The Moulin Rouge! moviemaker was also handed the trophy for Box Office Achievement for his 2008 epic Australia, a homage to his home country.
Lurhmann used the opportunity to pay tribute to the ever-expanding Australian film industry, telling the crowd, “This is an industry to be proud of, it’s incredibly exciting. We have it, let’s not blow it. I think it’s an extraordinarily exciting time to be an Australian filmmaker.”
Australian love story Samson & Delilah was the big winner at the ceremony, held at Sydney’s Luna Park, scooping six awards, including Best Film and Best Actor/Actress honours for its stars – newcomers Rowan McNamara and Marissa Gibson.
Balibo, starring Anthony Lapaglia, scored seven nominations but only took two prizes, for best sound and editing.
