Cate Blanchett

In the midst of international awards season in Hollywood, the Australian film and television industry celebrated their ‘night of nights’ on Thursday with the 3rd annual AACTA Awards.

Held at Sydney’s The Star, the event was an absolutely star studded soiree with big names Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush and Jacki Weaver in attendance.

Acclaimed director Baz Lurhmann was paid tribute with a spectacular onstage musical performance delivered by the likes of Delta Goodrem and Natalie Bassingthwaite.

The lifetime achievement award went to Jacki Weaver who has been in the industry for five decades.

Local stars spoke to I Am Starstruck about the significance of such an event that embraces the Australian industry’s unique pool of talent.

“This is a celebration of who we are, it’s a celebration of an industry that we have created,” said actor Jack Thompson.

“To have someone like Geoffrey Rush as president (of the academy) is great for our international presence, honouring Jacki Weaver today is brilliant as well… we have so much talent in Australia and so much of the talent goes overseas but it’s great to recognise them here on our own turf,” added Wonderland star Glenn McMillan.

Check out all of our super hot AACTAs red carpet interviews below and then let us what you loved by joining the conversation on our Facebook or Twitter.

FYI: We’ll also be releasing an extended video from the AACTAs red carpet with extra behind the scenes goss from your fave stars.  #GetExcited

Cate Blanchett