Australians in Film have announced the finalists of the Heath Ledger Scholarship 2024.
This year a record number of entries was received, with an increase in applicants from both culturally diverse and LGBTQ communities.
The six finalists are: Andrea Solonge (Time Bandits, Prosper), Charles Wu (Doctor, Doctor, Harrow), Taj Aldeeb (Four Years Later, The Fall), Kartanya Maynard (Heartbreak High, Deadloch), Will McDonald (Home and Away, Heartbreak High) and Ezekiel Simat (The Artful Dodger, Beneath the Storm).
Casting Director and Heath Ledger Scholarship Patron Ann Fay, Head of Casting at Maura Fay Casting, said, “Selecting the finalists is always a difficult job, but this year we had an exceptionally skilled pool of applicants to choose from. They each embody the talent necessary to work on an international scale and are all worthy of becoming the next HLS recipient. I’m very happy with our group of six finalists who reflect the high bar of talent coming out of Australia.”
Now in its 12th year, the prize package is valued at USD $60,000, including US$10,000 towards a living allowance, rent and transport assistance in Los Angeles and a yearlong mentorship by former recipient Bella Heathcote (Pieces of Her, Relic).
The six finalists, chosen by nine US and AUS casting agents, will be flown to Los Angeles by Delta Air Lines to stay at The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills.
The recipient will be announced on Tuesday October 22 at an exclusive red carpet cocktail party at Soho House West Hollywood.
Judges including Sarah Snook, Melanie Lynskey, Gabrielle Union, Charlie Hunnam, Simone Kessell, Cleopatra Coleman and casting director, Terri Taylor.
Emma Cooper, Chair of AiF said, “The HLS scholarship continues to grow reflecting its importance to the global screen industry. Our aim is to shine a light on the best acting talent coming out of Australia and to uphold Heath’s generous spirit of helping others. We’ve been so excited to see the breadth of talent represented in this year’s finalists and are delighted to help support them as they navigate what will undoubtedly be a successful career in Hollywood.”
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