Australian Film Walk of Fame

The Australian Film Walk of Fame is a collection of plaques on the footpath outside the Ritz Cinema in the suburb of Randwick, Sydney, Australia. Formed in 2008 at the Ritz Cinema, the initiative was established to honour Australian actors and actresses for their contributions to Australian cinema.[1]

Australian Film Walk of Fame
Steve Bisley at the 2010 Australian Film Walk of Fame with Randwick Mayor Cr. John Procopiadis

History

The Australian Film Walk of Fame was initially established in 2008 by Randwick City Council and the Australian Film Festival (organized by Barry Watterson) at the Randwick Ritz under the title of the 'Walk of Fame'.[2] Recipients inducted into the Walk of Fame from 2008-2009 include Michael Caton, Roy Billing and Charles Tingwell.

In conjunction with the inaugural Australian Film Festival, which premiered on 24 February 2010 at Randwick Ritz cinema,[3] the Randwick Ritz's Walk of Fame was officially renamed the Australian Film Walk of Fame.

The Australian Film Walk of Fame now initiates new members annually at the conclusion of the Australian Film Festival, in partnership with Randwick Council, the Ritz Cinema and The Spot Chamber of Commerce.[4]

2010: 7 March

On 7 March 2010, the Australian Film Festival concluded with The Spot Food and Film Festival at Randwick and the induction of Steve Bisley and Claudia Karvan to the Australian Film Walk of Fame.[5]

2011: 13 March

In 2011, Gary Sweet and Jack Thompson were both initiated to the Australian Film Walk of Fame.[6]

Controversy

The title of the Australian Film Walk of Fame has been contested by Alan Black, the chairman of the Australian Walk of Fame in Tweed Heads. Black claims that the Australian Film Walk of Fame has capitalised on his Australian Walk of Fame, which includes multiple actors, sporting personalities and animals. In response to Black's criticism, Randwick Council issued a statement in defense of Watterson's Australian Film Walk of Fame, citing the fact that "There are many different 'walks of fame' already in existence, including the Surfing Walk of Fame at Maroubra Beach. The Australian Film Walk of Fame at Randwick specifically recognises home-grown acting talent and people who have made significant contributions to the Australian film industry."[7] Randwick Council and Barry Watterson jointly own the trademark rights to the Australian Film Walk of Fame plaque design.

Members of the Australian Film Walk of Fame
Year of Induction Actor/Actress
2008 Charles Tingwell
2009 Michael Caton
2009 Roy Billing
2010 Claudia Karvan
2010 Steve Bisley
2011 Gary Sweet
2011 Jack Thompson
2012 Barry Otto
2012 Deborah Mailman

References
  1. "Australian Film Festival Walk of Fame". Chic Traveller. Archived from the original on 8 July 2011. Retrieved 28 June 2011.
  2. "Putting on the Ritz". Southern Courier. Retrieved 23 June 2011.
  3. "Australian Film Film Festival". Alternative Media Group. Retrieved 23 June 2011.
  4. "Australian Film Festival Walk of Fame". Chic Traveller. Archived from the original on 8 July 2011. Retrieved 28 June 2011.
  5. "Food and Fanfare at The Spot Food and Film Festival in Randwick". Gourmantic. Retrieved 28 June 2011.
  6. "Australian Film Festival Kicks Off". FilmInk. Archived from the original on 5 March 2011. Retrieved 23 June 2011.
  7. "Fame Game Leads to Fighting Words". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 28 June 2011.
  • Australian Film Festival Official Website
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