Russell was presented with the first ever "AFI Global Achievement Award by "Moulin Rouge" director Baz Luhrmann:
Baz Luhrmann: Since starting as a six-year-old TV extra, he's charted a firm, bold course to the top. Not that this is his sole mission. I think for him it's more about just doing good work. The thing is his good work brings a side effect of success. Look at just some of the CV. Proof, Romper Stomper, The Sum of Us, L.A. Confidential, The Insider, and of course the epic Gladiator; all intense, very powerful, honest roles.
In March this year when Russell strolled up on the stage at the Academy Awards and grabbed the "Best Actor" Oscar and delivered a speech worthy of Maximus, I think we all felt a little chill go down our spine that night in his victory speech. His victory was one for all of us. From that peak, he's bringing it back home. Now he's about to pull off a long-time dream to make a major picture here, with Australian cast and crew. It's been an incredible year. Please welcome the worthy winner of the inaugural "AFI Global Achievement Award" -- Mr. Russell Crowe.
(Major applause)
Russell: G'day folks, how ya doin'? Well, well, well, it really is an honor for me to pick up the first "Global Achievement Award" and quite seriously, I look around the room and there's going to be a bunch of people that's in this room doing the very same thing in the future.
I'm gonna to read this because I've got a schedule . . . (giggles). I want to congratulate all of tonight's nominees in every category. Back in 1990, when I first got my -- a nominee [sic] from the Australian Film Institute for The Crossing. I -- it meant a great deal to me and to my career. At that time, my cousin Jeff -- J.J. Crowe -- who's a test cricketer, he rang me up and he said,"You're in the squad, mate."
And in about 1994, which is about five or six films later, as my career was developing, I was shooting a movie called The Sum of Us and he rang me up and he said, "Keep your eye on the ball."
And earlier this year, after all the craziness of the Academy, he called me and he said; "Swing smooth."
Now this is just a note to all the young actors in the room tonight -- not all advice you get, can you actually apply. (Laughs).
(Audience laughs)
Anyway -- I'd like to encourage all the young actors to actually become members of the Australian Film Institute, and take an active part in the screening and voting process. The more diverse our membership, the more it reflects our diverse culture.
And just on a personal note, I'd really like to thank -- on behalf of all of my friends that live in the United States, whether they be plumbers or teachers or studio executives or governors, I'd like to thank Australia for its support for America, in such a strange time. Now we're gonna get through this and we're gonna get through it stong as friends and comrades. We're going to come out the other side as we have in past history.
God Bless America
God defend New Zealand
And thank Christ for Australia.
(Audience applause)
