Russell Crowe to host the 2025 AACTA Awards on the Gold Coast

Hollywood star Russell Crowe is promising “surprise guests” are coming with him and revealed his very modest mode of transport when he hits the Gold Coast next week.

Hollywood star Russell Crowe is promising “surprise guests” and revealed his favourite - and modest - mode of transport for when he hits the Gold Coast next week.

The Academy Award-winning star of The Gladiator and The Insider revealed in an exclusive chat he’ll be bringing his mountain bike to the Glitter Strip - it’s his favoured way to get around.

Crowe is coming not just for the Australian version of the Oscars at HOTA on February 7 - as president of the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) - but a new film he’s making.

He’ll be joined by singer Robbie Williams and superman actor Henry Cavill among big names also confirmed to take centre stage at the upcoming AACTAs, which he is hosting.

Crowe said he was due to start filming a new movie on the Gold Coast called Bear Country starring Teresa Palmer and Danny Zovato.

“So the date (for AACTA) has worked out very well,” he said. “So, no holiday, but it will be great to be there.

“I love working in Queensland. I hope you’ve got some sunshine for us. I’ll be bringing my mountain bike, looking forward to riding to work daily.”

Crowe said of the AACTA line up: “Last year’s show was a great success and this year’s will be even bigger. The Australian industry continues to grow and go from strength to strength.

“AACTA has received incredible support from the screen organisations in Queensland and the State Government.”

Hollywood royalty Russell Crowe at the Burleigh Pavilion. Picture Scott Powick

British superstar Robbie Williams will perform his global hit ‘Angels’ at the jam-packed show at HOTA.

“I’m incredibly honoured to be attending and performing at the AACTA Awards on the Gold Coast next month,” Williams said.

Robbie Williams attends a "Better Man"/Empire State Building Photo Op at The Empire State Building on January 14, 2025, in New York, New York. Photo: John Nacion/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures

Williams said he was “extremely proud” of his new biopic, Better Man, which collected a record 16 nominations.

“(The nominations) is a very special moment for me,” he said.

“I can’t wait to celebrate with everyone down under soon. It’s going to be an unforgettable night.”

Crowe is set to present the inaugural AACTA Award for Outstanding Contribution to Australian music legend Paul Kelly.

“When music and pictures join up in just the right way they both get better,” Kelly said on the back of the success of his film ‘How to Make Gravy’, produced by Gold Coast-based Schuyler Weiss, who is the managing director of famed director Baz Luhrmann’s Bazmark.

“It’s been an honour to be part of that dance,” Kelly said.

Cavill, Australian screen legends Guy Pearce and David Wenham, comedian Kitty Flanagan, acclaimed actor Teresa Palmer, and filmmaker Dr. George Miller are all set to present awards on the night.

“The AACTA Awards are set to be a massive celebration of Australian film & televisions,” AACTA CEO Damian Trewhella said.

“There is so much talent in this country, Russell Crowe as a marvellous host … and music is such a big feature this year.”

The 2025 AACTA Awards will air on Channel 10 at 6.30pm AEST on February 7, with an extended broadcast available on BINGE and Foxtel on February 8.

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Originally published as Russell Crowe to host the 2025 AACTA Awards on the Gold Coast