Nicole Kidman will honour the man who helped launch her stellar career by sponsoring an award for emerging actors.
The Hollywood star, 56, has instigated and funded the Brian Walsh Award which will be presented at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA).
Walsh, who was a legend in the Australian entertainment industry and the executive director of Foxtel, died in March aged 68.
AACTA said this week the Brian Walsh Award for Emerging Talent is ‘a prestigious award aimed at discovering and nurturing the next generation of Australian actors’.
The award will recognise the innovation, dedication and passion exhibited by actors still in the early stages of their careers.
Nicole Kidman, 56, (pictured) will honour the man who helped launch her stellar career by sponsoring an award for emerging actors
Winners will be provided support and exposure to Australia’s television and film landscape to help with their career development.
They will also receive $50,000 which will be put up by Kidman.
Kidman said Walsh ‘played an important and influential role’ in the careers of many, including her own.
The Hollywood star has instigated and funded the Brian Walsh Award which will be presented at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA)
‘I considered him family and for that reason I approached AACTA with a view to creating a legacy in his name worthy of Brian’s long and substantial career,’ she said.
Kidman shared a long-term friendship with Walsh, beginning at the infancy of her career when she worked on the acclaimed Vietnam (1987) and Bangkok Hilton (1989).
Walsh died unexpectedly of an undisclosed medical episode in Sydney on March 16, leaving behind a legacy of incredible achievements in Australia’s media industry.
Walsh, who was a legend in the Australian entertainment industry and the executive director of Foxtel, died in March aged 68
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Crowds packed St Mary’s Cathedral for his funeral, including celebrities Richard Wilkins, Eddie McGuire, and Lachlan and Sarah Murdoch.
AACTA CEO Damian Trewhella said the organisation is incredibly grateful for Kidman’s contribution.
‘Nicole’s longstanding friendship with Brian and unwavering support for emerging talent embody the spirit of this award,’ he said.
‘This award not only celebrates the dedication and passion of emerging actors but also symbolises a commitment to shaping the future of Australia’s screen industry.’
AACTA said this week the Brian Walsh Award for Emerging Talent is ‘a prestigious award aimed at discovering and nurturing the next generation of Australian actors’
Kidman will put up $50,000 to give to winners of the Brian Walsh Award
