Heath Ledger Scholarship nominee Ezekiel Simat hopes to change the Australian acting scene
SYDNEY’S Ezekiel Simat wants to change the face of the Aussie acting scene. He’s not naive, openly discussing how he is not “the norm”. The handsome actor has not seen many people who look like him on Home And Away — he is hoping he can change that.
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SYDNEY’S Ezekiel Simat wants to change the face of the Aussie acting scene.
Simat is one of 10 young Australian actors up for the prestige Heath Ledger Scholarship.
Born in Brisbane and having lived in Sydney for several years to follow his passion, Simat is not naive, openly discussing how he is not “the norm”.
“The thing that makes it challenging for a non-caucasian is that even though they invited me into the game, I have not seen many people like me on Home And Away, so my goal is to be an agent of change in that sphere,” Simat said.
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Half Pacific Islander, Simat started his career as an actor when there was a call out for “non-caucasian extras” for a local Brisbane production.
The handsome young talent said he hopes opportunities in the US industry will open the next door in his career.
“I am excited about the possibilities which may come from being involved with the scholarship,” he said. “I hope to be able to move to LA.”
He said to be nominated among an amazing calibre of actors made the situation more humbling.
“The people who I know are so talented. It is such a great group of people to be among,” he said.
“While I would love to win, everyone is so talented so I think anyone of us would be a deserving winner.”
Simat will compete against young stars including Aaron Glenane and Bethany Whitmore from Picnic at Hanging Rock, and Puberty Blues actor Brenna Harding. The competition will be judged by Naomi Watts, Rose Byrne, Elizabeth Debicki and Matt Damon.
“To know the people who will be looking at my work in the coming weeks, that is exciting,” Simat said.
Presented by Australian winery Bird in Hand, the winner of the 2018 Heath Ledger Scholarship will be announced at Hollywood’s Chateau Marmont next month.