The Sydney Opera house is showing the life and career of the late actor David Gulpilil who has recently received AACTA’s highest honour.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this article contains the image, voice, and name of a person who has died.
It has been just over a week since the death of David Gulpilil and his family has now permitted the usage of his famous surname and his image while the nation continues to pay tribute to the Northern Territory movie star’s life and films.
The beloved indigenous actor passed away on November 29 at the age of 68 after a long battle with lung cancer.
The Sydney Opera House sails are projecting moments from Gulpilil’s illustrious career but one moment is a little off. They’ve largely included clips from Crocodile Dundee, a film that Gulpilil himself, publicly denounced.
Along with many renowned roles, Gulpilil starred in Crocodile Dundee as Neville Bell but famously called the film “bullshit”.
They may have missed the mark a little but the tribute remains and is a significant reminder of Gulpilil’s outstanding work.
The Opera House tribute coincides with a posthumous award from AACTA.
David Gulpilil received AACTA‘s highest honour, the Longford Lyell Award, for his outstanding contribution to Australian cinema.
“David carried the legacy of his people into all his performances creating an authenticity that had never been seen widely before, and will never be forgotten,” AACTA chief executive Damian Trewhella said.
“By redefining how the world sees Indigenous Australians, he paved the way for the next generation to reject cultural stereotypes and express their own truths.
“All Australia owe him a debt.”
