Frances Walsh Makes History for APRA

MEDIA RELEASE (for immediate release) Tuesday 2 March 2004

Frances Walsh Makes History for APRA

With Frances Walsh’s Academy Award for Best Original Song, she has made history as the first New Zealand or Australian songwriter to receive the Oscar.

The song “Into the West”, co-written by Annie Lennox and Howard Shore, was dedicated to young filmmaker Cameron Duncan who sadly died of cancer last year.

"Music is integral in any film. The song is not only a beautiful finale to the entire trilogy but a touching and poignant reminder of an obviously talented young filmmaker. This success is amazing and inspirational to everyone in New Zealand. We are all truly proud", said APRA Director of New Zealand Operations, Anthony Healey

Including her nominations this year for Best Picture and Adapted Screenplay (with Phillipa Boyens and Peter Jackson) for Return Of The King, this is the seventh nomination for Frances.

APRA New Zealand Writer Director, Arthur Baysting said that Walsh's award was "…richly-deserved and further evidence that New Zealand's cultural achievements can stand proudly with the best... Like everyone else in the country, New Zealand songwriters applaud this wonderful achievement".

ENDS

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