There are a lot of people in this world that are bloody talented, but sometimes it can take a while for people to recognise / appreciate that. Over the last 12 months, for example, there were a bunch of Aussies who really, really stepped into the spotlight and became the talk of the town. This isn’t to say they weren’t talented before their breakout roles, it’s to say that they had the right platform to showcase it to everyone.
If you haven’t already heard (oh, the shame), PEDESTRIAN.TV, together with our pals Swarovski, have decided to recognise the best moments in Australian pop culture – including breakthrough Aussie talent, by throwing The Inaugural ‘PEZZYS’.
They’re basically a swanky-as-heaven awards night where we’ll be giving the much-deserved love to things that went on throughout 2017. There are eight categories (each with five nominees for a PEZZY) that’ll share the spotlight during the evening which, when viewed collectively, form quite the comprehensive cross-section of the happenings in Australian pop culture not too long ago.
It’s on Feb 28th, so we need your help to make sure the right person takes home the gong. Without further adieu, here’s who we’re nominating for the “Breakthrough Talent” category.
DACRE MONTGOMERY WAS ONE OF THE BEST THINGS ABOUT ‘STRANGER THINGS’ SEASON 2
Everyone who’s watched Stranger Things froths Stranger Things, so it only makes sense they get in a tizzy over the Netflix show’s stars too. So, when homeboy Dacre Montgomery was cast as antagonist Billy for Season 2? Yep – froth, froth, froth. This was a big one for the young Perth boy, following on from his role as the red ranger in Power Rangers.
ALEX THE ASTRONAUT BURST ONTO THE SCENE (& INTO OUR HEARTS) HER HER LGBTQI ANTHEM
Sydney-based singer-songwriter Alex The Astronaut penned a really bloody beaut single about self-acceptance, dubbed ‘Not Worth Hiding’, that was timed perfectly considering the climate around LGBTQIA communities throughout 2017. With lyrics focusing on the difficulties of accepting yourself and your identity, it quickly became a coming-of-age tune all about self-discovery and allowing yourself to feel feelings – and not feel shame for things like your sexuality and gender. AND WE LOVE THAT.
YOUNG GUN RUEL’S SONG ‘DON’T TELL ME’ HAD AUSTRALIA, AND ELTON JOHN, FROTHIN’
Look up Sydney wonder-boy Ruel on Spotify and you’ll only find one track – ‘Don’t Tell Me’ – but that’s all it bloody takes to make waves. It’s a choon and a half, something that’s seen millions of hungry ears stream it, as well as high praise from the likes of Elton John and Khalid. He’s just a teenager, but – lemme tell you – he doesn’t sound anything like the young Justin Biebers and Taylor Hansons who took over the airwaves at similar ages. The kids’s vocals extend far beyond his young years, and his mature and soulful vibe has you thinking that this guy’s lived a hundred lives. Thank the music overlords that M-Phazes discovered him, yeah?
COUNTRY GAL VICTORIA LEE SLAYED HER VICTORIA’S SECRET FASHION SHOW DEBUT
When Aussie model Victoria Lee was officially hand-picked byVictoria’s Secret head honcho Ed Razek and his team to walk in the 2017 Fashion Show, there was a resounding yiewwww across the country for anyone remotely interested in the far-shun industry. Why? BECAUSE IT’S THE HOLY GRAIL OF MODELLING GIGS, PEOPLE. A big bloody deal for a girl from rural NSW or, well, anyone from anywhere tbh.
KATHERINE LANGFORD STOLE THE ENTIRE SHOW IN ’13 REASONS WHY’, SCORED 1ST GOLDEN GLOBE NOD
13 Reasons Why was the show on everyone’s lips in 2017, fronted by Perth girl Katherine Langford. She did a bang-up job in the role, which really thrust her into a public world she hadn’t previously been a part of. Sure, she had acted, but not in anything as widespread as this Netflix show. It’s a role that’s seen her get a nod from the Golden Globes, have an appearance on Ellen and get cast in upcoming flick Love, Simon.
Pretty good bunch, right? And you’ve probably got some strong feels for who you think should win big at the PEZZYS, so go right ahead and vote for your faves + go into the running to catch all the action by using the below:
[ptv_quiz quiz_id=”674015″]
