RUSSELL Crowe’s mainstream WWI drama The Water Diviner and Jennifer Kent’s little-seen horror film The Babadook have spilt the vote at this year’s AACTA Awards, tying for best film.
It’s the first time there’s been a dead heat in the main category since the long-running Australian film and television event (formerly known as the AFIs) took its current form in 1976.
Kent also took home the prestigious best director and best original screenplay awards for her haunting drama, featuring Essie Davis (Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries) as a single mother driven to distraction by a malevolent supernatural presence.
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It's a tie! @TheBabadook and @WaterDivinerANZ share the AACTA Award for Best Film #AACTAs
— AACTA (@AACTA) January 29, 2015 Davis was beaten in the best actress category, however, by rising star Sarah Snook who delivered a gender bending, time-travelling star turn in the sci-fi thriller Predestination, which also won best cinematography, best editing and best production design.
and Russell Crowe in The Water Diviner. Source: Supplied
Split decision ... Essie Davis in The Babadook Source: Supplied
And Crowe lost out to veteran indigenous performer David Gulpilil (Charlie’s Country) for best actor. Gulipil also won an acting award at the Cannes Film Festival for his charismatic performance in the semi-autobiographical film, directed by Rolf de Heer.
Star turn ... David Gulpilil in Charlie's Country, Source: Supplied
The audience gives David Gulpilil a standing ovation #AACTAs pic.twitter.com/h4Alv8uUHX
— AACTA (@AACTA) January 29, 2015 It’s the second year in a row that the AACTAs has played out as a David and Goliath-style battle - although in 2014, Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby ultimately outsparkled Laotian language longshot The Rocket when the awards were announced - taking home a record-equalling 13 gongs.
Happy men ... Gary Sweet and David Gulpili at the 4th AACTA Awards Ceremony at The Star in Sydney, Australia. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images Source: Getty Images
While The Water Diviner and The Babadook are both directorial debuts, Crowe’s film, which has taken more than $14 million at the box office, certainly had the popular vote.
The Babadook failed to resonate with Australian audiences when it opened in May, taking just $260,000 at the local box office.
Team effort ... Essie Davies and Jennifer Kent. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis. Source: News Corp Australia
But Kent’s film has been enthusiastically received overseas.
After winning the award, Kent said: “One thing I know is the rest of the world loves
Australian film and I hope one day we love it as much as they do.
“I would love to make more films here and I hope I do.”
Paying tribute to Kent, producer Kristina Ceyton said it had been an incredible ride “and we all know you are going places”.
The New York Film Critics Circle voted it best first feature in December.
And both Exorcist director William Friedkin and horrormeister Stephen King gave Kent an enthusiastic thumbs up ahead of the film’s US release.
PICTURES: AACTA AWARDS
Supporting AACTA president Geoffrey Rush’s comments on the strength and breadth of this year’s line-up, no one film dominated across all the categories.
Tight field ... Yilmaz Erogan (second from right) in a scene from The Water Diviner. Source: Supplied
Turkish actor Yilmaz Erdogan (The Water Diviner) edged out Robert Pattinson (The Rover), and Patrick Brammall and TJ Power (The Little Death) for best supporting actor at a star-studded awards ceremony at The Star Event Centre in Sydney.
Susan Prior (The Rover) won best supporting actress ahead of Erin James and Kate Mulvany (The Little Death) and Jacqueline McKenzie (The Water Diviner).
Rush’s dream hosts ... Cate Blanchett and Deborah Mailman at the 4th AACTA Awards. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images Source: Getty Images
Ukraine Is Not A Brothel won best feature-length documentary.
Television was similarly evenly spread.
Six-part ABC thriller The Code won best television drama series and best lead actor (Ashley Zukerman).
Leading the field ... Marta Dusseldorp as Janet King. Picture: ABC Source: Supplied
Marta Dusseldorp one best actress in a television drama for Janet King.
.@martaduss with her very 1st #AACTAs award for Best Lead Actress in a Television Drama for Janet King @ABCTV pic.twitter.com/IRJyEH8DQ9
— AACTA (@AACTA) January 29, 2015 Foxtel’s Devil’s Playground won best telefeature or mini-series.
The Voice Australia won best reality show. Hamish and Andy’s Gap Year South America won best light entertainment.
The Flamin’ Thongs won best children’s television series and Utopia won best comedy series.
Best Light Entertainment Series winners Hamish & Andy's Gap Year South America #AACTAs @hamishandandy pic.twitter.com/9iLgHosf4q
— AACTA (@AACTA) January 29, 2015 Veteran film and television writer and producer Andrew Knight was awarded the Longford Lyell lifetime achievement award. His credits include The Water Diviner, Rake and Full Frontal.
Fiercely independent filmmaker Amiel Courtin-Wilson won the Byron Kennedy Award, given to an individual or organisation whose work “embodies innovation and the relentless pursuit of excellence.”
MORE PICTURES: AACTA AWARDS
Kristen Wiig, Glenn Close and Geoffrey Rush are just some of the Hollywood stars who also heaped praised on Rose Byrne at the AACTA Awards.
Byrne was presented with the inaugural AACTA Trailblazer Award for her contribution to the industry.
Her Bridesmaids castmate Wiig said in a pre-recorded message that Byrne was one of her favourite people to work with.
“You’re amazing, so funny ... I’m sorry the only challenge you have is in the looks department,” Wiig deadpanned.
In love ... Rose Byrne and Bobby Cannavale at the 4th AACTA Awards Ceremony. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images Source: Getty Images
“You can’t have it all.” Her Damages co-star Close said she was so proud of Byrne, while Rush praised her performances, from falling in love with Brad Pitt in Troy, starring in Australian movies The Turning and Two Hands, or shining in the musical Annie and stealing the show in comedies like Bridesmaids.
“You’re mercurial, magnetic, soulful. A chameleon,” said Rush. “And tonight, you’re a trailblazer.” Bryne thanked the industry and her family, as well as boyfriend Bobby Cannavale “for coming all the way here, my darling”.
“It’s really dear to my heart,” she said of the award. “I’m so proud to be Australian and be part of our wonderful industry here.” Wiig and Close weren’t the only surprise international stars in the ceremony.
Colin Firth delivered a recorded message for The Railway Man, which is up for best film, and Ryan Gosling made a shock appearance too.
Speaking from the set of Nice Guys with Russell Crowe, Gosling helped present one of the awards, and even tried his hand at an Aussie accent.
“I’m honorary Australian,” he said. “I lived in NZ for two years so I’m sweet as `bro.”
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