The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) has announced Rose Byrne as the first recipient of its newly created award – the AACTA Trailblazer Award.
The Award was formed in order to recognise an individual’s achievements, abilities and successes throughout their career, and honours the achievements of Australians working in both the domestic and global film and television industry.
In a statement released to the media, AACTA described the Award as “recognition of the multi-disciplinary achievements of talented Australian screen practitioners who inspire others with their portfolio of work, acknowledging their valuable contribution to promoting Australian screen culture and excellence, both here and abroad.”
It is a discretionary award and is determined by the Board and President of AFI | AACTA.
AACTA President, Geoffrey Rush, said: “Rose Byrne’s transcendent reputation in the public eye in combination with her success on the big and small screen marries with one of the Australian Academy’s most important aims – to foster a collegiate of highly talented Australians whose achievements will serve to motivate and mentor the next generation of Australians, enabling them to maximise their full potential.
“Rose’s breakout performance in Two Hands clearly heralded the beginning of a rising talent, whose career trajectory we hope serves as an inspiration to other young Australian performers. Rose’s success in the States adds to Australia’s international reputation for continuously producing outstanding screen talent, and the Australian Academy is delighted to honour her at home in Sydney at the 4th AACTA Awards with this new Award.”
Rose Byrne said: “I'm so honoured to receive the inaugural AACTA Trailblazer Award. To be recognized by my Australian peers for my work thus far is humbling and I'm so thrilled to be here to receive it.”
After starring opposite Heath Ledger in Two Hands in 1999, Byrne tackled the American market and landed roles in several hit films, including Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones and Troy, in which she acted opposite Brad Pitt.
She has flexed her comedic muscles in Get Him to the Greek and smash-hit Bridesmaids, as well as being twice-nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for her work in US television series Damages, in which she starred opposite Glenn Close.
This is not Byrne's first AACTA Award. in 2007, she won an AFI International Award (Best Actress) for Damages, and last year won the AACTA Award for Best Lead Actress in The Turning.
Byrne will accept her award in person at the 4th AACTA Awards Ceremony, held on Thursday 29 January 2015 at The Star Event Centre in Sydney, and broadcast on Network Ten.