Date: Thursday, 30-Nov-17, 9:14 AM | Message # 122
Fair Dinkum
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Thanks a lot Marie. It's nice to see him without beard after years. I've always been a fan of Simon with beard, but in the last time it was a bit too long for my taste. So it's a good change. I wonder if it's for a movie ...if only he was a bit more active on instagram and talk about his work....
Date: Thursday, 30-Nov-17, 9:53 AM | Message # 123
Bee's Knees
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Thanks DSP. Nice video and pics and sooo nice to see him without a beard. I think a nice little trimmed beard really suits him but don’t like it when he lets it get so long. Don’t think that does anyone any favours. Let’s hope the clean shaven look is here to stay again.
SIMON Baker describes his career trajectory as more of “a meander” than blazing his way through. But he’s more than happy to accept the honour of being named the 2017 Trailblazer at one of Australian film and television’s biggest nights.
Yes, this is very nice news! Simon Baker will receive the Trailblazer Award at The AACTA'S on December 6th 2017
Another short article
Simon Baker to be named 2017 Trailblazer at acting awards Jonathon Moran, The Daily Telegraph - December 2, 2017 2:00pm
SIMON Baker describes his career trajectory as more of a meander than a meteor.
But he’s more than happy to accept the honour of being named the 2017 Trailblazer at Australian film and television’s biggest night. “I’ve never been the person that steps up to bat and hits a century, I’ve had a lot of ducks and I am OK with that,” Baker said. “I feel like the word trailblazer suggests meteoric, like a comet flying through the air with a blazing trail and I feel anything but that in real life. There has been meanderings and wanderings.”
The 48-year-old star of hit US TV shows The Mentalist and The Guardian and Hollywood flick The Devil Wears Prada will accept the award at Wednesday’s annual AACTA Awards at The Star Event Centre. Previous recipients include Isla Fisher and Rose Byrne. “It forces you to take stock and look back on all of the opportunities that you’ve had and the people that supported you and how it all manifests into some kind of a trail,” Baker said.
Baker got his acting start on TV drama E-Street before moving to the US, where he became an international star. He recently debuted as a director with his film Breath at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Australian actor and director Simon Baker was today announced as this year's recipient of the AACTA Trailblazer Award.
The Award will be presented to Simon at the 7th AACTA Awards Ceremony presented by Foxtel on Wednesday 6 December at The Star Event Centre in Sydney, telecast at 8:30pm on Channel 7.
Previously awarded to Rose Byrne and Isla Fisher, the AACTA Trailblazer Award recognises the achievements of an Australian screen practitioner whose body of work has served as an inspiration to others. The discretionary award, which is determined by the AFI | AACTA Board, acknowledges the recipient’s valuable contribution to promoting Australian screen culture and excellence at home and abroad.
Throughout his career, Simon Baker has consistently showcased his diversity as a screen practitioner; masterfully transitioning from actor to director across film and television. First garnering international attention when he starred in the Oscar®-winning film L.A. CONFIDENTIAL, Simon has developed a varied oeuvre throughout his career.
His notable films include Michael Winterbottom’s thriller noir THE KILLER INSIDE ME; Ang Lee’s critically acclaimed RIDE WITH THE DEVIL; lauded box office success THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, opposite Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway; and the Oscar®-nominated and multiple independent award-winning feature MARGIN CALL.
From 2001-2004, Simon starred in the TV series THE GUARDIAN, for which he received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Drama Series. In 2008, he began his role as the lead in the critically successful international hit THE MENTALIST, where he was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award, a Golden Globe, a Screen Actors Guild Award and two People’s Choice Awards.
Simon makes his feature film directorial debut with BREATH, an adaptation of Tim Winton’s bestselling novel, which he also co-wrote and produced. Simon stars in the West Australian-shot drama alongside Elizabeth Debicki and Richard Roxburgh.
Simon Baker said, “It’s an honour to be acknowledged at all, but to be acknowledged at home, in Australia, resonates so profoundly for me.”
“Simon Baker’s stellar reputation with audiences and industry worldwide has made him an incredible ambassador for the Australian screen industry and the outstanding screen talent it produces,” said AFI | AACTA CEO Damian Trewhella. “From his success on US television to his return to Australia for his feature film directorial debut, Simon’s career trajectory stands as an inspiration to future generations in the industry.”
Date: Wednesday, 06-Dec-17, 11:32 AM | Message # 133
Fair Dinkum
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Photos of the AACTA 2017 red carpet, ceremony and Simon's speech HERE in the Photo Gallery
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Simon Baker honoured with the AACTA Trailblazer Award But it's his wife he wanted to praise during his emotional acceptance speech.- by Jenny Brown and Carly Bass
Hollywood star Simon Baker and his wife Rebecca Rigg have been a great double act since their early marriage - he was only 21 when they met - and the birth of their three children. And it was no exception when the couple - who celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary next year - walked the red carpet together at the 7th AACTA Awards, the Australian film and TV industry’s night of nights.
Aussie-born Baker, globally famous for long-running US TV series The Guardian and The Mentalist, was honoured with the AACTA Trailblazer Award, acknowledging his contribution to promoting Australian screen culture and excellence at home and abroad. But the 48-year-old was keener to praise his wife’s role in his global success than soak up plaudits for himself. “I’m the front man, babe, but you are the rock and rhythm section, and you know that,” he said in his emotional acceptance speech at Sydney’s Star Casino, and at the following press conference. “In our relationship, when we had our first child, it was all just, ‘Why not? Let’s just try it,’” he explained. “It wasn’t necessarily something we spoke about, but that’s always been our attitude.”
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7th AACTA Trailblazer Award - Backstage Interview (2 parts)
Date: Thursday, 07-Dec-17, 10:40 AM | Message # 135
Fair Dinkum
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Great interview, Simon is always so thoughtful in his answers. He has always said he likes a challenge and I see him directing more and more in the future. I hope he doesn't give up acting altogether though!
