Australia’s film industry’s night of nights started with plenty of glamour as the stars headed down the AACTA award’s red carpet; then all eyes were on Russell Crowe as he took to the stage for his speech.
“The only expectation of someone who has decided to live a creative life is that you give – whether you’re a designer, a writer, director, actor, – the only expectation is that you give your skills, your intellect, everything is required in the process,” he said.
“Now that sounds simple, that when the lights go up, showtime. But that is a glamorous deception that there’s always a stage, a curtain, an audience, as a lot of you in this room know that deception of glamour is merely a marketing tool that we take advantage of when it suits us.
“Reality of a creative life is workdays that never finish, crippling impostor syndrome and the juggling act of trying to find a way to make a living in the gig economy.”
After scooping up a swathe of industry awards on Monday, it was Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis that shone brightest once again, winning four awards, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor for Austin Butler’s portrayal of the King and Best Supporting Actress for Olivia DeJonge’s role as Priscilla Presley.
The film won 11 AACTA Awards from 15 nominations across the two nights.
Two of the night’s biggest stars were Chris Hemsworth and Rebel Wilson, the latter presenting an award and making a crack at the Australian affair.
“I hosted the BAFTAs this year, look at me now,” Rebel Wilson deadpanned when she took to the stage. “Failing upwards!”
The Pitch Perfect star also took the opportunity to get in a few pithy remarks, with a special dig over the ‘outing’ she faced earlier this year.
“There’s been some big things that have happened in my life this year, big changes … I switched from dairy to soy,” she began.
Chris Hemsworth was presented with the AACTA Trailblazer Award by Russell Crowe, who said he only agreed to do the award if it was kept respectful and classy. That lasted for all the time it took to flash up a photo of Hemsworth from a much earlier – and shirtless – point in his career.
“Focusing on the achievements of the individual that we’re honouring. His versatility, his range, and his depth,” Crowe added, as more shirtless images were played.
Russell Crowe harked back to an earlier point in Chris Hemsworth’s career. Photo: GettyAll was forgiven as Crowe presented his fellow actor with the AACTA Trailblazer Award. Photo: Getty
In response, Hemsworth said he felt incredibly lucky to have a career in acting and have many adventures all over the world, crediting the people in the room for him being able to live out his dream.
He admitted he spent years watching Crowe’s film Gladiator, trying to replicate his demeanour for his own role in Thor, only to find himself starring opposite him in Thor: Love and Thunder.
“If you’re going to steal, steal from the best of them,” he said.
Back in the media room after receiving the award, Hemsworth said it is his goal to bring as many productions back to Australia as possible.
“I love working here and the talent, but also we have the opportunity to take advantage of such a diverse landscape.”
Stars dazzle on red carpet
Massive winners in shock
Thomas Weatherall, who played Malakai Mitchell in the show, won the AACTA Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama and he was shocked by the win.
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