And the award goes to … why Australia’s film gongs are on the nose
The purported redundancy of the man who once invented a new award to avoid embarrassing Robert De Niro has left many hoping for a fresh start. Except he’s refusing to go.
AACTA CEO Damian Trewhella has reportedly not resigned or been stood down. Getty
When Robert De Niro arrived at the 2nd AACTA International Awards in 2013 expecting an award for his performance in Silver Linings Playbook, there was a problem.
The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts didn’t have an award for him. After producer Harvey Weinstein made his displeasure felt, AACTA CEO Damian Trewhella created a new supporting actor award on the spot. There were two spare trophies so it was hurriedly decided that De Niro’s co-star Jacki Weaver could win the until-then non-existent gong for supporting actress. AACTA later described these as “discretionary awards”.
