Cipriani Wall Street was buzzing Thursday night as Australia’s most influential trans-Pacific power players, media heavyweights and diplomatic glitterati descended for the 2026 American Australian Association Benefit Dinner to honor News Corp’s chief executive, Robert Thomson.

Hosted by former South Australian premier and Association president Steven Marshall, the annual black-tie affair boasted quite the guest list, including Rupert Murdoch and his son Lachlan, former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, US Ambassador to Australia under Barack Obama Jeffrey Bleich, now an international special envoy at AI powerhouse Anthropic, and Australia’s diplomatic heavyweights Greg Moriarty and James Larsen.

The Murdochs, whose family connection to the Association dates back to its founding in 1948 by Rupert’s father, Sir Keith Murdoch, were among the evening’s most anticipated arrivals.

Cipriani Wall Street was buzzing Thursday night as Australia’s most influential trans-Pacific power players, media heavyweights and diplomatic glitterati descended for the 2026 American Australian Association Benefit Dinner. Robert Thomson, News Corp’s chief executive, is pictured receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award. American Australian Association

But the night belonged to Thomson, News Corp’s CEO who received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Introduced by Lachlan Murdoch, the veteran journalist and former editor of The Times and managing editor of The Wall Street Journal was recognized for his extraordinary career and contribution to the Australia–US relationship.

And then came a rather special musical moment: Australian singer-songwriter Nick Cave took to the stage to perform.

Australian singer Nick Cave, who performed at the benefit, is pictured here with a fellow Aussie in the Big Apple, Robert Thomson. American Australian Association

The evening also featured remarks from Consul-General Heather Ridout AO, St Vincent’s Health Australia’s Dr Christopher Robinson and Association Scholar Yasmin Zaman, whose pioneering work in space medicine showcased the next generation of Australian talent.

Ambassador Greg Moriarty reflected on the alliance ahead of the 75th anniversary of ANZUS, while Sarah Lipe and her band sent guests home with a spirited set of Australian classics.

Beneath the champagne and glamour was a serious cause. Since 2002, the Association’s Education Fund has awarded more than US$19.6 million in scholarships to 1,194 emerging leaders.