Stars like Jessica Mauboy, Kerri-Anne Kennerley and Natalie Bassingthwaighte are out in full force for the 6th Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Award.
Homegrown superstar Isla Fisher, who collected the AACTA Trailblazer Award, made a rare red carpet appearance with her funnyman hubby Sacha Baron Cohen.
However, the start of the event began in a very dramatic fashion with a group of protesters dressed as sausages storming the red carpet.
Woman’s Day were on the ground at The Star Event Centre in Sydney on Wednesday afternoon as the group of female filmmakers were heard yelling “end the sausage party” – in protest of male dominance in the entertainment industry.
They were tackled by security and escorted off the premise
Singer Jessica Mauboy was intimidated by the protest and could be heard saying, “‘Oh my god! Is this for real, is this actually happening?”
After the incident, stars soldiered on with business.
Click through the gallery to check out all the highlights
Proud husband Sasha Baron Cohen watches on as Isla Fisher takes to the stage to accept the Trailblazer Award. Clearly not afraid to poke fun of herself, the 40-year-old began: “I really have to thank my fellow actors, Nicole Kidman, Naomi Watts, Margot Robbie and Toni Collette – all of whom were no doubt offered this award first and they couldn’t make it here tonight so, yay!”
Isla also took a swipe at Melania and Donald Trump, referencing the new First Lady’s infamous speech that she copied from Michelle Obama and also thanking Trump. “I do need to thank Trump. I don’t think I’d be here if it weren’t for him showing the world that unqualified orange people can win things.” Watch the hilarious moment unfold in the next slide.
Isla Fisher’s hilarious AACTAs acceptance speech
Holding her shiny new award, the Aussie stunner takes a moment to look at her husband’s phone.
Pretty as a Rose! Miss Byrne packed a punch of glam in this floral Romance Was Born dress.
Mel Gibson’s Hackshaw Ridge absolutely cleaned up at the AACTAs…
But it was his conversation with Sunrise‘s Edwina Bartholomew that had people talking. An abrupt Mel was taken aback by Edwina and kept asking her who she was. Ever the pro, the presenter handled the awkward encounter effortlessly. Watch the moment Mel met Edwina in the next slide
Mel Gibson asks Edwina Bartholomew who she is
KAK killed it in this high neck, royal blue ensemble.
Following the hardest year of her life, Kerri-Anne Kennerley makes a stunning red carpet return as she cuddles up to Michael Caton.
Bachelor lovers Richie Strahan and Alex Nation looked loved up while George Love flew solo without her boyfriend, Lee Elliott.
Jessica Mauboy made a very glamorous entrance in this sheer pink frock. But moments later, the singer was left startled when a group of protesters stormed the red carpet. Watch the dramatic moment unfold in the next slide. Gallery continues after the video.
Protestors storm the red carpet at the 2016 AACTA Awards-
The protesters, from Women in Film and Television NSW (WIFT), were escorted off the venue by security but had an important message to share, calling for more gender equality in the film industry after just two of the 28 films nominated for AACTAs were created by women.
“We’re taking a light-hearted approach and want to put a smile on people’s faces. Let’s just make it fairer and get on with it,” protester Sophie Mathieson explained to SMH.
Jessica Marais knows how to make a bold statement!
Natalie Bassingthwaighte oozes confidence in this figure-hugging number.
What’s a red carpet without a pooch? Phoenix the kelpie from Red Dog: True Blue was very well behaved.
Zoe Ventoura strikes a pose.
Homegrown superstar Isla Fisher has made a rare red carpet appearance with her funnyman hubby Sacha Baron Cohen. The 40-year-old turned heads in a polka-dot Alex Perry gown.
The stars, who share two daughters and a son, looked seriously smitten!
MKR‘s Manu Feildel kept things classic in this tux.
Dami Im channelled a Gothic-inspired look.
Home and Away favourite Bonnie Sveen opted for a voluminous hairstyle.
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