Australians in Film is pleased to announce the finalists of the prestigious Heath Ledger Scholarship 2024. This year a record number of entries was received, setting a new bar for the scholarship which has been instrumental in shaping the international careers of Australian actors over the last 12 years. This year, the HLS scholarship also saw 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))
Established in 2012 in memory of award-winning actor, Heath Ledger, the scholarship is globally regarded as the hottest barometer and platform for the best acting talent coming out of Australia. 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 life-changing education and career development program heralds the most significant prize package to date valued at USD $60,000. The scholarship will provide the 2024 winner with specialized and unique access and training along with the exciting addition of yearlong mentorship by former recipient Bella Heathcote (PIECES OF HER, RELIC) to help them build a career in Hollywood. The six finalists, chosen by nine US and AUS casting agents, will be flown to Los Angeles by the 2024 Heath Ledger Scholarship airline partner Delta Air Lines for the once in a lifetime opportunity. For the perfect introduction to laid back California cool, each will stay with luxury hotel partner, 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.
In the days prior to the exclusive winner unveiling, each finalist will attend an exclusive HLS Scholarship Breakfast (presented by supporting partner Bluestone Lane), and HLS Boot Camp featuring CST Tax and other special guests on hand providing invaluable insights and advice. A panel of esteemed judges including Sarah Snook (Succession, The Picture Of Dorian Gray), Melanie Lynskey (Yellowjackets, The Tattooist of Auschwitz), Gabrielle Union (The Perfect Find, 10 Things I Hate About You) Charlie Hunnam (The Gentlemen, Criminal, Sons of Anarchy), Simone Kessell (Yellowjackets, Obi-Wan Kenobi) Cleopatra Coleman ((The Last Man on Earth, Clipped) and award winning casting director, Terri Taylor will select the 2024 HLS Recipient.
Seen by Hollywood as the barometer of emerging Australian talent, The Heath Ledger Scholarship has been awarded 11 times, accelerating the careers of previous recipients such as Bella Heathcote (Relic, Pieces of Her), Cody Fern (Eden, American Crime Story), Ashleigh Cummings (NOS4A2. Citadel), Mojean Aria (Shayda, Reminiscence) Charmaine Bingwa (The Good Fight, Emancipation) and most recently Rahel Romahn (Furiosa: a Mad Max Saga, The Surfer) The 12th Heath Ledger Scholarship Prize includes:
● US$10,000 towards a living allowance, rent and transport assistance in Los Angeles
● One-year mentorship from 2010 recipient Bella Heathcoate. Bella will be on hand for quarterly
meetings to help guide the winner as they settle into life in LA.
● Tax advice and US Tax return from CST
● Private coaching and classes from Lisa Robertson Studio.
● Private coaching, classes, and special workshops taught by Jean-Louis Rodrigue and Kristof
Konrad of Alexander Techworks.
● Private speech and dialects coaching from Joy Ellison.
● Headshot and publicity look from Sally Flegg Photography (Sydney).
● Hair and Makeup Looks by Sophia Lee (with Sally Flegg Photography).
● Physical approach to Acting Voice De-structuring (Authentic Voice) from Kennedy Brown.
● Immigration Services from Raynor and Associates.
● Virtual Line Rehearsal Service with Professional Actors from Audition Genie.
● Actor Headshot and On-Location Portrait Session’ in Los Angeles from Greg Doherty
Photography.
● Self-tape sessions from Stella Tape Studio.
● All Finalists will receive a US$100 voucher to Bluestone Lane Coffee.
● All Finalists will receive a bag courtesy of State of Escape.
● Lifetime membership to Australians in Film, including access to the workspace “Charlie’s” at the AiF offices on The Lot in West Hollywood.
Emma Cooper, Chair of AiF who will host the cocktail announcement event at Soho House West Hollywood says, “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.”
Patrons of the Heath Ledger Scholarship are Kim Ledger, Gregor Jordan, Susie Dobson and Ann Fay. A special thanks to Heath Ledger Scholarship Partners for 2024: Delta Air Lines, The London Hotel West Hollywood at Beverly Hills, Vogue, CST, Bluestone Lane, Penfolds, Golden Globe Foundation and Venroy for helping shine a light on Australia’s best acting talent.
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
