Mystery Road actor Aaron Pedersen receives an AACTA International Award

Aaron Pedersen, the star of critically acclaimed ABC show Mystery Road, has won the inaugural AACTA International Award for Best Actor in a Series.

The 50-year-old beat a strong field of nominees from Europe and the United States.

Aaron’s role as Detective Jay Swan in the drama series was recognised by members of the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts in the peer-judged award, which honours the best achievements in screen excellence from around the world. 

The other nominees in the category were Jason Bateman for Ozark, Hugh Grant for The Undoing, Daniel Levy for Schitt’s Creek and Paul Mescal for Normal People.

‘For me to be in such exalted company is truly a great honour,’ Aaron said. 

He also noted the significance of an Indigenous-led program being recognised. 

‘I also want to acknowledge the Mystery Road series and what it says about Australia, our identity, and our history. I am so proud it is a First Nations series that is the top-rating drama on Australian television,’ he said. 

Aaron also thanked filmmaker Ivan Sen for creating the character of Detective Jay Swan, which he said was the ‘role of a lifetime’.

Mystery Road had received the AACTA International Award for Best Drama Series last year.

2021 has been quite the year for the Alice Springs-born actor.

He was also honoured in February at the G’Day USA Gala for ‘Excellence in Television’, making him the first-ever Indigenous recipient of the award. 

He is best known for roles in TV shows like The Secret Life of Us, Water Rats, City Homicide, Heartland and A Place to Call Home. 

Mystery Road episodes are available to stream on ABC iview