Mad Max: Fury Road was the big winner at the 5th Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) International Awards in Los Angeles last night, taking home a total of eight awards.
At the ceremony, George Miller was awarded Best Director and Best Film for Mad Max: Fury Road, which stars Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron.
The Australian film was also recognised for a further six awards, including Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Sound, Best Original Music Score, Best Production Design, and Best Visual Effects or Animation.
Miller was presented with his Best Director award from Australian film-maker, Phillip Noyce, whose much-acclaimed films include Rabbit Proof Fence, Clear and Present Danger and The Quiet American. Both veteran directors were film students together at Melbourne University, 45 years ago. "You taught me at my very first film class," Miller quipped to his friend.
"I taught you how to load a camera and you have been teaching me ever since,' Noyce replied.
Rooney Mara and Cate Blanchett in Carol
Carol stars Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara were revealed as the winners of Best Lead Actress and Best Supporting Actress respectively, Blanchett's seventh award from the Australian Film Institute.
Leonardo DiCaprio took the award for Best Lead Actor for his role in The Revenant, his second award following one for his role in the Baz Luhrmann-directed The Great Gatsby.
Bridge of Spies' Mark Rylance took home the gong for Best Supporting Actor.
