Fresh Aussie acting talent Aswan Reid walks Cannes red carpet with Cate Blanchett

Unknown Aussie Aswan Reid has taken centre stage at the biggest film festival in the world, making his way up the red carpet with Cate Blanchett and Deborah Mailman. SEE PICTURES FROM CANNES

Unknown Aussie Aswan Reid has taken centre stage at the biggest film festival in the world.

The 11-year-old appeared every bit the star as he made his way up the red carpet alongside Oscar winner Cate Blanchett and Deborah Mailman for the world premiere of The New Boy at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in France.

Director Warwick Thornton was also there, with early reviews indicating critical acclaim for the film about a renegade nun (Blanchett) who runs a remote monastery that sees the arrival of a nine-year-old orphan Aboriginal boy (Reid) in the dead of night.

“I was terrified about finding this kid,” Thornton told industry site Variety.

“Who was going to hold this movie for me? The heart and soul of the film.

The New Boy actor Aswan Reid and producer Cate Blanchett the 76th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France. Picture: AFP

“When we found Aswan — which was a miracle — I wrote a note to our investors to describe my excitement: ‘Oh my God, shut the gate. We’ve found a sprite, a sparkle, a golden light, in the dark room we remember as cinema.’

“We’re very excited to introduce Aswan Reid, who undoubtedly is going to become a star in the new golden age of Australia cinema.”

Thornton won the Camera d’Or at the 2009 festival for Samson And Delilah.

The New Boy is competing in this year’s Un Certain Regard, separate to the Palme d’Or award.

Cate Blanchett, Lorenzo De Maio, Deborah Mailman, Aswan Reid and Wayne Blair.

Cate Blanchett and Aswan Reid.

It is Mailman’s second time at the festival, the first being for Wayne Blair’s The Sapphires in 2012.

At The New Boy premiere she wore a gown from local designer Velani Couture and jewellery from Sydney’s Affinity Diamonds.

Kath Shelper, Georgie Pym, a guest, Aswan Reid, Warwick Thornton, Cate Blanchett, Deborah Mailman, Wayne Blair and Andrew Upton. Picture: Getty Images

Deborah Mailman, Aswan Reid, Cate Blanchett, Warwick Thornton and Wayne Blair in a photocell for The New Boy. Picture: AFP

Cate Blanchett.

Cate Blanchett.

Wayne Blair, Cate Blanchett and Deborah Mailman laughing during the rain. Picture: Getty Images

Cate Blanchett poses during a photocell for the film The New Boy. Picture: AFP

Cate Blanchett, Lorenzo De Maio, Deborah Mailman, Aswan Reid, Wayne Blair, Coco Francini, Andrew Upton and Warwick Thornton. Picture: Getty Images

Cate Blanchett on the red carpet at Cannes. Picture: Getty Images

Warwick Thornton, Cate Blanchett, Aswan Reid and Deborah Mailman. Picture: AFP

Originally published as Fresh Aussie acting talent Aswan Reid walks Cannes red carpet with Cate Blanchett