Warhorse actor Cody Fern has been announced as the winner of the Annual Heath Ledger Scholarship over the weekend, with Charlotte Best and Axle Whitehead named runners-up.
Australians in Film made the announcement at a fundraising dinner in Los Angers held late last week.
“It's hard to put into words just how deeply honored I am to be receiving the Heath Ledger Scholarship, not just for the invaluable support it offers in my career, but also for what it means to me personally,” said Fern.
“Growing up in a small country town, Heath's journey from Perth to Hollywood acts as an inspiration for me, always fuelling my passion and reminding me to dream big. I am so grateful to the Ledger family and Australians in Film for affording me this incredible opportunity.”
The media has been quick to draw similarities between Fern and Ledger, both of whom were raised in Western Australia.
The scholarship – established in 2008 in memory of Brokeback Mountain star Heath Ledger – includes a $10,000 cash fund, a two year scholarship at the prestigious Stella Adler Academy of Acting and Theatre in Los Angeles and two return flights to LA courtesy of Virgin Australia.
When Fern decides to try his luck in Hollywood, he will also get a 10-day California trip from Visit California, $5,000 worth of Visa and Immigration services from Raynor & Associates, a lifetime membership to StarNow and personal and professional mentorship from those within the industry.
Best and Whitehead will receive a round-trip ticket to LA, also courtesy of Virgin Australia.
Previous recipients of the Scholarship are Bella Heathcote (Dark Shadows), Ryan Corr, (Wolf Creek 2) Oliver Ackland (The Slap, Cloudstreet), Anna McGahan (House Husbands) and most recently, James Mackay (Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark, The Tomorrow People).