'The Sapphires' Sweep the Australia Film Industry Awards

A film about an Aboriginal singing group wins big at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts awards.

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4 months ago

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Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman, Deborah Mailman, Chris O'dowd, Jeffrey Rush

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Australia

Transcript

Home-grown musical "The Sapphires" swept the Australia film industry awards picking up best film and lead acting trophies for Deborah Mailman and Chris O'Dowd. "The Sapphires", tells the story of four women from a remote Aboriginal mission who are catapulted on to the world stage as Australia's answer to the Supremes. Mailman says the success of Aboriginal films is adding to the perception that Australia packs a punch in the international film industry. SOUNDBITE: Deborah Mailman, actress, saying (English): "We're telling our own stories now. We've got that creative control. When you've got that creative control then you can really push boundaries, you don't have to walk on eggshells. You can actually come from a personal point of view, from an insightful point of view." The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts awards are also an opportunity for some of Australia's biggest stars to return home, with Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman and Jeffrey Rush walking the carpet. Kidman even took time to praise "The Sapphires". SOUNDBITE: Nicole Kidman, actress, saying (English): "Films find their way because of certain strengths, you know, obviously with 'The Sapphires' it's such a unique story and it's great music and great talent." The movie is due for release in the United States in March and is already surrounded by Oscar buzz for next year.