Lastminute lovely Nicola caught up with AACTA Event Director, Renato Rispoli, to talk glitz, glamour and of course, travel.
Tell us a little about the AACTAs and what your day-to-day role involves?
The AACTA Awards, presented by the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts, are the highest industry accolade for achievements in screen excellence in Australia.
They are to Australia what the Academy Awards are to the US and what the BAFTA’s are to the UK.
In my role as Event Director I need to ensure that the event runs to the highest standards and creates a benchmark for Awards presentations.
Tell us where your dream escape will be after the 2014 AACTA Awards have gone off without a hitch?
A week on the beach in Thailand followed by two weeks in Italy eating.
Who is the biggest celeb you have ever met?
Physically, Mike Tyson (he is huge!) Otherwise the list is too long but notably Al Gore, Prince Charles through to Pink, Robbie Williams, Barbra Streisand …
With Cate Blanchett
What is the most outrageous backstage request you have ever had from a star?
I’ve been asked to deliver a shipping container of their furniture from home to the backstage of an event.
In your opinion, what is the best hotel you’ve ever stayed in?
My two favourite hotels in the world are The Darling in Sydney and The Paramount in New York. I love the both for the same reason; they make you feel like a star.
What is the first thing you do when you walk into a hotel room?
Check that the air con works.
What celebrity would you most like to make an unexpected appearance at the AACTAs?
Monica Bellucci … It’s an Italian thing.
What are the top five Australian movies we should be watching for 2013?
- The Great Gatbsy
- The Turning
- Patrick
- Mystery Road
- The Rocket
Finish this sentence: My number one piece of travel advice is …
… to travel with a guitar; it often gets me an upgrade.
Book your tickets to the AACTA Awards today!