Framed Ceiling Panel Signed by Russell Crowe and Nicole Kidman
In 2001, shortly after Russell Crowe won an Oscar for his part in the movie Gladiator (Best Actor), he organised a celebratory dinner for his family and friends at Darcy's, a restaurant he visited regularly at that time. The party occupied the first floor of the restaurant. Late into the evening, one of Crowe's friends who was master of ceremonies grabbed the Oscar statue out of a bag - revealing the statue for the first time at the dinner - and jumped up onto a table to speak with the statute in hand. In his enthusiasm, he thrust the statue into the ceiling. To resolve the situation, Russell agreed to sign the ceiling along with Nicole Kidman instead of paying for the damage. The punctured ceiling panel was later taken down and framed, and prominently displayed behind the front desk of the restaurant.
Marker Pen on Ceiling Plasterboard (56x67cm irregular)

PROVENANCE:
Darcy's Restaurant, Paddington, Sydney (proprietor Attilio Marinangeli)
This work formed part of the collection on display there prior to its closure.



Estimate $800-1,500