Though he’s not at the center of this year’s film awards season, Geoffrey Rush has a new prize to add to his mantle: The actor was named Australian Of The Year 2012 in his home country on Wednesday. Rush, an Oscar, BAFTA, Tony, Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG Award winner is also a 3-time Australian Film Institute honoree. His latest film, Fred Schepisi’s The Eye Of the Storm, was just picked up by Sycamore Entertainment Group for the U.S. The Australian Of The Year Awards celebrate eminent Australians by profiling leading citizens who act as role models through their achievements and contributions. In announcing the award, the org said Rush is “seen as a creative mentor by many” who “supports young actors and arts companies.” In addition to being Patron of the Melbourne International Film Festival and other local arts bodies, Rush is also an ambassador for the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and UNICEF Australia. In 2011 he was appointed foundation president of the Australian Academy Of Cinema and Television Arts. “Geoffrey remains extraordinarily grounded in his local community, his country and the Australian arts industry,” the org said.