Aussie stars out in force for G'Day USA

Australia's Hollywood elite, headed by Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban and Naomi Watts, will be out in force in Los Angeles to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the G'Day USA festival.

The Aussie posse rolling up to the black tie gala in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday also includes Mel Gibson, Simon Baker, Toni Collette, Olivia Newton-John, Ryan Kwanten, Anthony LaPaglia, Poppy Montgomery, Jacki Weaver, Jesse Spencer, Helen Reddy, Rod Laver and Luc Longley.

Inside the sold-out JW Marriott ballroom, guests, who paid $US500 ($478) a seat, will snack on a menu of Australian food and wine prepared by celebrity chef Curtis Stone.

Supermodel Elle Macpherson and the Nine Network's Richard Wilkins will share master of ceremonies duties and Jessica Mauboy, Jack Vidgen and David Campbell will join acclaimed didgeridoo player William Barton to entertain guests.

Each year organisers single out high-performing Aussies for special mention and on Saturday Paul Hogan and Rose Byrne will receive awards.

Jackman will present Hogan with an "Australian Icon" award for his pioneering work introducing Australia to a generation of Americans with his "throw a shrimp on the barbie" TV commercials and Crocodile Dundee films.

Byrne's Damages TV series co-star, Glenn Close, will present the Sydney-born actress with an Excellence in Film & TV award.

Academy Award nominee John Travolta will also be recognised as a Goodwill Ambassador for Australia for his ongoing support of Australia and patronage at G'Day USA events since its inception in 2004.

The black tie gala is one of the highlights of the annual G'Day USA festival, which showcases Australian food, wine, tourism, business, entertainment and other sectors to Americans.

The events are produced by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Qantas, Tourism Australia and Austrade.