Beloved Aussie Film Critic David Stratton Dies Aged 85

Aussie film critic icon and co-host of The Movie Show and At The Movies, David Stratton, has died aged 85.

Stratton’s family announced the news via a statement to ABC News, confirming that the beloved television host had passed away peacefully in his home, located near the Blue Mountains, on Thursday afternoon.

“David’s passion for film, commitment to Australian cinema, and generous spirit touched countless lives,” his family shared in a statement, per the publication.

“He was adored as a husband, father, grand and great grandfather and admired friend.

“David’s family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support from friends, colleagues, and the public recently and across his lifetime.”

Margaret Pomeranz and David Stratton attend the “At The Movies” farewell party on December 2, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. (Image source: Caroline McCredie/Getty Images)

Tributes for Stratton have begun to flow following the devastating news, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledging his contributions to cinema on X.

“With dry humour and sharp insight, David Stratton shared his love of film with our country,” Albanese wrote.

“All of us who tuned in to ‘At the Movies’ respected him for his deep knowledge and for the gentle and generous way he passed it on.

“May he rest in peace.”

“May he rest in peace.” (Image source: X / @AlboMP)

Sydney Film Festival, which Stratton was the director of from 1966 to 1983, also shared a heartfelt tribute to the late critic, highlighting his “remarkable passion” for the craft of cinema.

“Sydney Film Festival, and by extension the very culture of cinema in Australia, would not exist as it does today without the remarkable passion and devotion of David Stratton, who was the Festival Director from 1966 until 1983,” it shared.

“His achievements are too innumerable to list in totality, and would include his successful fight against censorship of films in Australia, the establishment of the Travelling Film Festival, support for emerging filmmakers from Australia and around the world, and fostering of a brave and adventurous cinema culture in Australian audiences.

“Our thoughts are with his family, who have released the following statement.”

Details of a public memorial service for the Aussie film icon will be shared soon.

RIP David Stratton.

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