Red carpet relations: inside the G'Day USA gala

The G’Day USA gala, a glitzy annual gathering that introduced Keith Urban to Nicole Kidman many moons ago, has celebrated its sweet 16th birthday. The event in Los Angeles, last month, seems to be an excuse to unite business leaders, politicians and entertainers for a soiree. But its purpose is a fascinating peek into politics of a different kind. Come behind the scenes of one of Hollywood’s most exclusive events…

The people

This year the guest list featured, among others, actors Jamie Lee Curtis, Vince Vaughn, Isla Fisher, Paul Hogan, Phillip Noyce, Miranda Tapsell and John Travolta. Minister for Trade Simon Birmingham worked the red carpet at the 3Labs event space in California’s Culver City, while Australia’s ambassador to the US, former treasurer Joe Hockey, was thrilled with the seating arrangements.

“Apparently, I’m sitting next to Vince Vaughn,” he says.

“You know, two good-looking guys with a sense of humour.”

Travolta, an “honorary Aussie” and Qantas ambassador who first visited Australia about 40 years ago, is a regular gala attendee.

“This is one of the most fun nights in Hollywood because it celebrates the incredible rapport between Australia and the United States,” he says.

The room

Founding partner Qantas has collaborated over the years with the Department of Foreign Affairs, Austrade and Tourism Australia on the highly-anticipated black tie event. Each entity is responsible for bringing together an eclectic mix of movers and shakers for the stylish knees-up.

“We’re here to help Australia punch above its weight and really show its world-class standing across a broad spectrum of achievements,” chief executive officer of Qantas International Alison Webster says.

“We’re not only generating trade interest and investment discussions, we’re also generating leisure interest. Part of our pride as Australia’s national carrier is putting Australia on the map – for Americans to say, ‘this is the place I want to spend my holidays. I want to get to know that country.’ ”

The event packs an entertainment punch, with Air Supply, Human Nature, Jessica Mauboy and Guy Sebastian performing in previous years. However, the bulk of the night is spent distributing awards to those who’ve excelled in their field.

Previous G’day USA honourees include Ben Mendelsohn, Toni Collette, Hugh Jackman, Simon Baker, Greg Norman, Guy Pearce, Rose Byrne, Kylie Minogue, Rod Laver, Margot Robbie and Barry Gibb.

This year, the room was charged with emotion when singer and activist Helen Reddy received her Lifetime Achievement Award. Tears were shed during the standing ovation, as 77-year-old Reddy, battling ill health, blew kisses from the stage.

The vibe

A-listers who flock to the G’day USA gala tend to catch up with old mates or seek new connections.

Actor Sacha Baron Cohen – married to Australian Isla Fisher and better known as Borat – meandered among the tables. Meanwhile, Vaughn was positively charming, chit-chatting with anyone with the gumption to say hello.

Newly-weds Liam Hemsworth and Miley Cyrus happily posed with the occasional selfie-seeker; Cyrus even heckled her Melbourne-born hubby as he accepted his award for excellence in film.

Ex-pat actor Dan MacPherson reflected on the “super-relaxed” gala after discussing film ideas with a Screen Australia executive and talking imports with representatives from the Australian meat industry.

The food

Chef Curtis Stone designed a three-course meal for nearly 700 attendees, intended to showcase fresh produce and Australian culinary prowess. Over the years, the menu has often included a lamb dish (this year it was Thomas Farms lamb loin) while oysters, pavlova and local fish have featured.

Witty MC Patrick Brammall sought a “barrel girl” for the lucky draw (the prize was free-flowing Penfold’s Grange for the winning table) and gave the job to Fisher, who joked her way through the raffle.

Mateship

The night is always quintessentially Australian; a grand party to facilitate a night of back-slapping, building friendships, and perhaps even striking a deal or two. Hemsworth shared his view on the night: “I love seeing all the Australians. It’s always kind of scary being in a room full of Australians, especially when there’s free alcohol. But it’s good to be here.”

Although he has a firm relationship with Australia, Travolta’s cultural fascination endures.

“Australians have this stellar ability to think outside the box,” he says. “The human spirit Australians have is like no other – the warmth, the excitement and working hard, but having fun, too. There’s an art to that. And I don’t know if we nail it as well as you guys do.”