Hugo Weaving has been named as this year's CinefestOZ 2015 Screen Legend with today's launch of the festival's program.
Weaving will be recognised for his achievements as an Australian actor at the Festival’s Gala Night on 29 August at which Australia’s biggest film prize, the CinéfestOZ $100,000 Film Prize, is also awarded to an outstanding Australian film.
Hugo Weaving is one of Australia's most celebrated actors and a passionate supporter of Australia film, television and theatre in and outside of his work.
His credits include Stephan Elliott’s classic The Adventures of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert; Jocelyn Moorhouse’s Proof and The Dressmaker opposite fellow Australian Judy Davis; Rowan Woods acclaimed drama, Little Fish alongside Cate Blanchett and Sam Neill; Mystery Road directed by upcoming filmmaker Ivan Sen; Strangerland directed by first time director Kim Farrant opposite Nicole Kidman which screened at Sydney Film Festival and Sundance; Glendyn Ivin’s Last Ride; Craig Monahan’s Peaches, The Interview and most recently Healing with Don Hany; David Wenham’s short film Commission which screened as part of The Turning film collaboration.
Hugo voiced Rex in the much loved Australian classic Babe, Noah in Happy Feet and Happy Feet Two, and Bill Barnacle in The Magic Pudding. International credits include The Matrix, Cloud Atlas, and V for Vendetta.
A graduate of the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), Weaving continually performs in Australian theatre productions, usually with the Sydney Theatre Company.
With his success has also come extensive recognition. He has received many accolades in his career, including a Satellite Award, MTV Movie Award and several Australian Film Institute (AFI) Awards.
“Hugo Weaving is one of the great actors in Australian film," said Festival Chair David Barton. To have Hugo here to attend CinèfestOZ and to receive our Screen Legend award is a special honour for our festival and a tribute to its growth.”
Weaving said he was delighted to be accepting the Screen Legend award.
“CinéfestOZ is a great supporter of Australian film, and I’m particularly excited about seeing the Australian films screening at the festival," he said.
"I am also really looking forward to visiting the South West and Margaret River region, I’ve heard great things about its spectacular coastline and natural beauty.”
Previous recipients of the CinéfestOZ Screen Legend include Jack Thompson, Bryan Brown, David Wenham and filmmaker Fred Schepisi.
The festival will host a record 68 events at venues across the South West from Bunbury to Augusta, including gala film evenings, winery lunches, short film side bar screenings, family film events, script workshops and free community screenings.
A total of 82 Australian and French feature films, documentaries and short films will screen, including four world premieres and 17 Western Australian premieres, which will be attended by some of Australia’s best actors, directors and producers. The festival is also a platform for short filmmakers, many of which will premiere their films at this year’s CinéfestOZ.
CinéfestOZ is supported by the State Government through Tourism WA’s Regional Events Program, which is funded by Royalties for Regions.