Photo Credit: Chris Schmitt Photography for G’Day USA Arts Gala
Prominent Australians and Americans dazzled at the G’Day USA Arts Gala yesterday, in a showcase of Australian creativity, talent and strong partnership with the United States
The evening, which was a hosted by the American Australian Association in partnership with the Australian Government, saw Australians and Americans celebrate the artistic talent who have been working in, supporting and nurturing each other’s creative industries for decades.
The event commenced with a surprise acoustic performance of mega-hit “Stay” by recording artist The Kid LAROI. Host of the evening Angela Bishop then presented him with the Excellence in Music award.
Indigenous artist, Mi-kaisha dazzled the audience with a performance of her original track, ETERNITY. Mi-kaisha was named an American Australian Association Indigenous Arts scholar in 2019, allowing her to undertake music studies at the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at NYU as the first Indigenous Australian in the program.
A further dose of glamour, supermodel Miranda Kerr was awarded the Excellence in the Arts award from her friend and superstar recording artist, Katy Perry who said, “Many of you may be confused as to why I’m presenting Miranda with this award. It doesn’t fit the ex-wife, new wife narrative. Many in the media would like to see us mud wrestle… but this is about love, and Miranda is love.”
Australian multi-instrumentalist, G Flip, then took to the stage for a rousing performance of LOVER.
Many in attendance celebrating G’Day USA and the American Australian Association have attended multiple galas over the past 20 years. Baz Lurhmann, an honouree from the inaugural gala and Academy Award nominee for Australian-made ELVIS, took to the stage and shared what the event and honour meant to him.
Avatar and Avatar: The Way of Water star Stephen Lang presented the Excellence in Film & Television award to his co-star and mate, Sam Worthington. The celebrated actor reflected on his career after receiving the honor, “I moved to the Australia in the North, America…. I even auditioned for Spider-Man. And I didn’t get it, because I said, ‘if I was bitten by an Australian spider, I’d be dead mate.’ “
Olivia Newton-John had been a supporter of the G’Day USA Gala for decades. Newton-John had served as both an honoree and presenter, last attending the event in 2020 with her daughter and Grease co-star, John Travolta, to help raise funds for Australian Bush Fire relief.
The legendary talent was given an emotional tribute by Australian icon, Paul Hogan, and Olivia’s husband John Easerterling and her daughter, Chloe Lattanzi. Recording artist Delta Goodrem, who performed a medley of Newton-John’s biggest hits, including Physical, Hopelessly Devoted To You, and Magic.
Goodrem then led the entire crowd, including guests Phillip Noyce, Phoebe Tonkin, Mandy Walker, Danielle MacDonald, Paul Hogan and Unjoo Moon in a beloved G’Day USA tradition: closing the show with a group sing of I Still Call Australia Home, remarking, “We are singing for Olivia tonight.”
The event was generously supported by presenting sponsors FOX, Margot McKinney, News Corp, Screen Australia, Stan, Thomas Foods and Tourism Australia, along with Gold Sponsors City National Bank, QANTAS and Variety. The Gala raised money to support the American Australian Association and its Arts Fund.
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