Stephen Curry was back again hosting the AACTA Awards ceremony held at the Star Event Centre on 5th December. Much was made of the 60th anniversary of this event and how far the Industry has come over this time. Occasionally the ceremony is a victim of its own making in that past award winners have been recognised and work internationally or interstate and are unable to attend this year’s event despite being nominated.
Nevertheless such is the depth of talent in the film and television industry that the capacious Star Event Centre was filled to the brim.
The most prestigious award of the evening went to Bryan Brown who received the Longford Lyell Award for his body of work and his contribution to the film and television industry.
The Byron Kennedy Award went to Ian Darling of the Good Pitch Australia/ Documentary Australia Foundation.
Indigenous films were prominent in the Award nominations with the drama series Mystery Road and the movie Sweet Country.
As is the case in some Oscar ceremonies a film dominates the Awards and that film was Sweet Country winning six awards including Best Film, Best Director (Warwick Thornton), Best Cinematography (Warwick Thornton) and Best Lead Actor (Hamilton Morris – who had never acted before).
Among the other winners were Angourie Rice for Best Actress for ‘Ladies in Black’, Simon Baker for Best Supporting Actor for ‘Breath’, Nicole Kidman for Best Supporting Actress for ‘Boy Erased’. ‘Boy Erased’ also received an award for Best Adapted Screenplay.
‘Mystery Road’ and ‘Riot’ dominated the television categories, receiving three awards each including Best Drama series and Best Tele Feature or Mini Series respectively.
‘Riot’ won the best Lead Actor in a Television Drama for Damon Herriman and Best Lead Actress for first time winner Kate Box.
‘Mystery Road’ won both the best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress for Wayne Blair and Deborah Mailman.
For a complete list of award winners visit www.aacta.org
The audience also enjoyed Stephen Curry ‘s pre-recorded skits, Gina Riley and Jane Turner reprising their roles as Kath and Kim to present the award for Best Comedian for Hannah Gadsby. Other highlights included Vance Joy’s performance and Katie Noonan’s ‘In Memoriam’ tribute.
All pics by Ben Apfelbaum (c)
