His trophy cabinet includes six AACTA Awards, two BAFTAs, a Golden Globe and a Tony Award. Now Baz Luhrmann can add a King’s Birthday Honour.
The celebrated movie director and his partner in life and work, Catherine Martin, are both made Companion of the Order of Australia in the King’s annual list.
Luhrmann, the most commercially successful Australian director and a UK singles chart king with the 1999 spoken word No. 1 “Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen)”, and Martin, a costume designer and producer, have worked together on such films as “Strictly Ballroom” (1992), “Moulin Rouge!” (2001), “Australia” (2008), “The Great Gatsby” (2013), and the 2022 docudrama “Elvis”.
“Catherine Martin and I feel this honour recognises not just us, but those who have made access to the arts possible for every Australian,” he remarks.
Adds Martin, “I am so honoured to be joining the ranks of so many illustrious Australians, whom I have admired and been inspired by.” The award, she continued, was “especially meaningful,”
Also recognised is Bruce Rowland, appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to music as a composer, arranger and conductor.
Notably, Rowland composed the soundtrack for the hit homegrown film from 1982 The Man from Snowy River and its 1988 sequel The Man from Snowy River II.
Later, he composed a special version of the main theme for the Opening Ceremony of the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney.
This year 830 Australians were recognised for King Charles’s birthday celebrations, across community service, science and research, industry, sport, the arts and more.
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There was a controversial nod for former prime minister Scott Morrison, appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for his “eminent service” to the country and for his leadership through the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Honours list includes 581 awards in the General Division of the Order of Australia. All told, 37 awards were handed out to the arts community.
“I am delighted to congratulate all those recognised in The King’s Birthday 2025 Honours List,” comments Governor-General Sam Mostyn. “These honours recognise the selfless service, integrity, achievement, creativity, and care that flourish across our country.
“Every day, and all across the country, Australians are doing extraordinary things with passion, generosity, energy, and resolve.”
Australia’s honours system is free of patronage or political influence. Anyone can nominate an Australian citizen for an honour at any time of the year, through the GG’s office.
Read the full list here.