Aussie celebrities honoured at 2014 G'day LA Gala

IS IT any wonder the Yanks love Aussies when we turn up looking this good? The 11th G'day LA Gala was held today and we were there to brush tanned shoulders with the stars.

Songbird Delta Goodrem and friend Renee Bargh arrive for the G'day LA Gala.

THE enduring USA and Oz love-in continues as Geoffrey Rush, Jacki Weaver and chef Curtis Stone scoop the top honours at the 2014 G'Day USA Los Angeles Gala.

"It's really just a great night to see friends and catch up," a sleek and subdued Naomi Watts told news.com.au.

News_Module: Naomi Watts stops for a chat on the red carpet

Now in its eleventh year, the G'Day USA initiative was started to foster relationships between both the US and Australia. In recent years it has evolved into an entertainment and theatrical backslapping fest with major and minor Aussie thespians using it as a great excuse for a pre-awards season night out.

Mel Gibson makes surprise appearance

Of Geoffrey Roy Rush, Cate Blanchett (who presented him with an Excellence on the Arts award) said he is one the most influential all actors the world has seen.

"The thrill and excitement and the power of his words are breathtaking," said Ms Blanchett.

News_Module: Blanchett and Rush on the red carpet

"Between this and the AACTA awards, both say something about the relationship of Australia and the US on a cultural level," said Mr Rush as he accepted his award.

A very jovial Mel Gibson presented Jackie Weaver an Excellence in Film Award.

The award recognised her body of award-winning work, starting in the Australian cinema of the 1970s through to her Academy Award-nominated roles in 2011 and 2013.

News_Module: Old friends, Gibson and Weaver

Celebrity chef and television personality, Curtis Stone received the first Excellence in the Culinary Arts Award in recognition of his work promoting Australia as a premium food and wine producer and was presented by Sharon Osbourne, who was a red carpet no-show.

Stone also prepared a menu of premium Australian food and wine - shrimp (aka prawns) and lamb and spoke of his new LA munchery, Maude, named after his granny who inspired him to cook.

News_Module: Curtis Stone was honoured for his work in the kitchen

Tina Arena, ARIA winner William Barton and Timomatic also performed, all gratis, last night.

Other dinner guests included Naomi Watts, John Travolta, Les Hill, Simon Baker, Tim Minchen, Eden Gaha, Nash Edgerton, Ryan Kwanten, Anthony LaPaglia, Paul Hogan and Grant Bowler.

News_Module: DJ's ambassador Jessica Gomes was on hand

The slightly cheesy event, complete with huge screen baring Aussie and US flags and the Qantas choir churning out both the Australian and American national anthems, show no signs of abating.

The whole G'Day USA initiative is an annual program of events held in cities across the US, aiming to showcase Australian capabilities in sectors including business, government, public policy, tourism and lifestyle.

News_Module: Former Labor leader Kim Beasley is the ambassador to the US

A public event, tickets are from $500 a pop with 940 guests snapping away at the celebs on the red carpet before munching and drinking the night away.

News_Module: News.com.au's Melissa Hoyer with Delta Goodrem

Melissa Hoyer attended G'Day LA as a guest of Qantas.

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