Heath Ledger Scholarship Announces Judges and Benefactors Announces Judges and Benefactors
The Australians in Film (AiF) Heath Ledger Scholarship has named Oscar ® & Emmy nominated, Golden Globe winning actress Rachel Griffiths, Maura Fay Group casting agent Ann Fay, director Gregor Jordan, AiF vice president Paula Paizes and Steve Alexander of Atlas Entertainment to its panel of five judges. The announcement was made today by Susie Dobson, president of LA based non-profit, Australians in Film.
Benefactors of the Australians in Film Heath Ledger Scholarship include fellow actors Hugh Jackman and Deborra Lee Furness, Nicole Kidman, Naomi Watts, and Michelle Williams. Branding Iron, Loeb & Loeb, Qantas, Showcast, and World Nomads are among the corporate donors.
Steve Alexander was Heath Ledger’s US agent, Ann Fay cast him in one of his earliest roles, Gregor Jordan directed him in two films and Rachel Griffiths costarred with Heath in “Ned Kelly”, directed by Jordan.
The inaugural 2009 scholarship of $10,000 plus return airfare from Australia will be awarded to one emerging Australian actor to pursue their career in the US. It is named for the late actor who was an ambassador and supporter of Australians in Film. The winner and finalists was announced in February 2009 in Los Angeles.
Last Thursday night, Oliver Ackland of Sydney became the inaugural recipient of a scholarship created in Ledger’s name with support from friends like Hugh Jackman, Naomi Watts and Ledger’s former girlfriend, Michelle Williams.