On behalf of the Hodgman Liberal Government, I would like to congratulate Saroo Brierley, his family and all of the film’s production team for their success with Lion’s nominations at today’s Academy Awards in Los Angeles.
The film about Tasmania’s own Saroo Brierley and his incredible story has captured the world’s attention, and all of our hearts.
Nominated for six Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor for Dev Patel, Best Supporting Actress for Nicole Kidman, Best Adapted Screenplay for Luke Davies and Best Cinematography for Greig Fraser, the film unfortunately did not bring home an Oscar.
However, with box office takings to date fast approaching $US100 million, including $25 million in ticket sales in Australia alone, the film is expected to roar into the top five grossing Australian films of all time to join Crocodile Dundee, Happy Feet and Babe.
The Academy Award nominations follow others for Screen Actors Guild, Directors Guild of America, American Society of Cinematographers, BAFTAs and Critics Choice awards.
It is fantastic to see a Tasmanian story gain such popularity around Australia and the world.
Lion’s success has projected the beauty of our island state onto the world stage, which will no doubt lure tourists wanting to connect with the location of the compelling film, and see Tasmania’s rugged natural beauty for themselves.
Lion was supported by the Tasmanian Government through on-ground production support and it showcases iconic Tasmanian locations to the world including kunanyi/Mount Wellington, Cockle Creek, Bruny Island and the Tasman Peninsular.
With the recent completion of the children’s television series Fanshaw and Crudnutt for the Nine Network, Little J and Big Cuz for NITV and with the feature film The Nightingale about to commence shooting across the state, I am confident the presence of distinctive Tasmanian stories on film and television screens around the world will continue well into the future.