Sarah Snook, Melanie Lynskey, Gabrielle Union, Charlie Hunnam, Simone Kessell, Cleopatra Coleman and Terri Taylor announced as judges of the 2024 Heath Ledger Scholarship
Australians in Film is excited to announce a superstar line-up to be the final jury of the prestigious Heath Ledger Scholarship in 2024. The esteemed panel includes award winning actors, Sarah Snook, Melanie Lynskey, Gabrielle Union and Charlie Hunnam who join reknowned actors Simone Kessell and Cleopatra Coleman, and award-winning casting director, Terri Taylor.
Now in its 12th year, The Heath Ledger Scholarship (HLS) is awarded to an emerging Australian actor 18 years and older who demonstrates extraordinary ability, dedication to their craft and aspirations for an international career.
Multi award-winning international film, television and theatre actor Sarah Snook who recently garnered an Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Play for her onstage performance in The Picture of Dorian Gray, is excited to support the scholarship of which she was a former finalist.
“I am thrilled to be joining the judging panel for the Heath Ledger Scholarship this year. I was fortunate enough to be a runner up in 2011, and found the exposure and prestige associated with the award to be incredibly helpful and humbling for a young actor. I can’t wait to see what talent is out there waiting, ready to shine.”
Former co-star of Ledger’s in the 1999 instant classic 10 Things I Hate About You, actress, producer and best-selling author Gabrielle Union remembers Ledger, saying: “I’m thrilled to join the 2024 Heath Ledger Scholarship judging panel. Having first met Heath in the late 1990s on 10 Things I Hate About You, it was clear he had a caring nature and was supportive to all the people around him. That this scholarship exists to provide a pathway to Hollywood for a talented and deserving actor really honours Heath’s kindness and generous spirit.”
Commenting on her close friendship with the late Heath Ledger, AACTA nominated actress, Simone Kessell (Yellowjackets, Obi-Wan Kenobi) says, “When I first moved to Sydney in the late ’90s Heath was one of my closest friends – we were Bondi brats together and I have so many wonderful memories of that time. Continuing his legacy with the HLS is something I know he would be incredibly proud of. He was crazy generous and supportive of all actors. I am thrilled to be a part of this year’s judging panel.”
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).
Commenting on the importance of her role as a judge, Australian actress Cleopatra Coleman (The Last Man on Earth, Clipped) says; “As a longtime admirer of Heath Ledger’s work and legacy, it is truly an honour to be a judge on this year’s scholarship panel. Australia has a rich history of artists making their mark on the global stage. It means so much to be able to help foster the next wave of Australian talent.”
Peter Ritchie, Executive Director of Australians in Film, said: “The 2024 Final Judging panel is an incredible reflection of international talent and leaders of today’s Hollywood. In remembering Heath’s legacy, we’re honoured to have a former HLS finalist, co-star of Heath’s and one of his closest friends join us as well.
“We are excited to discover who the next recipient is and look forward to supporting them as they navigate a career in Hollywood.”
That sentiment was mirrored by Emmy-nominated actress Melanie Lynskey (Yellowjackets, The Tattooist of Auschwitz), saying: “I feel incredibly fortunate to have been invited to be part of the judging panel, alongside these wonderful people who I so admire. To get to see the work of some of the most brilliant emerging Australian talent is a true honour. I didn’t know Heath, but he was an actor I loved, who brought tremendous depth and honesty to every performance. I am so excited to bestow this scholarship upon an artist who will continue that legacy”.
Prior to their decision, a panel of first round judges made up from a select group of both American and Australian casting directors will have determined five finalists from hundreds of applications.
This year’s scholarship prizing worth USD$60K includes a USD$10K cash prize to support the recipient with living expenses while studying in the US, a one-year mentorship from 2010 recipient Bella Heathcote; coaching from professional acting coaches Lisa Robertson of Lisa Robertson Studio, Joy Ellison, Jean Louis Rodrigue and Kristof Konrad of Alexander Techworks, and Kennedy Brown; immigration services by Raynor & Associates; studio headshots by Sally Flegg and Hair & Makeup by Sophia Ivy Lee in Sydney; virtual line rehearsal service from Audition Genie; headshot and portrait session in Los Angeles from Greg Doherty Photography; self-tape sessions from Stella Tape Studios, as well as a lifetime membership to Australians in Film, including access to the workspace “Charlie’s” at the AiF offices on The Lot in West Hollywood. All Finalists will receive a bag courtesy of State of Escape and a US$100 voucher to Bluestone Lane Coffee.
The five finalists will be flown by Heath Ledger Scholarship Airline Partner Delta Air Lines to Los Angeles where Hollywood’s hottest acting talent and influential A listers and executives will come together at an exclusive event for the unveiling of the winner. The event will be supported by valued and long standing partners Bluestone Lane, Penfolds and Vogue Australia. Patrons of the Heath Ledger Scholarship are Kim Ledger, Gregor Jordan, Susie Dobson and Ann Fay.
Applications are open until August 1 AEST, with no extensions. To find out more information and where to apply, please visit https://australiansinfilm.org/hls/
