Mel Gibson makes surprise appearance at Ozzywood party

GEOFFREY RUSH, Jacki Weaver and Curtis Stone are honoured for their services to the arts while Mel Gibson makes a surprise appearance at G'Day USA.

Jacki Weaver walked the red carpet with Mel Gibson.

GEOFFREY RUSH, Jacki Weaver and Curtis Stone have been honoured at the annual G'Day USA gala in Los Angeles at which Hollywood pariah and one-time Australian Mel Gibson made a surprise appearance.

A-list Aussie expats including Naomi Watts, Cate Blanchett, Paul Hogan, Simon Baker, Poppy Montgomery and Air Supply were out in force to celebrate their compatriots and their homeland at the exclusive black tie event.

AUSSIES THE TOAST OF HOLLYWOOD

Naomi Watts' elegant dress impressed fashionistas.

Cate Blanchett presented Geoffrey Rush with the Excellence in the Arts Award.

As he made a quick exit from the red carpet Gibson, who was condemned over a drunken anti-Semitic spray, told reporters: "I like to come to a place where, quite frankly, where there is a room full of people who aren't afraid to call a spade a f---ing shovel,"

Blanchett, with her youngest son Ignatius as her date, presented Rush with the Excellence in the Arts Award in recognition of his extensive and critically acclaimed career.

Delta Goodrem showed off her tan on the red carpet.

Celebrity chef Curtis Stone, pictured here with his stylish wife Lindsay Price, was also honoured for promoting Australian food and wine.

Much-loved actor Weaver, striking in red Armani, received the Excellence in Film Award from controversial adopted Aussie Mel Gibson.

"It's such a delight, everyday I get up I pinch myself," Weaver said.

Honorary Aussie John Travolta also attended the gala.

Model Jessica Gomes was another high-profile guest.

Celebrity chef Curtis Stone, who attended with his actor wife Lindsay Price, was the first chef to be presented with the Excellence in the Culinary Arts Award for his work in promoting Australian food and wine by the flamboyant Sharon Osbourne.

"You talk about humble pie. I don't have the words to talk about it, it's really special," Stone said.

Aussie actor and Dexter star Yvonne Strahovski was a vision in lace.

Tina Arena looked stunning in this white J'Aton creation.

Price glowed in a golden gown by Australian designer Steven Khalil.

Guests were treated to a gourmet meal prepared by Stone and entertainment from Tina Arena, Timomatic and ARIA-award winning musician William Barton.

Arena was a standout on stage and in the style stakes, wearing a strapless dress by Melbourne couture kings J'Aton.

True Blood star Ryan Kwanten was also at the party.

The man who introduced the phrase G'Day to most Americans, Paul Hogan, also enjoyed the night.

"I'm excited to be closing the show with the Australian girls choir," she said.

Blonde beauty Naomi Watts was also picture perfect on the red carpet sporting Prada.

- with AAP

* Kim Wilson flew to Los Angeles courtesy of Qantas Airways