David & Margaret Join Randwick's Walk of Fame
- Jun 21
- 3 min read
Legendary Australian Film Critics Immortalised Outside the Ritz Cinema in Historic Walk of Fame First
Beloved film critics, David Stratton & Margaret Pomeranz, become the first non‑actors immortalised on Randwick’s Walk of Fame.
When most Australians think of film culture, two names immediately come to mind: David Stratton and Margaret Pomeranz. Their passion, wit, and insight transformed the way a generation experienced cinema, making them household names long before streaming and social media became the norm. In June 2025, they were immortalised on the Australian Film Walk of Fame outside the iconic Ritz Cinema in Randwick, becoming the first pair — and the first non-actors — to receive plaques on this celebrated cinematic footpath.
For nearly three decades, Stratton and Pomeranz defined film criticism in Australia. Their television careers began with SBS’s The Movie Show in 1986 and continued with the nationally beloved At the Movies on ABC from 2004 to 2014. Their on-screen debates—sometimes heated, always engaging - were famous for their display of honesty, humour, and deep knowledge of film. Audiences across the country tuned in not just for recommendations, but for the joy of watching two passionate critics discuss cinema with both seriousness and levity.
Honouring Iconic Careers
The ceremony at the Ritz was a celebration of their extraordinary careers. Friends, colleagues, and film enthusiasts gathered to applaud the duo, with clips highlighting some of their most memorable moments — from Stratton’s incisive critiques to Pomeranz’s infectious enthusiasm for Australian filmmaking. The event underscored not only their longevity but the breadth of their influence on Australian cinema and audiences.
Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker praised the critics’ contributions: “David and Margaret didn’t just review films - they shaped how Australians think about and experience cinema. Their voices encouraged debate, discussion, and a greater appreciation for the art of film.” The induction also highlighted Randwick’s ongoing role as a hub of Australian film culture, anchored by the historic Ritz Cinema and vibrant local arts scene.
The occasion carried particular poignancy as it marked one of David Stratton’s final public appearances before his passing in August 2025 at age 85. Stratton’s career spanned decades, encompassing film criticism, festival direction — including nearly 20 years as director of the Sydney Film Festival — and film education, making him one of the most influential figures in Australian screen history.
Margaret Pomeranz, renowned for her incisive intellect, advocacy for Australian content, and love of cinema, spoke movingly about the honour, expressing gratitude for being recognised alongside actors and filmmakers she has admired throughout her career. Together, the pair’s plaques now sit alongside luminaries such as Leah Purcell, Sigrid Thornton, and David Wenham, a symbolic inclusion of the critics’ vital role in shaping Australian screen culture.
For Randwick, already celebrated for its connection to cinema through the Ritz and The Spot precinct, this induction reinforces the suburb’s reputation as a cultural destination. Their plaques stand as permanent reminders that the world of film is shaped not only by the actors, directors, and producers we see on screen, but also by the voices that guide, inform, and inspire us to see it differently.
As locals and visitors stroll past the Walk of Fame, they are reminded of the enduring legacy of Stratton and Pomeranz—a pair of critics who didn’t just review films, but changed the way Australia watches, talks about, and celebrates cinema.
