The Sapphires were big winners at the AACTAs

The Sapphires was the big winner at the AACTA Awards

There were stars galore out as Australia held one of the biggest movie awards events in its own social calendar, the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Awards, and there was plenty of reason to celebrate for those behind The Sapphires, as they swept the board. The film, which follows four young Australian Aborigine girls who entertain US troops during the Vietnam war of the 60's, took six honors overall, including Best Film, Best Director (Wayne Blair), Best Lead Actress (Deborah Mailman), Best Lead Actor (Chris O'Dowd), Best Supporting Actress (Jessica Mauboy) and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Nicole Kidman at the AACTAs

Australian film royalty Nicole Kidman turned up

International attention though, as it always is, was drawn to Australia's truly global stars who decided to attend the event - and in that respect they weren't disappointed. Both Nicole Kidman and Cate Blanchett made striking appearances on the red carpet, taking the limelight even though they weren't really in with a sniff of any of the gongs going on the evening. Whilst Kidman stuck to relatively safe pale yellows in her outfit, Blanchett went for a bold looking red ensemble, that plunged down to her empire line. 

Gemma Arterton and Jeremy Renner, AACTAs

Hansel And Gretel: Witch Hunters stars Gemma Arterton and Jeremy Renner

Also making an appearance were Hansel And Gretel: Witch Hunters stars Gemma Arterton and Jeremy Renner, the couple still on heavy promotional duties with the film not going on general release in Australia until February 7. Zero Dark Thirty's Joel Edgerton was also in attendance, as the Sydney-based event enjoyed its usual glamorous attendees list. 

Cate Blanchett at the AACTAs

Cate Blanchett's bold dress

Check out our full gallery from the AACTA's here