NO LOOKING BACK!

BACK! HIS LATEST MOVIE ELVIS IS IN LINE FOR EIGHT OSCARS – HERE, THE RENEGADE DIRECTOR OPENS UP ON FAME, FAMILY AND WHAT’S NEXT

Wen Baz Luhrmann learnt that his biopic, Elvis, had received eight Academy Award nominations, he was in Paris celebrating his 26th wedding anniversary with his wife, Catherine Martin. Martin, 58, who has won more Oscars than any other Australian, was nominated three times for Best Costume, Best Production Design and alongside her husband as one of the producers of Elvis, which is up for Best Picture. Luhrmann, however, was snubbed for a Best Director nod. The Aussie auteur has never received the accolade during his three decades in the business since splashing onto the world stage in 1992 with Strictly Ballroom. His repertoire is relatively tiny including Romeo Juliet 1996), Moulin Rouge! 2001) and The Great Gatsby 2013) but he’s widely recognised for his boundary-pushing style. don't feel any different today than did in Herons Creek,’ he tells WHO, referring to his humble beginnings in an isolated country town. I might be a globally recognised figure now, but probably thought was a globally recognised figure then on my own little island.’ Next up, he’s set to turn his talents to TV, reworking his romantic epic Australia 2008), starring Hugh Jackman and Nicole

Tell us about your background...

I grew up in a tiny country town in New South Wales about 290 kilometres north of Sydney. It was like living on an island. There were about 11 houses. We had a gas station and a farm, and for a while we ran the local cinema, but dad was very focused on us being the renaissance players of Herons Creek. It was relentless activity with all sorts of people coming and going. It gave me a sense of being fascinated by watching people, but also it forced me to use my imagination in a creative way to allow me to travel in time and space, even though I was on this highway desert island.

You were born Mark Luhrmann. Where does Baz come from?