How Far We've Come

Last night was the Australian Film Institute (AFI) Awards, celebrating 50 years of Australian cinema, hosted by the hilarious Steven Curry, who I loved in The Castle. It was a fairly modest affair, featuring appearances by Marcia Hines, George Miller and Eric Bana, looking handsomely rugged and bearded, but Hugh Jackman – the Sexiest Man Alive – could not be there.

Summer Heights High won 2 awards (deservingly) for Best Comedy and Best Actor, with actor/writer Chris Lilley winning the Byron Kennedy Award. The Black Balloon also scooped up several, and Underbelly, not surprisingly, made a killing. I really should see it. It’s too bad it was banned in Victoria (all but 5 episodes of 13) – it’s so ironic, because we don’t live in Victoria, but we live close enough that we receive Victorian TV. The Hollowmen got the acknowledgment it deserved for best screenplay.

There was a wonderful tribute to Heath Ledger, who received an award for Best Actor. I really hope he wins the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, it would be a wonderful testament not only to his outstanding performance in The Dark Knight but recognition of his stunning body of work.

Australia’s favourite film, as voted by Australians as part of Australia’s Post stamp campaign, was The Castle. Among the top five were Muriel’s Wedding, Lantana, Gallipoli and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. The most prestigious award of the night – Best Film, obviously – went to The Black Balloon. The rest of my family have seen this (including my brother, against his will), and I'm definitely intrigued, as it stars Gemma Ward, who apparently isn't half bad.

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JAG