In celebration of this year’s Australia Day down unda, the Australian Post has announced and unveiled a new set of special edition postage stamps that feature Australian legends Nicole Kidman, Russell Crowe, Geoffrey Rush and Cate Blanchett. How fabulous! Here is a photo of the Aussie legends as they’ll appear on the first batch of postage stamps and some information about this postal tribute:

Australians will get the chance to lick four of the nation’s most popular entertainers who have been selected to appear on a special series of postage stamps to mark Australia Day. Academy Award winners Nicole Kidman, Cate Blanchett, Russell Crowe and Geoffrey Rush have been named Australia Post “Australian Legends” in the lead-up to January 26. “These four outstanding Australians have captured the imagination of millions of people in Australia and around the world with their award-winning performances,” Australia Post managing director Graeme John said in a statement. There are eight 55 cent stamps in the series, featuring photos of the stars in and out of character, including Kidman from Moulin Rouge, Blanchett from Elizabeth, Crowe from Gladiator and Rush from Shine. “I am utterly, deeply humbled and chuffed by the fact that I’m a stamp,” Blanchett said in a statement. “I’m going to be licked by millions of Australians and I can’t wait. It is also recognising the value of the arts in Australia. It brings it into general consumption and if I’m part of that, I feel intensely proud.” Kidman was similarly pleased with her selection. “I have a vested interest in Australia,” Kidman said. “I want my children to live here at certain times of their life and see how wonderful it is. It would be lovely for them to lick a stamp, put it on an envelope and say ‘that’s my mum’.” Each of the stars will be presented with 24-carat gold replicas of their stamps.

In the US, you have to be dead (like Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, etc.) or not living (like Mickey Mouse, Superman, etc.) to have your likeness printed on postage stamps but I think it’s very cool that other countries choose to honor people while they are still alive … and can appreciate the tribute. As the article mentioned, there are 8 total stamps to honor these Australian legends — after the jump, check out the other 4 stamps that feature these actors in some of their most famous movie roles …

Altho Nicole Kidman won her Academy Award for The Hours, the Australian Post decided to use her role in Moulin Rouge for this stamp. Russell Crowe did win his Academy Award for Gladiator as did Geoffrey Rush for his work in Shine. Cate Blanchett won her Academy Award for The Aviator but is featured here in her role as Queen Elizabeth I in Elizabeth: The Golden Age. Congrats and kudos so these Aussie legends on this unique accomplishment. Lick away, Aussies! These folks deserve it!

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