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“It’s important to remember his legacy:” Matt Levett wins the Heath Ledger Scholarship

Australian actor Matt Levett has been announced as the 2015 winner of the Heath Ledger Scholarship.
Matt Levett

Matt gained national notoriety for his role as Andrew Swanson in A Place To Call Home, but with the help of the scholarship, it will help him crack the international market.

The coveted prize is designed to give an Aussie actor the support they need to break into Hollywood. Big names including Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman and Naomi Watts, provide support to help fund the prize.

The gala event was held at the Sunset Marquis Hotel in Hollywood on Monday night with a slew of stars in attendance including Aussie Jacki Weaver and Vince Vaughn, Hillel Emmy award-winning casting director, Laray Mayfield (Fight Club, Gone Girl, House of Cards, The Social Network), was on the judging panel.

The critically acclaimed director was astounded by the Aussie talent and explained: “The decision was not easy as each of the applicants are talented and we are sure they will have long and lovely careers.”

Heath’s sister, Kate Ledger and mother, Sally Bell, were both there to congratulate Matt on his big win.

The scholarship made in honour of the late Heath Ledger.

An overwhelmed Matt revealed how thankful he was, describing the prize as an “incredible gift.”

“I am humbled to have received this incredible gift. Working in this industry, I have realized success here is not something you can do on your own.

“The support this scholarship gives, allows me opportunities I could otherwise only imagine. The chance to tell stories on an international level would be a dream come true.”

The scholarship is just the helping hand Matt needs – it includes $10,000 cash fund, and a two year scholarship at the Stella Adler Academy of Acting and Theatre in Los Angeles.

Virgin Australia flew the Aussie actor to LA to attend the announcement ceremony and he’ll receive a second flight when he is ready to move to the United States, plus a 7 day Californian trip from Visit California, USD$5,000 worth of visa and immigration services from Raynor and Associates and complimentary lifetime membership to StarNow.

The scholarship also includes mentorship from professionals in the industry. Previous winners of the coveted award include Cody Fern, Anna McGahan, Ryan Corr and Bella Heathcote.

A huge congratulations to the deserving actor. W\e have no doubt we’ll soon be writing about Hollywood superstar, Matt Levett!

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