What a spectacular night, celebrating Australia in America...the G'Day USA Black Tie Gala at the Renaissance Hotel in Hollywood...this was the 6th Annual Australia Week celebration in the United States and our second one as gracious guests of the Victoria Racing Club.
Australia Week 2009 is a festival from January 13 -24, 2009, showcasing all things Australian, including food and wine, travel, film, arts, culture, fashion, business and investment. Australia Week's signature event, the Black Tie Gala, is a red carpet event that honors high-profile individuals for significant contributions in their respective industries, and for excellence in promoting Australia in the United States.
This year's gala recognized Eric Bana with the Excellence in Film Award and Rachel Griffiths with the Excellence in Television & Film Award for their contributions to the entertainment industry, and Rod Laver with the Excellence in Sport Award for his contributions to the tennis industry.We watched the star-studded red carpet entrance for a while...
...enjoyed Australian wines/beers and appetizers at the cocktail party, then sat back and relaxed for a wonderfully entertaining evening...
The Quantas choir sang the Australian and American National Anthems just beautifully...
and I got to hold THE Melbourne Cup, which the VRC had brought as a centerpiece for our table!
Laver was the first and only tennis player to win the Grand Slam two times and he has an arena named after him in Melbourne.
Sally Field and Matthew Rhys presented "Brothers and Sisters" co-star Rachel Griffiths with her award for Achievement in Film and Televison...
...the final award was presented by a very funny William Fichtner to an even funnier Eric Bana...
...I had no idea the Eric Bana got his start as a stand up comedian - he was hilarious!!!
...and for the finale, the Qantas choir sang a moving rendition of "I Still Call Australia Home."
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