The drama "Look Both Ways," about a dying man facing his mortality, was the top winner at the Australian Film Institute Awards in Melbourne.
Actor Russell Crowe was host of the gala taped Saturday night at Central City Studios.
Crowe walked on stage carrying an old-fashioned telephone and warned winners to keep their acceptance speeches short, or they would "say hello to my little friend," in a joking reference to his recent arrest in New York for assaulting a hotel clerk with a telephone.
"Look Both Ways" was named best film and Sarah Watt won for her direction and for her original script, Daily Variety reported Sunday. Anthony Hayes won for best supporting actor for his role in the film.
Cate Blanchett won the best actress award for her role in "Little Fish," Hugo Weaving was honored for his role as her stepfather and Noni Hazlehurt took best supporting actress for her role as Blanchett's mom.
© Copyright 2005 by United Press International
