Medal, charm work for Crowe

By LIBBY MIDDLEBROOK and AGENCIES

When Russell Crowe set out for the Academy Awards ceremony decked out in his Armani suit yesterday he carried two items of great sentimental value - one pinned to his chest for everybody to see, the other in his pocket.

The one on his chest was an MBE medal awarded to his maternal grandfather, Stan Wemyss. The one in his pocket was a lucky charm given to him by his former lover, fellow actor Meg Ryan.

The charm was a silver cross inscribed with lines from the poem Clancy of the Overflowby Australian poet Banjo Paterson: "And he sees the vision splendid of the sunlit plains extended, and at night the wondrous glory of the everlasting stars."

It was the medal that excited most interest among the American reporters at the press conference after New Zealand-born Crowe's triumph in winning the best actor Oscar for his role as a Roman general in Gladiator.

He explained that Mr Wemyss had been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire after his services as a war cameraman during the Second World War.

"He shot in the Pacific, he shot Europe and North Africa. It's never actually been worn by anybody before so I thought I would just put it on and bring it with me."

Crowe was nominated for best actor last year, only to be disappointed. This time it was his night in the Shrine Auditorium with the cream of Hollywood's glamour set, including big-name stars such as fellow winner Julia Roberts (best actress, Erin Brockovich).

When his name was called and the applause swelled, Crowe looked dazed and shocked. He confessed later that for a moment he "didn't have any legs."

Crowe dedicated the award to his grandfather and, on a sad note, his uncle David Crowe - father of cricketers Jeff and Martin - who died last year after a battle with cancer.

And he had warm words of encouragement for young people everywhere who dream.

"When you grow up in a suburb of Sydney or Auckland ... a dream like this seems kind of vaguely ludicrous and completely unobtainable.

"But this is directly connected with those childhood imaginings. And for anybody who's on the downside of advantage and relying purely on courage, it's possible."

The award was the climax of a few hectic months in which Crowe has never been far from the spotlight, including his fling with Meg Ryan and a kidnap plot.

He is the fourth New Zealander to win an Academy Award. Anna Paquin took best supporting actress in 1993 for her role in The Piano, Jane Campion won for best original screenplay for the same film, and Lloyd Phillips, producer of The Dollar Bottom, won for best short film - live action in 1980.

At Crowe's press conference, the Wellington-born actor, who lives in Australia and works in the United States, paid tribute to the various strands in his background.

"God bless America, God save the Queen, God defend New Zealand and thank Christ for Australia."

Jeff Crowe, former New Zealand cricket captain and the present team manager, said his father and Russell had been very close. "There was a lot of history and time together over the years. I'm sure Dave's on cloud nine, wherever he is."