SENATOR THE HON GEORGE BRANDIS QC

ATTORNEY-GENERAL MINISTER FOR THE ARTS

MEDIA RELEASE
AUSTRALIAN TALENT SHINES AT THE OSCARS
The spotlight was on Australian talent at the 86th annual Academy Awards in Hollywood where once again Australians were recognised on the world-stage for their outstanding contribution to the film industry. As Minister for the Arts I am proud of all the Australians nominated for an Oscar and those who went on to receive such a prestigious award. My congratulations again to Cate Blanchett winner of the Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role for Blue Jasmine. This is a tremendous accolade for Ms Blanchett who has now won more than 20 acting awards for her performance in Blue Jasmine. I join Ms Blanchett in acknowledging the wealth of talent in Australia as she did during her gracious acceptance speech. She is without doubt one of our finest examples. Congratulations to the Australians whose work behind the scenes in costumes, production design and visual effects was also rewarded. Catherine Martin won an Oscar for Best Costume Design as well as an Oscar for Best Production Design for The Great Gatsby. Ms Martin shared the production design award with set decorator, Beverly Dunn. Tonights win sees Ms Martin make history with the most Academy Awards won by an Australian. I also want to commend Australian visual effects company, Rising Sun Pictures, for their work on the film Gravity which won several craft awards including Best Visual Effects. The Oscars are one of the major highlights of the film and television awards season and this has been an exceptional year for Australian talent. On behalf of the Australian Government I want to pay tribute to the Australian screen sector, including the arts training organisations, for the role they play in the continued success of our great film and television industry. 3 March 2014 Media contact: Scott Bolitho 0477 722 189