Rebel Wilson stole the show.
The 29-year-old comedian and actress from Sydney took to the stage at the Qantas-AACTA awards in Hollywood on Saturday night and began by having a bit of dig at Russell Crowe.
It went down a treat.
“Looking out in the crowd tonight, it is great to see that Russell Crowe is not here,” she said.
“He isn’t is he? (Pause) Good.”
The audience roared. Rightly or wrongly, Russell is known as a bit of a prickly character, with perhaps more enemies than most.
“At least I don’t have to have that really awkward conversation with him – you’re too old to be in the next Pitch Perfect movie,” Rebel continued.
“And if he asks, yes, that is the reason that he cannot be in a musical.”
This was a little dig at the fact that Russell takes his role as lead singer of a band very seriously, but almost nobody else does.
Rebel continued: “We can all agree that Australia makes some excellent movies … but we could do a sequel to Boyhood, set in Sydney’s western suburbs.
“We could call it Boyhood II, and instead of filming every year, they could just do every kid.”
Rebel also had a bit of poke at Geoffrey Rush, saying: “To this day, he continues to wear Nicole Kidman’s nose from The Hours.”
Geoffrey – who was in the audience – took it well.
The AACTA Awards (pronounced, logically enough, as the Actor Awards) are like the BAFTAs; they are our film awards, open to everyone.
Qantas sponsored the event this year, and gave it a good shake. Instead of black tie, it was cocktail. Instead of a sit-down dinner, it was tacos and goat pie, with chef Neil Perry cooking up a storm.
Drinks included espresso martinis. Jewels were provided by Paspaley. Tickets were trading online for $1000 a head.
The guest list was certainly something. Nicole Kidman teamed up with Geoffrey Rush, who said: “If I remember correctly, didn’t you meet your husband, Keith Urban at this event 10 years ago?”
“Yes, I did,” Nicole confirmed.
“I think I actually introduced you to him,” Geoffrey said.
“Everyone claims that one! But I’ll let you have it. You were our cupid, Geoffrey.”
Jacki Weaver, and John Travolta were also in the house.
This year’s special honouree was Chris Hemsworth, who was once just a kid from Melbourne (he lived for a while on Phillip Island, and on a cattle station in the NT, where wildlife included crocodiles) who became an actor on Home and Away, but is best known in Hollywood for being Thor (he also starred in Rush, and is currently in Blackhat.)
He was recently named sexist man in the world, taking the title from Hugh Jackman, who still holds it in the hearts of many.
Chris thanked the US for the chances he’s been given, saying: ‘We’re welcomed here, and accepted, and I’m thankful and appreciative.
“A lot of people in this room have made this journey across the pond to here possible (for me.)
“But the best thing I’ve got from coming to LA was meeting my wife (Elsa Pataky, with whom he has three children, including twin sons born just last year.)
“I love her very much. It’s the greatest thing I’ve got over the last few years, so thank you very much to everyone but especially my wife.”
For the record, Russell Crowe was there. Rebel gave him his award for best film. On stage, he ribbed Nicole like crazy
“What would you like to do now?” he said. “Go to the bar? In that dress (it was split almost to the waist)? I’ll get you a high stool.”
“Let’s bring it back,” Nicole said.
“Why?” joked Russell, “We’re headed to a really nice place.”
She was, she said later, “bright red, and I don’t know why.”
Cameo of the night was made by Malcolm Turnbull, who steadfastly refused to get into a debate with reporters over whether or not his boss, Tony Abbott, need to go before the next election.
Words by Caroline Overington, The Weekly’s correspondent in Los Angeles.
Rebel Wilson, Nicole Kidman and Geoffrey Rush were among some of the A-list Aussie attendees at this year’s International AACTAs.
Rebel Wilson was a hoot as she gave fellow Aussie Russell Crowe a slight ribbing.
Nicole Kidman and Geoffrey Rush.
Elsa Pataky and her husband Chris Hemsworth.
Scarlett Johansson and Chris Hemsworth.
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban.
Elizabeth Debicki and Tim Minchin.
Twin models Zac Stenmark and Jordan Stenmark.
Actor Jonathan LaPaglia and wife actress Ursula Brooks.
Jacki Weaver.
Actress Emilie de Ravin.
Actress Naomi Watts.
Actor Liam Hemsworth.
Actress Rachel Griffiths.
Actress Sharni Vinson arrives at the 2015 G’Day.
Actress Kelly Preston and actor John Travolta.
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