Story Of The Statuette

When the AFI took the significant step of establishing AACTA in 2011, it also recognised the need for a new statuette – a striking piece which would suitably reflect the highest accolade awarded for screen excellence in Australia.

At the heart of the design was the need to create a statuette which was distinguished and timeless, reflecting the prestige and heritage of the Awards (which date back to 1958 under the AFI), but which was above all distinctly Australian.

The vision was to craft a human silhouette based on the shape of the Southern Cross constellation. The human silhouette reflecting the human spirit celebrated by the AACTA Awards, and the Southern Cross, a series of five stars only visible from the Southern Hemisphere having been associated with Australia from its earliest days, representing AACTA’s distinct Australian voice.

Having received many impressive interpretations of the design from some of Australia's leading artists and sculptures, the AACTA Statuette you know today was created by multi-award winning sculptor, Ron Gomboc.

Adding to its distinctly Australian nature, the statuette has in part been crafted from Australian tiger iron, a gemstone mined in Western Australia and which captures the colours of the Australian Outback. Utilising an Australian gemstone for the base of the Award statuette also reflects the 'home grown' talent of AACTA Award honourees, and each piece of tiger iron is individually cut, reflecting the unique talent and contribution to the industry of every AACTA Award recipient.

The body of the statuette is cast in 22 karat gold, reflecting the glamour and prestige of the AACTA Awards.

The new statuette made its debut at the inaugural AACTA Awards in January 2012.