Geoffrey Rush: portrait (Earl Carter); Shine (Momentum Films and Ronin Films).
2009 has been a fantastic year so far for Mr. Rush - not only is he, at present, wow-ing America on Broadway in "Exit the King", he has also been honoured as an "Australian Legend" by Australia Post and now graces two postage stamps, which are available to buy now from Australia Post! (And speaking as someone who owns a set, I recommend you buy them -- and at least one of the lovely books that accompany them.) He is officially "lick-able". ;)
Geoffrey Rush: portrait (Earl Carter); Shine (Momentum Films and Ronin Films).
Movie buffs around the world now have an opportunity to lick their favourite Oscar winning actors by purchasing their own stamps of Nicole Kidman, Cate Blanchett, Russell Crowe and Geoffrey Rush.
The special edition of the Aussie stamps makes essential movie memorabilia and can be bought online at www.auspost.com.au/legends
The four Australian Academy Award® winners have each received a 24-carat gold replica of the stamps and all were thrilled to be selected to appear on a postage stamp.
“Something like this - when you see your face on a stamp – says ‘wow’,” Nicole Kidman said.
Russell Crowe said it was amazing to think that the four actors had been “walking down the same street and the same corridors knocking on the same doors” to a particular glittering prize.
Geoffrey Rush said the stamps “can actually be a celebration of us.”
Cate Blanchett said being selected to appear on stamp took “my breath away.”
“I am utterly, deeply, humbled and chuffed by the fact I’m on a stamp,” she said.
“The creative ability of Cate Blanchett, Russell Crowe, Nicole Kidman AC and Geoffrey Rush has already been widely celebrated here in Australia and around the globe. It is a rare tribute to be asked to appear on one of our nation’s postage stamps,” the Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said.
Australia Post Philatelic Group Manager Noel Leahy said that the Australian Legends stamps could be purchased online by everyone around the world.
“This is a great opportunity to collect stamps from ‘down under’ as movie memorabilia,” Mr Leahy said.
© Ben Townsend Photography 2009. Used with permission.
© Ben Townsend Photography 2009. Used with permission.
© Ben Townsend Photography 2009. Used with permission.
~Many thanks to Australia Post for sharing their press release and a selection of images with cRUSH! The Rush fandom really appreciates it!~