After a record number of entries, Australians in Film announced Andrea Solonge as the 12th recipient of the coveted Heath Ledger Scholarship at Soho House, West Hollywood.
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.
Commenting on this year’s recipient, HLS judge and multi award-winning international film, television and theater actor Sarah Snook (Succession, The Picture of Dorian Gray), said: “I loved getting to watch fresh faces showcase their talents and passion for acting. It was a tough decision, as all the finalists were brilliant, but one stood out with a captivating depth and strength. I’m very excited for Andrea to be this year’s 2024 Heath Ledger Scholarship recipient”.
Known for his generosity and support of fellow actors, the scholarship carries on Heath’s legacy by offering a life-changing education and career development program. To help Solonge build a career in Hollywood, she will receive a prize package valued at USD $60,000, in addition to year long mentorship by former recipient Bella Heathcote (Pieces of Her, Relic).
Andrea Solonge (Time Bandits, Prosper) is an Australian actress of Congolese, Nigerian heritage who received strong reviews for her work in the recurring role of Juno Adebayo in the Stan/ Roku megachurch drama series Prosper. Growing up influenced and inspired by the funk, soul and jazz era of the 60s, Andrea plays the tenor and alto saxophone, making it a delight to also star in a recurring role in Taika Waititi’s Apple TV+ series Time Bandits.
“This acknowledgement is truly special. Heath was one of the most transformative and prolific actors of his generation. To set foot on the path that he trail-blazed is an immeasurable honour. This means the world to me, my family and my community,” stated Andrea Solonge.
The HLS recipient was chosen by an esteemed panel including award-winning actors, Sarah Snook, Melanie Lynskey, Gabrielle Union and Charlie Hunnam along with renowned actors Simone Kessell and Cleopatra Coleman, and award winning casting director Terri Taylor.
2022 recipient Rahel Romahn can be seen in 2024’s Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga and the Nicolas Cage feature The Surfer, while 2019 recipient Charmaine Bingwa appeared alongside Will Smith in Emancipation and starred in hit series The Good Fight. 2017 recipient Mojean Aria featured in Reminiscence with Hugh Jackman and The Enforcer alongside Antonio Banderas. 2016 recipient
Ashleigh Cummings can be seen in the Amazon Prime series Citadel while 2014 recipient Cody Fern starred in American Horror Story: Apocalypse, The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, and House of Cards.
In attendance at the ceremony were all six HLS 2024 finalists: 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).
They were joined by notable industry names such as: actors Melanie Lynskey, Simone Kessell, Sean Keenan, Danielle Macdonald, Jonathan LaPaglia and Natasha Bassett; directors Phillip Noyce (xx), Jeremy Podeswa (Game of Thrones) and Unjoo Moon (I Am Woman); and The Bear co-Showrunner,
Executive Producer and Director Joanna Calo, all celebrating the success of the rising stars.
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, Lance East Office, Penfolds, Golden Globe Foundation, Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE) and Venroy for helping shine a light on Australia’s best acting talent.
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 information 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 Destructuring (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.
● Vanessa Megan Skincare products
● Lifetime membership to Australians in Film, including access to the workspace “Charlie’s” at the AiF offices on The Lot in West Hollywood.