Australians in Film named the finalists competing for the 2017 Heath Ledger Scholarship on Tuesday, with the list including actors from “Unbroken,” “Glee” and “Thor: Ragnarok.”
The names were announced following the L.A. premiere of the documentary chronicling the late Australian actor titled “I Am Heath Ledger,” at a fundraising event for the AiF Heath Ledger Scholarship.
Naomi Watts, Gary Oldman and Ryan Murphy are among the judges set to decide the recipient of the ninth annual award in honor of the late “Dark Knight” star, who died in January 2008 at age 28.
The full list of finalists are: Dakota Shapiro (“Daddy Issues,” “Arbiter Teaser”), Daniel Monks (“Go Happy Feet!”, “Bodies,” “Marley”), Hunter Page (“Wentworth Prison,” “Cleverman” “The Sapphires”), Mitzi Ruhlmann (“Killing Ground,” “Boys in The Trees,” “Dance Academy”), Mojean Aria (“Suitcase,” “Aban & Khorshid,” “Double Take”), Morgan Griffin (“Bad Blood,” “San Andreas,” “Unbroken”), Ratidzo Mambo (“Glee,” “Moms,” “Blind Rage”), Sam Delich (“Gallipoli: The Power of Ten”), Shalom Brun-Franklin (“Thor: Ragnarok,” “Our Girl”), Tilda Cobham-Harvey (“Things I Know To Be True,” “EagleHawk,” “Barracuda”).
The winner will be announced at a special event in Los Angeles on June 1.
“This year we have been inundated with amazingly talented applicants for the Heath Ledger Scholarship. We are thrilled to announce the 10 finalists for 2017 and wish them all the best of luck,” the “Brokeback Mountain” actor’s sister Kate Ledger said in a statement.
“I’d like to encourage everyone to apply in the future. The scholarship is continually evolving and expanding each year and we are excited for the forthcoming 10th year anniversary.”
Last year’s winner was actress Ashleigh Cummings, whose latest film “Hounds of Love” opens in U.S. theaters on May 12.
With the support from Presenting Partners, Qantas, Visit California, Ausfilm and Screenwise Film & TV School for Actors, this year’s winning recipient will receive:
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- Two return Qantas economy airfares from Australia to Los Angeles
- Visit Californian 7 Day Californian trip
- US$10,000 towards a living allowance in Los Angeles
- US$5,000 rent assistance in Los Angeles
- US$1,000 ride-sharing app credit to be used in Los Angeles
- Group Acting classes and personal coaching from Lisa Robertson Studio and Nancy Banks Studio
- Immigration services from Kate Raynor & Associates
- Business management and US|Australian taxation advice from Protea Group International
- Kitchen appliance package, including Juice Fountain Elite, Barista Express, Smart Oven Pro and Boss Blender from Breville
- Yoga classes from YogaWorks
- Gym classes from Training Mate
- VIP tickets to Palm Springs International Film Festival & AFI Fest
- AiF membership, which includes access to the creative workspaces, Charlie’s + Creative Collective at Raleigh Studios
- Personal mentoring by Heath Ledger Scholarship Chair Felicity Price and Committee Member Damon Herriman
- Other vouchers from Alfred’s Coffee, The Den Meditation and Cinespia, plus more to be announced