Mel Gibson cut a pretty commanding presence on the AACTAs red carpet last night. Beard. Tux. Sunglasses. He has that Hollywood royalty kind of vibe about him. It would be enough to intimidate any mere commoner.
But not Edwina Bartholomew.
The Sunrise presenter had what ought to have been a sweat-inducing awkward encounter with the veteran actor on the red carpet, and she handled it like the dead-set professional she is.
It went a little something like this:
E: “Edwina, pleasure to see you.” [Extends hand.]
M: “Who are you?”
E: “I’m very, very well. How are you, more to the point? You’re the man of the evening.”
M: “No, I’m good. And who are you?”
Umm, she’s Edwina God Damn Bartholomew, Mel. Get with the programme.
While a lesser human would probably stutter, “Nnnn no one, Mr Gibson” and bolt for the exit at this point, the 33-year-old stood firm.
She re-introduced herself and steered the conversation forward. Not a bead of sweat in sight.
Big fan of @edwina_b after she handled the AACTA's red carpet with ENORMOUS humour and grace. I would not have been that composed.
— Steph Coombes (@Steph_Coombes) December 7, 2016
Gibson was at the ceremony representing his film Hacksaw Ridge, which dominated the evening, snatching five awards on top of the four it already earned at the un-televised craft awards earlier in the week.
Among the gongs, Best Director for Gibson.
Sorry, who?
Top Comments
Sorry, Mel wasn't being rude whatsoever. Media trained celebrities know that an interview with great banter is better if you can refer to the journalist by name. Mel didn't know her name and asked straight away so they could begin that type of interview. She misheard his question and then overcompensated, making it awkward.
I thought Mel Gibson was quite rude, she would not have been allowed on that side of the rope if she wasn't an entertainment reporter of some description and he knows it. Given the lengths people went to in order to keep Chris Brown out of the country, I am not quite sure what Mel was even doing here.