Films The Water Diviner and The Babadook and drama television series The Code have emerged as the big winners from Thursday night’s AACTA Awards in Sydney.
Horror film The Babadook and the Russell Crowe led Water Diviner, a tale of an Australian father who travels to Turkey following the Battle of Gallipoli in search of his three missing sons, shared Best Film honours while ABC series The Code was recognised with Best Drama Series, Best Television Direction plus awards for cast members Ashley Zukerman (Best Lead Actor in a Television Drama) and Chelsie Preston Crayford (Best Supporting Actress in a Television Drama).
Cate Blanchett and Deborah Mailman co-hosted the proceedings as the biggest names in current Australian film and television were joined in attendance by Geoffrey Rush, Alessandro Del Piero and Rose Byrne. Ryan Gosling even made a surprise guest screen appearance, joining Russell Crowe’s presentation for best supporting actress award via live video link from the set of their new movie The Nice Guys.
Check out the major award winners below or the full list of winners at the official AACTA website.
Best Film
The Water Diviner – Andrew Mason, Keith Rodger and Troy Lum
The Babadook – Kristina Ceyton and Kristian Moliere
Best Lead Actor In A Film
David Gulpilil for Charlie’s Country
Best Lead Actress In A Film
Sarah Snook for Predestination
Best Supporting Actor In A Film
Yilmaz Erdogan for The Water Diviner
Best Supporting Actress In A Film
Susan Prior for The Rover
Best Film Director
Jennifer Kent – The Babadook
Best Television Drama
The Code (ABC)
Best Lead Actor in a Television Drama
Ashley Zukerman for The Code
Best Lead Actress in a Television Drama
Marta Dusseldorp for Janet King
Best Television Screenplay
Josh Thomas – Please Like Me (Season 2, Episode 7)
Best Performance In A TV Comedy
Debra Lawrence – Please Like Me
Best Light Entertainment Show
Hamish and Andy’s Gap Year, South America
Best Television Direction
The Code (ABC)
Best Television Comedy
Utopia (ABC)
Best Reality Television Show
The Voice (Shine Australia)
Photo: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images.
