Australians in Film Heath Ledger Scholarship Announces Judges and Benefactors.

LOS ANGELES -- The Australians in Film (AiF) Heath Ledger Scholarship has named Oscar [R] & Emmy nominated, Golden Globe winning actress Rachel Griffiths, Maura Fay Group casting agent Ann Fay, director Gregor Jordan, AiF vice president Paula Paizes and Steve Alexander of Atlas Entertainment to its panel of five judges. The announcement was made today by Susie Dobson, president of LA based non-profit, Australians in Film.

Benefactors of the Australians in Film Heath Ledger Scholarship include fellow actors Hugh Jackman and Deborra Lee Furness, Nicole Kidman, Naomi Watts, and Michelle Williams. Branding Iron, Loeb & Loeb, Qantas, Showcast, and World Nomads are among the corporate donors.

"We are fortunate to have a judging panel and benefactors comprised of such leaders in the entertainment community who add immeasurably to the integrity and prestige of the scholarship," stated Dobson.

Steve Alexander was Heath Ledger's US agent, Ann Fay cast him in one of his earliest roles, Gregor Jordan directed him in two films and Rachel Griffiths costarred with Heath in "Ned Kelly", directed by Jordan.

"Because Rachel, Ann, Gregor and Steve worked with and knew Heath well, their presence adds a special personal dimension to the panel," said AiF board VP Paula Paizes, who is chair of the Heath Ledger Scholarship committee.

Paizes continued, "Australians in Film received a staggering number of applications, and the caliber of applicants is extremely high, so my fellow judges and I have our work cut out for us over the coming month."

The inaugural 2009 scholarship of $10,000 plus return airfare from Australia will be awarded to one emerging Australian actor to pursue their career in the US. It is named for the late actor who was an ambassador and supporter of Australians in Film. The winner and finalists will be announced in February 2009 at an event in Los Angeles.

About Australians in Film

Founded in May 2001, to celebrate and support the work of Australian film and TV makers, Los Angeles based non-profit Australians in film holds screenings, premieres and special events. Australians in Film ambassadors include Australian Oscar-winning actors Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman, Russell Crowe and Geoffrey Rush, Oscar-winning director Mel Gibson and 30 other internationally known stars and film-makers including Hugh Jackman, Fred Schepisi and Naomi Watts. For further information please visit www.australiansinfilm.org.