Australian Film Awards Celebrates Australia's Impact On Entertainment Industry

Ruby Rose | Getty Images for Australians In Film

The Australian film industry celebrated Australia’s impact on the entertainment industry at the 8th Annual AiF Awards Gala and Benefit Dinner Wednesday at the Intercontinental Century City.

The annual star-studded Awards Gala and Benefit Dinner celebrates the achievements of Australian entertainment professionals and supports the foundation’s mission to usher Australian filmmakers into the international market and provide educational and career development programs.

Vin Diesel | Getty Images for Australians In Film

Vin Diesel presented Ruby Rose with the Create NSW Annette Kellerman Award. The xXx: The Return of Xander Cage co-stars formed a bond on the set of the high-octane action sequel.

“With Ruby, it’s such a deep, deep, deep love,” said Diesel.

“It’s so evident she is a trailblazer, but who she is to me, to my family, to my daughter, transcends all of this Hollywood stuff. Ruby Rose is a part of my heart.”

Diesel continued to tell the audience that Ruby entered his life during a tough time (referencing the late Paul Walker), and said, “Never in a million years could I have imagined that the hole in my heart would be filled by this actress.”

When Rose graced the stage upon receiving the award, she said:

“Sometimes I just need to be around Australians. It’s humbling and it’s grounding. This strange job can make you not feel grounded. When I’m in a room with a bunch of accents like mine, I feel at home.”

The Screen Australia Breakthrough Award, recognizing Australian screen talent who have had major international presence over the past year, was presented to Succession star Sarah Snook by actor Jason Clarke, to Hotel Mumbai director Anthony Maras by producer Al Ruddy and to Stranger Things star Dacre Montgomery, who accepted his award via a video message that was played at the event.

On receiving the Award Snook said: “Knowing you have someone in your corner and someone behind you means so much in this industry. This Award feels like you have a country in your corner and thank you so much for this.”

AFI Award-winning director, producer and screenwriter Phillip Noyce (Rabbit-Proof Fence, The Giver) presented Australian director Rachel Perkins (Total Control, Mystery Road) with the inaugural Animal Logic Entertainment Illuminate Award, in recognition of her incredible body of work, calling her a “true national treasure”.

In front a standing ovation Perkins’ said: “I heard someone call Australians in Film the first creative embassy of Australia and I really liked that. They’re a home for people trying to make their way in the world.”

Warner Bros’ President Worldwide Physical Production, Bill Draper, received the Ausfilm International Awardfor his contribution to the Australian film industry, presented by Lynne Benzie, President of Village Roadshow Studios.

The final award of the evening was the Orry-Kelly Award, which was awarded to Naomi Watts. The two-time Academy Award nominee has garnered several accolades throughout her career including nominations for a Screen Actors Guild Award and Golden Globe Award. She was recently seen in SHOWTIME’s® limited series The Loudest Voice alongside Russell Crowe and Sienna Miller and will next be seen in Penguin Bloom, alongside Andrew Lincoln and Jacki Weaver. Watts was presented the award by close friend and actor, Isla Fisher (Wedding Crashers).

“Naomi you are the most phenomenal actress of our generation,” said Fisher. “We love you so much.”

Watts said it was in Australia where she learned how to act. She went on:

“Back then Hollywood was the only film mecca. There was no Australians in Film back then, no Aussie community. This summer, after three decades, I got the chance to shoot in Australia again - one of the more memorable moments of my career. I wouldn’t have made it this far without so many incredible people along the way. I still feel lucky for having a career this long. I never would have imagined this. Thank you to Australians in Film, I wish to the high heavens you had been around when I first got here.”

The fundraising event was hosted by Australian singer-songwriter, comedian, writer and actor, Eddie Perfect (Offspring, Beetlejuice).