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OZ COMES TO NEW YORK: Director Baz Luhrmann worked on his epic film, “Australia,” to the last minute, but he didn’t display too many frayed nerves at the movie’s New York City premiere last week. Neither did his star, Hugh Jackman — except for one moment of trepidation.
“I’m a little nervous because there is another Australian here named Rupert Murdoch and he hasn’t seen the film yet, so please clap along,” he begged the audience at the Ziegfeld theater. Murdoch, of course, is the mogul who owns 20th Century Fox, the film’s distributor.
Also on hand to cheer were Jackman’s co-star, Nicole Kidman, as well as Naomi Watts and Lauren Bacall.
At the after party at the Plaza, guests including Gayle King, Helena Christensen, Harvey Weinstein, Kelsey Grammer and Donna Karan filled the Palm Court for a buffet dinner. Gossip Girl Blake Lively gushed, “I can’t believe I’m at the premiere. I love big romantic movies,” while holding onto her boyfriend (and co-star) Penn Badgley. “I just got a call this afternoon from my friend inviting me.”
Murdoch’s daughter, Elisabeth, arrived just in time to support her dad, having spent her evening hosting the Daytime Emmys. “I just came to say hi,” she said. “I’m looking forward to seeing the film.”
Meanwhile, Aussie model Kylie Bax explained the biggest misconception she thinks people have about her native land: “That the Aboriginals are cannibals,” she said, matter-of-factly. “They are actually sweet, gentle people.”
“I’m a little nervous because there is another Australian here named Rupert Murdoch and he hasn’t seen the film yet, so please clap along,” he begged the audience at the Ziegfeld theater. Murdoch, of course, is the mogul who owns 20th Century Fox, the film’s distributor.
Also on hand to cheer were Jackman’s co-star, Nicole Kidman, as well as Naomi Watts and Lauren Bacall.
At the after party at the Plaza, guests including Gayle King, Helena Christensen, Harvey Weinstein, Kelsey Grammer and Donna Karan filled the Palm Court for a buffet dinner. Gossip Girl Blake Lively gushed, “I can’t believe I’m at the premiere. I love big romantic movies,” while holding onto her boyfriend (and co-star) Penn Badgley. “I just got a call this afternoon from my friend inviting me.”
Murdoch’s daughter, Elisabeth, arrived just in time to support her dad, having spent her evening hosting the Daytime Emmys. “I just came to say hi,” she said. “I’m looking forward to seeing the film.”
Meanwhile, Aussie model Kylie Bax explained the biggest misconception she thinks people have about her native land: “That the Aboriginals are cannibals,” she said, matter-of-factly. “They are actually sweet, gentle people.”
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