Vale Gary Waddell - A link and a comment about Gary's career from producer Richard Brennan

 

The actor Gary Waddell (above) died recently at the age of 74. For a most affectionate view of his life and career it's hard to go past Luke Buckmaster's fine appreciation in The Guardian.

Dennis Miller, Gary Waddell, Phil Motherwell, Bryan Brown Stir

One matter that hasn't been canvassed in the many tributes is the fact that  Gary was rarely nominated for an AFI/AACTA Award for his many film roles. In 2002, he was nominated for an award for Best Actor in a Supporting or Guest Role  in a Television Drama, for his role as Steve McClure in an episode of BAD COP, BAD COP   He was later nominated for the 2012 AACTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role  for portraying the neighbour from hell in Rolf de Heer's 2012 comedy drama film THE KING IS DEAD! 

Gary Waddell, The King is Dead!

But, as Richard Brennan notes he didn't receive a nomination for his role in Stephen Wallace's STIR. "In 1980 the AFI nominations were dominated by BREAKER MORANTwith 13 nominations and STIR with 11 nominations. Breaker won 10 awards including best supporting actor where it had three of the four nominees, the fourth being Dennis Miller in Stir. I was surprised to be reminded that Gary was not nominated for his remarkable performance in Stir. To me that is as inexplicable as the omission in previous years of John Hargreaves in The Removalists and Don’s Party."

Rolf de Heer, Waddell, on set for The King is Dead!

Leadership changes at the Australian Film Institute - Farewell to Alan Finney after twelve years of great service

 

After an historic 12 years of leadership, Alan Finney has announced he will step down from his role as the Chairperson of the Australian Film Institute (the AFI – also the governing body of the Australian Academy of Cinema & Television Arts, AACTA).  AACTA is pleased to announce that award-winning producer, Keith Rodger has been unanimously elected by the AFI Board as its new Chair. Rodger will be supported by industry renowned screenwriter and screen personality, Margaret Pomeranz who has been appointed in the new position of Vice Chair.

The Australian Film Institute (AFI) was established in 1958 and the Australian Academy of Cinema & Television Arts (AACTA) founded in 2011 to help support the development of an Australian screen creative community and industry.  Alan Finney has been the AFI’s longest serving Chair (2010-2022).

As Chair of the AFI, Alan helped usher in many major achievements including: The development and launch of the Australian Academy of Cinema & Television Arts (AACTA) and the AACTA Awards The relaunch and growth of AFI AACTA Screen Culture, Education and Talent Development Programs The establishment and growth of AFI AACTA’s global programs including the AACTA Asia International Engagement Program over the past 5 years.

Keith Rodger | AACTA Chair “Thank you Alan Finney for your incredible contribution to national industry programs over so long and I am honoured to be able to work with the AFI AACTA Board, Management and our members to build on your legacy.  Australia has an incredible base of talented screen professionals in front of and behind the camera and coupled with the invaluable support of Federal and State Governments, and ever greater innovation and global engagement opportunities, I look forward to driving inclusive and dynamic programs that enhance our screen industry’s unity, global relevance, growth and impact."

Margaret Pomeranz | AACTA Vice Chair "Alan’s significant contribution and leadership of the AFI Board over the past 12 years has been felt throughout the industry. His insights, knowledge and experience will be sorely missed. I look forward to working closely with Keith, the rest of the AFI Board and Management on this next chapter for the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts.”

Russell Crowe | AACTA President “I have long considered, and called Alan Finney “the godfather” of Australian cinema. Alan’s extraordinary energy in the 70’s through to the 80’s solidified Australian cinema in the eyes of a global audience and led directly to a fresh explosion of attention in the 90’s, to the solid pathways now available to Australian filmmakers. His contribution has been nothing short of amazing.”