,'' he said. ''I've just been told I'm going to die and they won't let me talk to him?''

'Charlie's Angels' Rachael Taylor: 'I will always do Australian films'

© Rex Features

Rebecca Davies, Digital Spy, reports

Rachael Taylor has revealed that she will "always" support the Australian film industry.

The Charlie's Angels actress, who recently starred in AACTA Award-winning movie Red Dog, said that she doesn't see why films from her home country can't appeal to international viewers.

Taylor told The Daily Telegraph: "I will always come back to do Australian films. I've done four over the busiest five years of my career and I would like to keep it that way, because I am so passionate about the Australian film industry. I think it matters.

"I think we can make films that people go and see. And I don't think it's too much to ask that films in this country make a profit and that we embrace them. There's a place for all different types of films, but it was so great to see Australian audiences passionately get behind something [with Red Dog].

Taylor, who lives in Los Angeles, is currently visiting Australia to promote her latest film Any Questions for Ben?, in which she stars opposite real-life boyfriend Josh Lawson.

She also attended the AACTA Awards ceremony in Sydney on Tuesday (January 31) and said that she enjoys "red carpet moments for what they are", adding: "Every girl likes a fab outfit."

Film critic responds to director’s rant

Colin Delaney, Encore Magazine, reports

The film critic on the receiving end of a rant by a director at Tuesday’s inaugural AACTA Awards after giving the film a negative review has told Encore that there was no personal attack to the director.

During the AACTA Awards, A Few Best Men director Stephan Elliott attacked The Age’s Jim Schembri over the critic’s review of the film, accusing Schembri of personal attacks. The attack was removed from Nine’s broadcast of the show.

Schembri on behalf of himself and The Age told Encore: “We respect Stephan Elliott’s right to bite back at negative reviews. However, we never engage in personal attacks in film reviews and cannot see how referring to him as ‘having proved himself worthy of so much better’ constitutes one.

“Also, journalists must never feel any obligation whatsoever to “support” Australian films, only good ones. Stephan Elliott showed with Easy Virtue how talented and accomplished a director he is, and we look forward very much to his next film.”

Schembri went on to congratulate the production for marketing the film well, something the critic felt Australian films lacked.

“Despite what we thought of A Few Best Men, we applaud how well-marketed the film was. Poor marketing has dogged the Australian film industry for far too long and it was heartening to see such a critical issue being taken seriously.”

A Few Best Men’s opening weekend is the highest grossing opener of the past 12 months, surpassing Red Dog’s $1.8m, to take $1.9m.

The incident on Tuesday night was not the first time Schembri has been on the receiving end of an awards-night attack. At the 2008 AFI Awards Jimmy Jack, writer of feature film The Black Balloon read Schembri’s review of the film as he accepted the award for best original screenplay before saying “Fuck You Jim Schembri.” That was also removed from Nine’s broadcast of the show. 

AACTA Awards 2012 Opening Number

Olivia performs an updated version of the classic 1960s track, Daydream Believer, as well as her brand new song, Weightless, written for her by John and Max Farrar

Olivia Newton-John opened the AACTA Awards 2012 show, formerly known as the AFI Awards, by performing a medley of songs, Daydream Believer and Weightless, from the soundtrack of her new movie, A Few Best Men.

Surrounded by top notch dancers from Brent Street Studios, Olivia blew the lid off the Sydney Opera House with a solid performance choreographed by So You Think You Can Dance’s Jason Gilkison.

The AACTA Awards celebrate the achievements of Australian artists in both film and television. The show took place on Tuesday 31 January and was broadcast by Channel Nine.
 

Style is back but sexy takes a seat

2012 Samsung AACTA Awards Ceremony at Sydney Opera House. Red Carpet. Cate Blanchett. Picture: Adam Ward

Damien Woolnough, The Australian, reports

AT local awards shows the only certainty is that fashion will be the biggest loser. From the Brownlows to the Logies, our national sense of style has suffered but glimpses of glamour and hope emerged on the red carpet at the Sydney Opera House for last night's inaugural AACTA awards.

With the arrival of Cate Blanchett looking like a style gladiatrix in gold Alexander McQueen, memories of Melbourne celebrity Brynne Edelsten in dresses fit for the Playboy mansion or broadcaster Susie Elelman's dangerous decolletage at the Logies were finally erased.

Most actresses could be forgiven for skipping the red carpet at the sight of Blanchett glistening in the distance but a new breed of starlets rose to the challenge.

Most took safety in basic black, with Radha Mitchell wearing a Grecian-style dress with knotted straps by Bianca Spender, and Elizabeth Debicki from the upcoming The Great Gatsby making a black Collette Dinnigan dress with a pineapple motif the unexpected height of chic.

Red Dog actress Rachael Taylor passed on a Gucci dress to wear black Dion Lee with sheer panels, causing double takes in the photographers' pit. Following a similarly sexy path was Megan Gale who fought for breath in a black lace dress with a plunging neckline by Alex Perry.

Most guests bypassed sexiness and goddess gowns for dresses they could sit down in. Claudia Karvan made green animal print by Dolce & Gabbana look elegant and comfortable, with a practical below-the-knee hemline, and Jane Eyre actress Mia Wasikowska looked at ease in a baby-doll blush dress by Miu Miu.

"The overall standard of the Australian red carpet has improved," says celebrity stylist Kelly Smythe, who dressed model Samantha Harris in floor-length black Alex Perry. "People now have greater access to international designers and they're more willing to seek out stylists for help."

Department store David Jones sponsored the event and helped actresses avoid the aesthetic pitfalls that can lead to worst-dressed lists. They also provided ambassador Miranda Kerr in bronze Collette Dinnigan, to lift the style standard in an emergency but it was unnecessary - Blanchett had already scored gold.

AACTA Awards 2012: winners

Picture: AACTA Awards, courtesy of TV Tonight

David Knox, TV Tonight, reports

The inaugural AACTA Awards, the revamped AFI Awards, have been staged at the Sydney Opera House and broadcast on Nine.

The Red Carpet was hosted by Richard Wilkins and Julia Morris, but the interview with Megan Gale turned into an advertorial for David Jones (complete with in-store footage), not exactly fitting for a prestigious event looking to realign itself. That said, the Tim Minchin song for Red Dog in the foyer was pure Australiana.

Picture: Olivia Newton-John, courtesy of TV Tonight

Olivia Newton-John opened the show with a medley, looking as glam as ever. She was followed by Cate Blanchett, AACTA President and Geoffrey Rush.

 Picture: Geoffrey Rush, courtesy of TV Tonight

TV NOMINEES include (winners in bold):

AUDIENCE AWARD FOR BEST PERFORMANCE (News. Ltd. voted)
Erik Thomson (Packed to the rafters)
Rebecca Gibney (Packed to the Rafters)
Jeremy Lindsay Taylor (Underbelly Razor)
Asher Keddie (Paper Giants)

Asher Keddie won for Paper Giants but during her speech began to thank the Offspring team -this was edited out of the Nine broadcast

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST TELEFEATURE, MINI SERIES OR SHORT RUN SERIES
• Cloudstreet. Greg Haddrick, Brenda Pam. FOXTEL – Showcase
• Paper Giants: The Birth Of Cleo. John Edwards, Karen Radzyner. ABC1
• Sisters Of War. Andrew Wiseman. ABC1
• The Slap. Tony Ayres, Helen Bowden, Michael McMahon. ABC1

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST LIGHT ENTERTAINMENT TELEVISION SERIES
• The Gruen Transfer, Series 4. Andrew Denton, Anita Jacoby, Jon Casimir. ABC1
• Hungry Beast, Series 3. Andrew Denton, Anita Jacoby, Andy Nehl, Jon Casimir. ABC1
• Judith Lucy’s Spiritual Journey. Todd Abbott. ABC1
• Junior MasterChef, Series 1. Tara McWilliams. Network Ten
• RocKwiz. Brian Nankervis, Ken Connor, Peter Bain-Hogg, Joe Connor. SBS

Uh oh, we’re getting awards trimmed from the broadcast. Not wise for the first event…

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST TELEVISION DRAMA SERIES
• East West 101, Season 3 – The Heroes’ Journey. Steve Knapman, Kris Wyld. SBS
• Offspring, Season 2. John Edwards, Imogen Banks. Network Ten
• Rake. Ian Collie, Peter Duncan, Richard Roxburgh. ABC1
• Spirited, Season 2. Claudia Karvan, Jacquelin Perske. FOXTEL – W

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST LEAD ACTOR IN A TELEVISION DRAMA
• Rob Carlton. Paper Giants: The Birth Of Cleo. ABC1
• Alex Dimitriades. The Slap. ABC1
• Don Hany. East West 101, Season 3 – The Heroes’ Journey. SBS
• Jonathan LaPaglia. The Slap. ABC1

INAUGURAL SAMSUNG AACTA AWARDS NOMINEES (includes film)
AACTA AWARD FOR BEST YOUNG ACTOR
• Olivia DeJonge. Good Pretender.
• Emma Jefferson. My Place, Series 2 – Episode 17 ’1848 – Johanna’. ABC3
• Lara Robinson. Cloudstreet – Part 1. FOXTEL – Showcase
• Lucas Yeeda. Mad Bastards.

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST GUEST OR SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A TELEVISION DRAMA
• Richard Cawthorne. Killing Time – Episode 2. FOXTEL – TV1
• Aaron Fa’aoso. East West 101, Season 3 – The Heroes’ Journey – Episode 18 ‘The Price Of Salvation’. SBS
• Jacek Koman. Spirited, Season 2 – Episode 2 ‘Time After Time’. FOXTEL – W
• Todd Lasance. Cloudstreet – Part 3. FOXTEL – Showcase

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST GUEST OR SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION DRAMA
• Diana Glenn. The Slap – Episode 3 ‘Harry’. ABC1
• Rena Owen. East West 101, Season 3 – The Heroes’ Journey – Episode 18 ‘The Price Of Salvation’. SBS
• Susie Porter. Sisters Of War. ABC1
• Lara Robinson. Cloudstreet – Part 1. FOXTEL – Showcase

Three more awards edited out of the broadcast…..

AUDIENCE AWARD FOR BEST TV PROGRAM (News. Ltd. voted)
MasterChef Australia
Packed to the Rafters
Paper Giants
Underbelly Razor

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST LEAD ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION DRAMA
• Essie Davis. Cloudstreet. FOXTEL – Showcase
• Kerry Fox. Cloudstreet. FOXTEL – Showcase
• Asher Keddie. Paper Giants: The Birth Of Cleo. ABC1
• Sarah Snook. Sisters Of War. ABC1

So we have time to show a preview for a US movie about super-heroes but not time to hear from Australian winners? What the?

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST DIRECTION IN TELEVISION
• Paper Giants: The Birth Of Cleo – Episode 1. Daina Reid. ABC1
• The Slap – Episode 1 ‘Hector’. Jessica Hobbs. ABC1
• The Slap – Episode 3 ‘Harry’. Matthew Saville. ABC1
• Small Time Gangster – Episode 1 ‘Jingle Bells’. Jeffrey Walker. FOXTEL – Movie Network

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST SCREENPLAY IN TELEVISION
• Cloudstreet – Part 3. Tim Winton, Ellen Fontana. FOXTEL – Showcase
• Laid – Episode 3. Kirsty Fisher. ABC1
• The Slap – Episode 1 ‘Hector’. Kris Mrksa. ABC1
• The Slap – Episode 3 ‘Harry’. Brendan Cowell. ABC1

3 more awards edited out of the night, but hey Disney has a new film coming this year, now here’s a trailer.

Russell Crowe introduces Megan Washington who sings the In Memoriam segment. Lots of talented faces we have lost…

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST TELEVISION COMEDY SERIES
• At Home With Julia. Rick Kalowski, Greg Quail, Carol Hughes. ABC1
• Laid. Liz Watts. ABC1
• twentysomething. Nicole Minchin. ABC2

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST PERFORMANCE IN A TELEVISION COMEDY
• Alison Bell. Laid. ABC1
• Jess Harris. twentysomething. ABC2
• Chris Lilley. Angry Boys. ABC1
• Celia Pacquola. Laid. ABC1

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST CHILDREN’S TELEVISION SERIES
• a gURLs wURLd. Noel Price. Nine Network
• Gasp! Suzanne Ryan. Nine Network
• H2O: Just Add Water, Series 3. Jonathan M. Shiff. Network Ten
• My Place, Series 2. Penny Chapman. ABC3

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST VISUAL EFFECTS (incl. film)
• Cloudstreet. Scott Zero. FOXTEL – Showcase
• Legend Of The Guardians: The Owls Of Ga’Hoole. Grant Freckelton.
• Sanctum. David Booth, Peter Webb, Ineke Majoor, Glenn Melenhorst.
• The Hunter. Felix Crawshaw, James Rogers.

AACTA AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN TELEVISION SCREEN CRAFT
• Herbert Pinter ‐ Production Design. Cloudstreet. FOXTEL ‐ Showcase

DOCUMENTARY
AACTA AWARD FOR BEST FEATURE LENGTH DOCUMENTARY
• Life In Movement. Sophie Hyde, Bryan Mason.
• Mrs Carey’s Concert. Bob Connolly, Helen Panckhurst, Sophie Raymond. ABC1
• Shut Up Little Man! An Audio Misadventure. Sophie Hyde, Matthew Bate.
• The Tall Man. Darren Dale. SBS

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST DOCUMENTARY UNDER ONE HOUR
• The Ball. Yael Bergman, Laura Waters, Jessica Leski. ABC1
• Jandamarra’s War. Andrew Ogilvie, Andrea Quesnelle, Eileen Torres. ABC1
• Leaky Boat. Penny Chapman. ABC1
• Orchids: My Intersex Adventure. Phoebe Hart. ABC

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST DOCUMENTARY SERIES
• Immigration Nation, The Secret History Of Us. Jacob Hickey, Alex West, Lucy Maclaren. SBS
• Outback Fight Club. Paul Scott, Isabel Perez. SBS
• Outback Kids. Mike Bluett, Mark Hamlyn, Marc Radomsky. ABC1
• SAS – The Search for Warriors. Julia Redwood, Ed Punchard. SBS

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST DIRECTION IN A DOCUMENTARY
• Life In Movement. Bryan Mason, Sophie Hyde.
• Mrs Carey’s Concert. Bob Connolly, Sophie Raymond. ABC1
• Shut Up Little Man! An Audio Misadventure. Matthew Bate.
• The Tall Man. Tony Krawitz. SBS

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY IN A DOCUMENTARY
• Jandamarra’s War. Allan Collins ACS, Jim Frater, Rusty Geller SOC. ABC1
• Mrs Carey’s Concert. Bob Connolly. ABC1
• Out Of The Ashes. David Parer ACS. ABC1
• The Tall Man. Germain McMicking. SBS

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST EDITING IN A DOCUMENTARY
• Leaky Boat. Lawrie Silvestrin. ABC1
• Mrs Carey’s Concert. Sophie Raymond, Ray Thomas ASE, Nick Meyers ASE. ABC1
• Shut Up Little Man! An Audio Misadventure. Bryan Mason.
• The Tall Man. Rochelle Oshlack. SBS

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST SOUND IN A DOCUMENTARY
• Jandamarra’s War. Laurie Chlanda, Glenn Martin, Ric Curtin, Ash Gibson Greig, Petris Torres. ABC1
• Mrs Carey’s Concert. Sophie Raymond, Bob Scott, Doron Kipen. ABC1
• murundak – songs of freedom. Emma Bortignon, Michael Letho, Peter Smith, Christopher O’Young, Simon Walbrook. SBS
• Shut Up Little Man! An Audio Misadventure. Jonny Elk Walsh, Pete Best, Tom Heuzenroeder,
Emma Bortignon, Scott Illingworth.