Oscar and Bafta-winning costume, production and set designer and producer Catherine Martin is to be honoured by the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) with the body’s most prestigious award, the Longford Lyell Award.
According to reports, Martin is the most awarded Australian in Oscar history with four Oscars, five BAFTAs, a Tony Award and five AFI, three AACTAs and the Byron Kennedy Award.
“I am humbled and honoured to be this year’s recipient of the Longford Lyle Award,” said Martin.
“To be recognised by one’s peers in one’s home country is profoundly meaningful. Australia, with its myriad filmmaking opportunities and wonderful talents, has been extraordinarily fertile soil for my body of work, and for this, I am truly grateful.”
First presented in 1968, the Longford Lyell Award honours Australian film pioneer Raymond Longford and his partner in filmmaking and life, Lottie Lyell.
The Award is the highest honour that the Australian Academy can bestow upon an individual and recognizes a person who has made a truly outstanding contribution to the enrichment of Australia’s screen environment and culture while raising global awareness about Australia’s thriving film industry.
“The award also resonates with me personally as its namesakes were, as Baz and I am, both partners in life and art,” said Martin, referring to husband and long-time collaborator Baz Luhrmann, who she met while studying design at Australia’s National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA).
“I often joke that we are just getting started, so I hope this ‘lifetime achievement award’ is not a full stop, but a comma; heralding the beginning of new and exciting creative adventures to be shared with both long-time collaborators and new artists alike, in front of and behind the camera.”
Catherine Martin has worked alongside Oscar-nominated director, producer and writer, Luhrmann, for 30 years.
