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AACTA winner Allison Janney’s heartfelt tribute to Margot Robbie

ACTRESS Allison Janney has paid tribute to Aussie co-star Margot Robbie’s “incredible fearlessness” in her approach to the title role in I, Tonya.

Margot Robbie shows off her party trick to Chris Pratt

ALLISON Janney has paid tribute to Aussie co-star Margot Robbie’s “incredible fearlessness” in her approach to the title role in I, Tonya.

Janney, who plays a sports coach mother from hell in the same movie, was named best supporting actress at the AACTA International Awards announced in LA yesterday.

Robbie beat Judi Dench, Frances McDormand and Saoirse Ronan to win the best lead actress award.

Margot Robbie and Allison Janney. Picture: Vivien Killilea
Margot Robbie and Allison Janney. Picture: Vivien Killilea

“Margot set the bar for all of us with her incredible fearlessness approaching this role, her incredible commitment to it, she made my job so much easier,” Janney said in her acceptance speech.

Directed by Craig Gillespie, I, Tonya sees Robbie play disgraced American figure skater Tonya Harding.

“And Craig, I couldn’t imagine anyone better to direct this movie in the fast and furious pace that it needed to be directed in and his incredible creative genius inspired us all,” Janney said.

“It has been a true labour of love for me working on this movie, especially with two of your finest — Margot Robbie and Craig Gillespie — who I couldn’t love or be inspired more by.”

Margot Robbie appears in upcoming biopic Tonya Harding film I, Tonya.
Margot Robbie appears in upcoming biopic Tonya Harding film I, Tonya.

Robbie didn’t attend the awards in person but sent a video message of thanks: “I wish I could be there with you tonight, especially since Aussies always have the most fun on any night. So, have a drink for me and have a good night.”

Both Robbie and Janney are nominated for the film at the Golden Globe Awards tomorrow.

Gary Oldman won the AACTA’s best actor award for Darkest Hour while best supporting actor went to Sam Rockwell for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, which also won best film. Christopher Nolan was named best director for Dunkirk.

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/aacta-winner-allison-janneys-heartfelt-tribute-to-margot-robbie/news-story/35098b49aba1ea9a43437c66bbf4d0b7