Actor Russell Crowe has used his acceptance speech at the Golden Globes to highlight the bushfires raging through New South Wales.

With 136 bushfires still burning across the state, Russell Crowe was unable to attend the award ceremony as he continues to defend his Coffs Harbour property.

But after winning Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television for his role in The Loudest Voice, Mr Crowe asked Jennifer Anniston read out a message from him.

Russell Crowe, in absentia, with perhaps the most poignant statement you’ll hear tonight pic.twitter.com/Tx0H5RruoU

— Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) January 6, 2020

“Make no mistake,” says Russell Crowe, “the tragedy unfolding in Australia is climate change based.”

“We need to act based on science, move our global workforce to renewable energy and respect our planet for the unique and amazing place it is. That way, we all have a future. Thank you.”

Other stars such as Pierce Brosnan and Ellen DeGeneres have also used the awards show as an opportunity to send messages of comfort and solidarity to Australia.

Image: Getty/ Angela Weiss