Russell Crowe praises the Queensland government for focusing on the film industry after they were announced as the new hosts of the AACTA Awards
Russell Crowe praised the Queensland government for its focus on Australian films after the state was announced to host AACTA for the next three years.
The Gladiator star, 58, flew to the Gold Coast on Saturday to announce that the Australian Academy of Film and Television Arts Awards are leaving Sydney.
Crowe, who is chair of the AACTA, which is known informally as the ‘Down Under Oscars’, said he was delighted that the Queensland government was recognizing Australian cinema.
Russell Crowe (pictured) praised the Queensland government for its focus on Australian films after the state was announced as the host of AACTA for the next three years.
He said in a statement: “Queensland, in terms of film production right now, is leading the way, so we want to be here and we want to be involved.”
“I like the way the government here has been very interested in their approach to making sure the industry here is growing.”
The New Zealand-born actor added that he was delighted to have the opportunity to frequently travel to the Gold Coast for work.
The Gladiator star, 58, flew to the Gold Coast on Saturday to announce that the Australian Academy of Film and Television Arts Awards are leaving Sydney.
The Queensland government has reportedly spent $3 million to secure the AACTAs away from New South Wales, which will be broadcast globally in the future to shine a light on Australian talent.
Australian director Baz Luhrmann’s lavish Elvis biopic cleaned up at the 2022 AACTAs, taking home the Best Film award.
It comes just days after Crowe proved that talent runs in his family when he took the stage at The Hoey Moey pub in Coffs Harbor with his son Charles.
Crowe, who is chair of the AACTA, known informally as the ‘Down Under Oscars’, said he was delighted that the Queensland government was recognizing Australian cinema.
The actor was in his element as he belted out some tunes with various acts, including new Australian Idol judge Amy Shark.
He owned the stage at the Indoor Garden Party, joining his band The Gentlemen Barbers while all dressed in matching black suits.
The event, which is the brainchild of Crowe, Alan Doyle, Scott Grimes and Kevin Durand, also featured the likes of Lorraine O’Reilly, Janet Devlin, Myth of Her and the Jennen String Quartet.
The New Zealand-born actor added that he was delighted to have the opportunity to frequently travel to the Gold Coast for work.