‘You might not recognise him with his clothes on’: Hollywood superstar crashes Russell Crowe’s AACTA speech

There aren't many people who can upstage Russell Crowe, but it happened last night when his presentation speech at the AACTAs was crashed by a surprise but not unwelcome guest.

As he began to present the award for Best Supporting Actress in a live cross from the set of his American new film The Nice Guys, Crowe was approached by co-star Ryan Gosling, whose appearance sparked whoops and cheers from the stars in Sydney.

Crowe tried to explain he was doing a piece for the AACTAs, but Gosling, assuming the Australian actor had won an award, insisted on congratulating him.

When Crowe tried to correct the younger man, Gosling again misunderstood, thinking Crowe had lost.

"You were robbed, man," he said.

"You'll get 'em next time."

Finally getting through to the fact that he was presenting an award, not receiving one, Crowe then introduced his co-star to the audience.

"Ladies and gentleman, you might not recognise him with his clothes on - Ryan Gosling," he said.

"G'day folks, how ya going," Gosling said, trying out an Australian accent.

"It's okay, I'm an honourary Australian.

"I lived in New Zealand for like two years so, I'm 'sweet as, bro'."

Crowe again had to correct Gosling, who demanded the bit be cut.

On learning that the piece was being broadcast live, he quickly did up his jacket and presented the award with Crowe.

Best Supporting Actress went to Susan Prior for her role in The Rover.

Crowe's film The Water Diviner did end up with a top gong, taking out a joint Best Picture award with horror film The Babadook.