Aussie filmmaking royalty in the King's spotlight
It's a long way from the small town of Herons Creek to Hollywood - and to the King's Birthday Honours List.
That's been the trail taken by Australia's most commercially successful film director Baz Luhrmann, who grew up in the NSW outback town and on Monday will be appointed a Companion (AC) of the Order of Australia as part of the King's Birthday Honours List.
He's been honoured for eminent service to the arts as a filmmaker, to the theatre, to cultural heritage, and to the development of artistic talent.
"My personal journey from a small, rural town to the world stage would not have been possible but for those who came before having the vision to support the arts, allowing us to reflect our stories back to ourselves and participate in global culture as Australians," Luhrmann said in a statement to AAP.
The 62-year-old came to prominence with 1992's Strictly Ballroom, which was his first screen collaboration with his now wife, award-winning costume designer Catherine Martin, who was responsible for the film's dazzling outfits.
Martin, who has won more Oscars than any other Australian, has also been appointed an AC.
"I am so honoured to be joining the ranks of so many illustrious Australians, whom I have admired and been inspired by," she said.
"Being recognised in your home country is especially meaningful."
Martin has won four Academy Awards, two each for Moulin Rouge! and The Great Gatsby, from a total of nine nominations.
She has been recognised for eminent service to the arts, to costume, production and set design, and to fostering emerging artistic talent.
After Strictly Ballroom put Luhrmann and Martin on the global stage, they followed up with the sumptuous 1996 feature Romeo + Juliet, and 2001's Moulin Rouge!.
Then came 2008's Australia starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, and 2013's The Great Gatsby, with Leonardo DiCaprio in the lead role.
After a foray into television, Luhrmann returned to the big screen in 2022 with the biopic Elvis starring Austin Butler.
Martin and her team made 90 costumes for the Elvis character, and more than 9000 outfits for extras in the film's many concert scenes.
Luhrmann has most recently been in Los Angeles for Sony's Music Vision Content Showcase, which featured his release EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert, based on previously unseen recordings.
The project is not quite a documentary or a concert film, Luhrmann told the showcase audience.
"We call it EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert, and he will sing and tell his story like never before. He will tell it. Because what was remarkable is that we found audio of Elvis talking about his life."
Researchers unearthed a massive 68 boxes of film negative in the Warners Bros. film vaults, as well as unseen 8mm footage of Elvis, which has since been restored.
As for projects in the pipeline, Luhrmann is reportedly working on another biopic, this time about Joan of Arc and based on a novel by fellow Australian Thomas Keneally.
Meanwhile Martin has recently directed a short film titled Grande Envie, for luxury fashion label Miu Miu's Upcycled collection.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
3 hours ago
- The Advertiser
'Miracle' PM gets top gong in the name of the King
Scott Morrison gets the highest possible accolade in the King's Birthday Honours List alongside prominent figures including filmmaker Baz Luhrmann and his Academy Award-winning costume designer partner, Catherine Martin. Australia's 30th prime minister, who led the nation from 2018 until the coalition's 2022 election loss, was recognised for "eminent service to the people and parliament of Australia, particularly as prime minister". He famously declared "miracles happen" when re-elected in 2019, and Sunday's news of his appointment to the Companion (AC) of the Order of Australia could come as a surprise to some people, given his low approval ratings at the time he left office. But since the establishment of the Order of Australia in 1975, every ex-prime minister has been appointed a Companion except Paul Keating, who declined because he believed the honours should be reserved for those whose community work went unrecognised. Mr Morrison's honour specifically points to his "notable contributions to global engagement, to leadership of the national COVID-19 response, to economic initiatives, and to national security enhancements, especially through leadership of Australia's contribution to AUKUS". He received significant support during the early days of the pandemic, with an April 2020 Newspoll revealing he had the highest satisfaction rating for any prime minister since Kevin Rudd in 2009. But by the end of his second term, he had become the most unpopular major party leader since at least 1987, according to an Australian National University study. The lead up to the 2022 election was plagued with blunders as Mr Morrison crash tackled a child, performed a ukulele rendition of April Sun in Cuba and took off a protective mask to gaze straight into welding sparks. He was also criticised for saying, "I don't hold a hose, mate" when questioned over his decision to go on a family trip to Hawaii during the 2019 Black Summer bushfires. And shortly before leaving politics, Mr Morrison stunned parliamentary colleagues when it was revealed he had secretly appointed himself to five ministerial positions during the pandemic. The King's Birthday Honours List names 581 people in the General Division of the Order of Australia, including academics, ex-sport stars, leaders and creatives. "These honours recognise the selfless service, integrity, achievement, creativity, and care that flourish across our country," Governor-General Sam Mostyn said. Fourteen people were appointed to the highest honour, AC. Luhrmann and Martin, best known for their work on films including Moulin Rouge, The Great Gatsby and Strictly Ballroom, received the accolade for their service to the arts. Environmental scientist Mark Howden, who served as a vice chair on the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, was also appointed to AC alongside business leader Jennifer Westacott and NASA climate science centre co-director Graeme Stephens. Bangerang and Wiradjuri woman Geraldine Atkinson has been named an Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia for her work with Indigenous communities and reconciliation. Scott Morrison gets the highest possible accolade in the King's Birthday Honours List alongside prominent figures including filmmaker Baz Luhrmann and his Academy Award-winning costume designer partner, Catherine Martin. Australia's 30th prime minister, who led the nation from 2018 until the coalition's 2022 election loss, was recognised for "eminent service to the people and parliament of Australia, particularly as prime minister". He famously declared "miracles happen" when re-elected in 2019, and Sunday's news of his appointment to the Companion (AC) of the Order of Australia could come as a surprise to some people, given his low approval ratings at the time he left office. But since the establishment of the Order of Australia in 1975, every ex-prime minister has been appointed a Companion except Paul Keating, who declined because he believed the honours should be reserved for those whose community work went unrecognised. Mr Morrison's honour specifically points to his "notable contributions to global engagement, to leadership of the national COVID-19 response, to economic initiatives, and to national security enhancements, especially through leadership of Australia's contribution to AUKUS". He received significant support during the early days of the pandemic, with an April 2020 Newspoll revealing he had the highest satisfaction rating for any prime minister since Kevin Rudd in 2009. But by the end of his second term, he had become the most unpopular major party leader since at least 1987, according to an Australian National University study. The lead up to the 2022 election was plagued with blunders as Mr Morrison crash tackled a child, performed a ukulele rendition of April Sun in Cuba and took off a protective mask to gaze straight into welding sparks. He was also criticised for saying, "I don't hold a hose, mate" when questioned over his decision to go on a family trip to Hawaii during the 2019 Black Summer bushfires. And shortly before leaving politics, Mr Morrison stunned parliamentary colleagues when it was revealed he had secretly appointed himself to five ministerial positions during the pandemic. The King's Birthday Honours List names 581 people in the General Division of the Order of Australia, including academics, ex-sport stars, leaders and creatives. "These honours recognise the selfless service, integrity, achievement, creativity, and care that flourish across our country," Governor-General Sam Mostyn said. Fourteen people were appointed to the highest honour, AC. Luhrmann and Martin, best known for their work on films including Moulin Rouge, The Great Gatsby and Strictly Ballroom, received the accolade for their service to the arts. Environmental scientist Mark Howden, who served as a vice chair on the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, was also appointed to AC alongside business leader Jennifer Westacott and NASA climate science centre co-director Graeme Stephens. Bangerang and Wiradjuri woman Geraldine Atkinson has been named an Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia for her work with Indigenous communities and reconciliation. Scott Morrison gets the highest possible accolade in the King's Birthday Honours List alongside prominent figures including filmmaker Baz Luhrmann and his Academy Award-winning costume designer partner, Catherine Martin. Australia's 30th prime minister, who led the nation from 2018 until the coalition's 2022 election loss, was recognised for "eminent service to the people and parliament of Australia, particularly as prime minister". He famously declared "miracles happen" when re-elected in 2019, and Sunday's news of his appointment to the Companion (AC) of the Order of Australia could come as a surprise to some people, given his low approval ratings at the time he left office. But since the establishment of the Order of Australia in 1975, every ex-prime minister has been appointed a Companion except Paul Keating, who declined because he believed the honours should be reserved for those whose community work went unrecognised. Mr Morrison's honour specifically points to his "notable contributions to global engagement, to leadership of the national COVID-19 response, to economic initiatives, and to national security enhancements, especially through leadership of Australia's contribution to AUKUS". He received significant support during the early days of the pandemic, with an April 2020 Newspoll revealing he had the highest satisfaction rating for any prime minister since Kevin Rudd in 2009. But by the end of his second term, he had become the most unpopular major party leader since at least 1987, according to an Australian National University study. The lead up to the 2022 election was plagued with blunders as Mr Morrison crash tackled a child, performed a ukulele rendition of April Sun in Cuba and took off a protective mask to gaze straight into welding sparks. He was also criticised for saying, "I don't hold a hose, mate" when questioned over his decision to go on a family trip to Hawaii during the 2019 Black Summer bushfires. And shortly before leaving politics, Mr Morrison stunned parliamentary colleagues when it was revealed he had secretly appointed himself to five ministerial positions during the pandemic. The King's Birthday Honours List names 581 people in the General Division of the Order of Australia, including academics, ex-sport stars, leaders and creatives. "These honours recognise the selfless service, integrity, achievement, creativity, and care that flourish across our country," Governor-General Sam Mostyn said. Fourteen people were appointed to the highest honour, AC. Luhrmann and Martin, best known for their work on films including Moulin Rouge, The Great Gatsby and Strictly Ballroom, received the accolade for their service to the arts. Environmental scientist Mark Howden, who served as a vice chair on the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, was also appointed to AC alongside business leader Jennifer Westacott and NASA climate science centre co-director Graeme Stephens. Bangerang and Wiradjuri woman Geraldine Atkinson has been named an Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia for her work with Indigenous communities and reconciliation. Scott Morrison gets the highest possible accolade in the King's Birthday Honours List alongside prominent figures including filmmaker Baz Luhrmann and his Academy Award-winning costume designer partner, Catherine Martin. Australia's 30th prime minister, who led the nation from 2018 until the coalition's 2022 election loss, was recognised for "eminent service to the people and parliament of Australia, particularly as prime minister". He famously declared "miracles happen" when re-elected in 2019, and Sunday's news of his appointment to the Companion (AC) of the Order of Australia could come as a surprise to some people, given his low approval ratings at the time he left office. But since the establishment of the Order of Australia in 1975, every ex-prime minister has been appointed a Companion except Paul Keating, who declined because he believed the honours should be reserved for those whose community work went unrecognised. Mr Morrison's honour specifically points to his "notable contributions to global engagement, to leadership of the national COVID-19 response, to economic initiatives, and to national security enhancements, especially through leadership of Australia's contribution to AUKUS". He received significant support during the early days of the pandemic, with an April 2020 Newspoll revealing he had the highest satisfaction rating for any prime minister since Kevin Rudd in 2009. But by the end of his second term, he had become the most unpopular major party leader since at least 1987, according to an Australian National University study. The lead up to the 2022 election was plagued with blunders as Mr Morrison crash tackled a child, performed a ukulele rendition of April Sun in Cuba and took off a protective mask to gaze straight into welding sparks. He was also criticised for saying, "I don't hold a hose, mate" when questioned over his decision to go on a family trip to Hawaii during the 2019 Black Summer bushfires. And shortly before leaving politics, Mr Morrison stunned parliamentary colleagues when it was revealed he had secretly appointed himself to five ministerial positions during the pandemic. The King's Birthday Honours List names 581 people in the General Division of the Order of Australia, including academics, ex-sport stars, leaders and creatives. "These honours recognise the selfless service, integrity, achievement, creativity, and care that flourish across our country," Governor-General Sam Mostyn said. Fourteen people were appointed to the highest honour, AC. Luhrmann and Martin, best known for their work on films including Moulin Rouge, The Great Gatsby and Strictly Ballroom, received the accolade for their service to the arts. Environmental scientist Mark Howden, who served as a vice chair on the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, was also appointed to AC alongside business leader Jennifer Westacott and NASA climate science centre co-director Graeme Stephens. Bangerang and Wiradjuri woman Geraldine Atkinson has been named an Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia for her work with Indigenous communities and reconciliation.
The Advertiser
3 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Aussie filmmaking royalty in the King's spotlight
It's a long way from the small town of Herons Creek to Hollywood - and to the King's Birthday Honours List. That's been the trail taken by Australia's most commercially successful film director Baz Luhrmann, who grew up in the NSW outback town and on Monday will be appointed a Companion (AC) of the Order of Australia as part of the King's Birthday Honours List. He's been honoured for eminent service to the arts as a filmmaker, to the theatre, to cultural heritage, and to the development of artistic talent. "My personal journey from a small, rural town to the world stage would not have been possible but for those who came before having the vision to support the arts, allowing us to reflect our stories back to ourselves and participate in global culture as Australians," Luhrmann said in a statement to AAP. The 62-year-old came to prominence with 1992's Strictly Ballroom, which was his first screen collaboration with his now wife, award-winning costume designer Catherine Martin, who was responsible for the film's dazzling outfits. Martin, who has won more Oscars than any other Australian, has also been appointed an AC. "I am so honoured to be joining the ranks of so many illustrious Australians, whom I have admired and been inspired by," she said. "Being recognised in your home country is especially meaningful." Martin has won four Academy Awards, two each for Moulin Rouge! and The Great Gatsby, from a total of nine nominations. She has been recognised for eminent service to the arts, to costume, production and set design, and to fostering emerging artistic talent. After Strictly Ballroom put Luhrmann and Martin on the global stage, they followed up with the sumptuous 1996 feature Romeo + Juliet, and 2001's Moulin Rouge!. Then came 2008's Australia starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, and 2013's The Great Gatsby, with Leonardo DiCaprio in the lead role. After a foray into television, Luhrmann returned to the big screen in 2022 with the biopic Elvis starring Austin Butler. Martin and her team made 90 costumes for the Elvis character, and more than 9000 outfits for extras in the film's many concert scenes. Luhrmann has most recently been in Los Angeles for Sony's Music Vision Content Showcase, which featured his release EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert, based on previously unseen recordings. The project is not quite a documentary or a concert film, Luhrmann told the showcase audience. "We call it EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert, and he will sing and tell his story like never before. He will tell it. Because what was remarkable is that we found audio of Elvis talking about his life." Researchers unearthed a massive 68 boxes of film negative in the Warners Bros. film vaults, as well as unseen 8mm footage of Elvis, which has since been restored. As for projects in the pipeline, Luhrmann is reportedly working on another biopic, this time about Joan of Arc and based on a novel by fellow Australian Thomas Keneally. Meanwhile Martin has recently directed a short film titled Grande Envie, for luxury fashion label Miu Miu's Upcycled collection. It's a long way from the small town of Herons Creek to Hollywood - and to the King's Birthday Honours List. That's been the trail taken by Australia's most commercially successful film director Baz Luhrmann, who grew up in the NSW outback town and on Monday will be appointed a Companion (AC) of the Order of Australia as part of the King's Birthday Honours List. He's been honoured for eminent service to the arts as a filmmaker, to the theatre, to cultural heritage, and to the development of artistic talent. "My personal journey from a small, rural town to the world stage would not have been possible but for those who came before having the vision to support the arts, allowing us to reflect our stories back to ourselves and participate in global culture as Australians," Luhrmann said in a statement to AAP. The 62-year-old came to prominence with 1992's Strictly Ballroom, which was his first screen collaboration with his now wife, award-winning costume designer Catherine Martin, who was responsible for the film's dazzling outfits. Martin, who has won more Oscars than any other Australian, has also been appointed an AC. "I am so honoured to be joining the ranks of so many illustrious Australians, whom I have admired and been inspired by," she said. "Being recognised in your home country is especially meaningful." Martin has won four Academy Awards, two each for Moulin Rouge! and The Great Gatsby, from a total of nine nominations. She has been recognised for eminent service to the arts, to costume, production and set design, and to fostering emerging artistic talent. After Strictly Ballroom put Luhrmann and Martin on the global stage, they followed up with the sumptuous 1996 feature Romeo + Juliet, and 2001's Moulin Rouge!. Then came 2008's Australia starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, and 2013's The Great Gatsby, with Leonardo DiCaprio in the lead role. After a foray into television, Luhrmann returned to the big screen in 2022 with the biopic Elvis starring Austin Butler. Martin and her team made 90 costumes for the Elvis character, and more than 9000 outfits for extras in the film's many concert scenes. Luhrmann has most recently been in Los Angeles for Sony's Music Vision Content Showcase, which featured his release EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert, based on previously unseen recordings. The project is not quite a documentary or a concert film, Luhrmann told the showcase audience. "We call it EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert, and he will sing and tell his story like never before. He will tell it. Because what was remarkable is that we found audio of Elvis talking about his life." Researchers unearthed a massive 68 boxes of film negative in the Warners Bros. film vaults, as well as unseen 8mm footage of Elvis, which has since been restored. As for projects in the pipeline, Luhrmann is reportedly working on another biopic, this time about Joan of Arc and based on a novel by fellow Australian Thomas Keneally. Meanwhile Martin has recently directed a short film titled Grande Envie, for luxury fashion label Miu Miu's Upcycled collection. It's a long way from the small town of Herons Creek to Hollywood - and to the King's Birthday Honours List. That's been the trail taken by Australia's most commercially successful film director Baz Luhrmann, who grew up in the NSW outback town and on Monday will be appointed a Companion (AC) of the Order of Australia as part of the King's Birthday Honours List. He's been honoured for eminent service to the arts as a filmmaker, to the theatre, to cultural heritage, and to the development of artistic talent. "My personal journey from a small, rural town to the world stage would not have been possible but for those who came before having the vision to support the arts, allowing us to reflect our stories back to ourselves and participate in global culture as Australians," Luhrmann said in a statement to AAP. The 62-year-old came to prominence with 1992's Strictly Ballroom, which was his first screen collaboration with his now wife, award-winning costume designer Catherine Martin, who was responsible for the film's dazzling outfits. Martin, who has won more Oscars than any other Australian, has also been appointed an AC. "I am so honoured to be joining the ranks of so many illustrious Australians, whom I have admired and been inspired by," she said. "Being recognised in your home country is especially meaningful." Martin has won four Academy Awards, two each for Moulin Rouge! and The Great Gatsby, from a total of nine nominations. She has been recognised for eminent service to the arts, to costume, production and set design, and to fostering emerging artistic talent. After Strictly Ballroom put Luhrmann and Martin on the global stage, they followed up with the sumptuous 1996 feature Romeo + Juliet, and 2001's Moulin Rouge!. Then came 2008's Australia starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, and 2013's The Great Gatsby, with Leonardo DiCaprio in the lead role. After a foray into television, Luhrmann returned to the big screen in 2022 with the biopic Elvis starring Austin Butler. Martin and her team made 90 costumes for the Elvis character, and more than 9000 outfits for extras in the film's many concert scenes. Luhrmann has most recently been in Los Angeles for Sony's Music Vision Content Showcase, which featured his release EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert, based on previously unseen recordings. The project is not quite a documentary or a concert film, Luhrmann told the showcase audience. "We call it EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert, and he will sing and tell his story like never before. He will tell it. Because what was remarkable is that we found audio of Elvis talking about his life." Researchers unearthed a massive 68 boxes of film negative in the Warners Bros. film vaults, as well as unseen 8mm footage of Elvis, which has since been restored. As for projects in the pipeline, Luhrmann is reportedly working on another biopic, this time about Joan of Arc and based on a novel by fellow Australian Thomas Keneally. Meanwhile Martin has recently directed a short film titled Grande Envie, for luxury fashion label Miu Miu's Upcycled collection. It's a long way from the small town of Herons Creek to Hollywood - and to the King's Birthday Honours List. That's been the trail taken by Australia's most commercially successful film director Baz Luhrmann, who grew up in the NSW outback town and on Monday will be appointed a Companion (AC) of the Order of Australia as part of the King's Birthday Honours List. He's been honoured for eminent service to the arts as a filmmaker, to the theatre, to cultural heritage, and to the development of artistic talent. "My personal journey from a small, rural town to the world stage would not have been possible but for those who came before having the vision to support the arts, allowing us to reflect our stories back to ourselves and participate in global culture as Australians," Luhrmann said in a statement to AAP. The 62-year-old came to prominence with 1992's Strictly Ballroom, which was his first screen collaboration with his now wife, award-winning costume designer Catherine Martin, who was responsible for the film's dazzling outfits. Martin, who has won more Oscars than any other Australian, has also been appointed an AC. "I am so honoured to be joining the ranks of so many illustrious Australians, whom I have admired and been inspired by," she said. "Being recognised in your home country is especially meaningful." Martin has won four Academy Awards, two each for Moulin Rouge! and The Great Gatsby, from a total of nine nominations. She has been recognised for eminent service to the arts, to costume, production and set design, and to fostering emerging artistic talent. After Strictly Ballroom put Luhrmann and Martin on the global stage, they followed up with the sumptuous 1996 feature Romeo + Juliet, and 2001's Moulin Rouge!. Then came 2008's Australia starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, and 2013's The Great Gatsby, with Leonardo DiCaprio in the lead role. After a foray into television, Luhrmann returned to the big screen in 2022 with the biopic Elvis starring Austin Butler. Martin and her team made 90 costumes for the Elvis character, and more than 9000 outfits for extras in the film's many concert scenes. Luhrmann has most recently been in Los Angeles for Sony's Music Vision Content Showcase, which featured his release EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert, based on previously unseen recordings. The project is not quite a documentary or a concert film, Luhrmann told the showcase audience. "We call it EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert, and he will sing and tell his story like never before. He will tell it. Because what was remarkable is that we found audio of Elvis talking about his life." Researchers unearthed a massive 68 boxes of film negative in the Warners Bros. film vaults, as well as unseen 8mm footage of Elvis, which has since been restored. As for projects in the pipeline, Luhrmann is reportedly working on another biopic, this time about Joan of Arc and based on a novel by fellow Australian Thomas Keneally. Meanwhile Martin has recently directed a short film titled Grande Envie, for luxury fashion label Miu Miu's Upcycled collection.
West Australian
4 hours ago
- West Australian
Aussie filmmaking royalty in the King's spotlight
It's a long way from the small town of Herons Creek to Hollywood - and to the King's Birthday Honours List. That's been the trail taken by Australia's most commercially successful film director Baz Luhrmann, who grew up in the NSW outback town and on Monday will be appointed a Companion (AC) of the Order of Australia as part of the King's Birthday Honours List. He's been honoured for eminent service to the arts as a filmmaker, to the theatre, to cultural heritage, and to the development of artistic talent. "My personal journey from a small, rural town to the world stage would not have been possible but for those who came before having the vision to support the arts, allowing us to reflect our stories back to ourselves and participate in global culture as Australians," Luhrmann said in a statement to AAP. The 62-year-old came to prominence with 1992's Strictly Ballroom, which was his first screen collaboration with his now wife, award-winning costume designer Catherine Martin, who was responsible for the film's dazzling outfits. Martin, who has won more Oscars than any other Australian, has also been appointed an AC. "I am so honoured to be joining the ranks of so many illustrious Australians, whom I have admired and been inspired by," she said. "Being recognised in your home country is especially meaningful." Martin has won four Academy Awards, two each for Moulin Rouge! and The Great Gatsby, from a total of nine nominations. She has been recognised for eminent service to the arts, to costume, production and set design, and to fostering emerging artistic talent. After Strictly Ballroom put Luhrmann and Martin on the global stage, they followed up with the sumptuous 1996 feature Romeo + Juliet, and 2001's Moulin Rouge!. Then came 2008's Australia starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, and 2013's The Great Gatsby, with Leonardo DiCaprio in the lead role. After a foray into television, Luhrmann returned to the big screen in 2022 with the biopic Elvis starring Austin Butler. Martin and her team made 90 costumes for the Elvis character, and more than 9000 outfits for extras in the film's many concert scenes. Luhrmann has most recently been in Los Angeles for Sony's Music Vision Content Showcase, which featured his release EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert, based on previously unseen recordings. The project is not quite a documentary or a concert film, Luhrmann told the showcase audience. "We call it EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert, and he will sing and tell his story like never before. He will tell it. Because what was remarkable is that we found audio of Elvis talking about his life." Researchers unearthed a massive 68 boxes of film negative in the Warners Bros. film vaults, as well as unseen 8mm footage of Elvis, which has since been restored. As for projects in the pipeline, Luhrmann is reportedly working on another biopic, this time about Joan of Arc and based on a novel by fellow Australian Thomas Keneally. Meanwhile Martin has recently directed a short film titled Grande Envie, for luxury fashion label Miu Miu's Upcycled collection.
