ABC chair Ita Buttrose, actors Hugh Jackman, Sigrid Thornton, Eric Bana and Peter Cousens, director and cinematographer Ray Argall, and producers Suzanne Baker, Kerry Heysen-Hicks and Fiona Cochrane were among the screen professionals to receive Queen’s Birthday Honours over the long weekend.
Media doyenne Buttrose was named a Companion to the Order of Australia (AC) for her eminent service to the community through leadership in the media, the arts, and the health sector, and as a role model.
Jackman was also named an AC for his eminent service to the performing arts as an acclaimed actor and performer, and to the global community, particularly as an advocate for poverty eradication.
Thornton, who is currently working on the Seachange reboot, was named an Officer to the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to the performing arts as a film, television and stage actor, and to professional arts organisations.
Argall, a former Australian Directors Guild president and director of films such as Midnight Oil: 1984, Return Home and Eight Ball, was named an Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to film and television as a director and cinematographer. Baker and Heysen-Hicks were both named AMs for significant service to the film industry as producers, while Bana for his significant service to the performing arts, and to charitable organisations and Cousens significant service to the performing arts and to the community.
Cochrane was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the visual arts as an independent film producer.