Rachel Perkins (Photo credit: Leon Mead).
Director Rachel Perkins will receive the inaugural Animal Logic Entertainment Illuminate Award at the Australians in Film (AiF) Awards Gala and Benefit next week, in recognition of her work behind the camera, including recent series Total Control and Mystery Road.
Phillip Noyce will present the Award to Perkins at the ceremony which takes place in Los Angeles.
“Rachel Perkins is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and talented Australian directors of her generation,” said AiF president Kate Marks.
“AiF is thrilled to be presenting this inaugural award to Rachel with long-term partner Animal Logic Entertainment, one of Australia’s leading international production companies.”
Animal Logic CEO Zareh Nalbandian said: “As both an animation studio and production company, we are always looking for ways to celebrate the incredible and often unsung talent that exists behind the camera. In our inaugural year, Animal Logic is proud to recognise Rachel’s prolific career as an acclaimed producer, director and screenwriter. Rachel is a powerful creative leader who has indelibly shaped the landscape of screen arts in Australia and continues to break new ground. Her commitment to telling bold Australian stories that support the growth and sustainability of the local industry is a testament to her passion for Australian film and television. Rachel’s continued innovation across the full spectrum of filmmaking embodies the spirit of this award: lighting a path for a new era of screen content and the people who make it possible.”
Of the award, Perkins said: “Thirty years ago, when I was a trainee making my first thirty-second community service advertisement for TV, I secretly aspired to make films that could touch a wide audience. It is such a privilege that I am able to work in this industry I love and contribute to Australia by telling its incredible stories.”
Perkins will be joined at the Awards by previously announced honorees: Naomi Watts, Ruby Rose, Sarah Snook, Dacre Montgomery, director Anthony Maras and Bill Draper.
The ceremony will be hosted by Australian singer-songwriter, comedian, writer and actor, Eddie Perfect, and are presented by Ausfilm, Screen Australia and Create NSW.
The AiF Awards Gala and Benefit will take place at the Intercontinental in Beverly Hills on Wednesday, October 23.