AFI revamp 'influenced by US'
By Erin McWhirter
06dec06


OSCAR-winning actor Geoffrey Rush says the glitz of America's premium award ceremonies has influenced this year's annual Australian Film Institute (AFI) Awards.

Rush is set to host the event, with the cream of Australia's most successful Hollywood actors, including Cate Blanchett, Heath Ledger and Eric Bana presenting gongs on the night, in a new format.

“We looked at all those shows in America ... we wanted to revamp the show and capture some of the momentum of the exciting year we have had, with so many extraordinary films all converging on the one season,” Rush said.

“Two years ago we were in the doldrums ... this year we're on TV and in prime time.

“This year will be bright, breezy, lean and mean, and instead of having video crosses to our talent they will all be in the room.”

The Pirates of the Caribbean star has taken a hands on approach to the 48th AFI Awards ceremony, which will be held at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre tomorrow and televised on Channel 9 at 9.30pm.

It's extended even to the point of having Blanchett arrive via helicopter.

British Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe, director Baz Luhrmann and actors Sam Neill and Claudia Karvan are also confirmed to present awards.

“It's fantastic, all those names on the list I have worked with over the years, including Daniel Radcliffe, so it's going to be like spending the night with a lot of really good mates,” Rush said.

Black comedy Suburban Mayhem is nominated for the most awards, vying for prizes in categories ranging from best direction to original screenplay, cinematography, editing, sound, original music score, production and costume design.

Rush gushes as he talks about the thriving Australian film industry, with critically-acclaimed films, including Suburban Mayhem, Candy, Ten Canoes and Kenny, putting Australia on the map.

“Down the track it is going to be remembered as a triumphant and interesting year,” Rush said.

“But it's not going to be a flash in the pan ... we are in the middle of a movement ... you can just tell the breath of fresh air that has blown through with the diversity of these films.”

Up for best actor are Heath Ledger, Gabriel Byrne, Shane Jacobson and Steve Le Marquand.

Emily Barclay is nominated for best lead actress, against Abbie Cornish, Laura Linney and Teresa Palmer, a bunch of actors Rush admires.

“New key identities are coming through and it's fantastic,” he said.

“Two years ago Abbie Cornish was there with Somersault and now she is back with another kick arse performance (Candy). Emily Barclay does In My Father's Den and she's back with a great piece of work in Suburban Mayhem.

“The number of 20-somethings that are closely associated with the new drive in the industry is a very, very good thing.”

The star-studded affair will include a video message from Johnny Depp and performances by David Campbell and band Augie March.

Rush says the revamp is in preparation for the AFI's 50th anniversary and telecasting the ceremony abroad.

”We are building towards the 50th show,” Rush said.

“We are trying to modify, re-invent and streamline. Hopefully by the 50th it might be the kind of show where people say, 'We want to see this astonishing array of international actors,' who happen to come out of Australia.”

The only thing bothering Rush is nerves.

“I have some good healthy, scary nerves,” he said.

“Always at the 11th hour before I go on I say to myself, be really stylish, smart, sleek and keep the show driving through those presentations, because it's the night for the nominees and winners, not me.”


© Northern Territory News