David Stratton is thrilled to be given an Australia Day honour, even if it took him a decade longer than Margaret Pomeranz.
The film critic, who reckons his former co-host must have a better publicist, hopes to celebrate his appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) by watching a local film on the nation's big day.
When reflecting on his career, English-born Stratton has most enjoyed seeing the growth in Australian cinema since he arrived in 1963.
"When I first arrived, there was virtually nothing in the way of Australian film - it was barren," he said.
"In the '70s it flourished, and now it's a major force that's supplying talent to the rest of the world.
"Aboriginal cinema has flourished, too, with films like Samson and Delilah and The Sapphires. That's been incredibly exciting."
Stratton and Pomeranz presented ABC's At The Movies for a decade and SBS's The Movie Show for 18 years before that.
But the 75-year-old says it took a while to warm to Pomeranz when they first met.
"When I first met Margaret, we didn't particularly hit it off," he said.
"But I had tremendous respect for her. I think we made a good team - a very contrasting team."
Stratton found it tough to say goodbye to their on-air partnership last year, but after 28 years the timing was right.
"I had this feeling it was good to quit while you're ahead, not wait until you're dragged kicking and screaming from the studio."
Stratton has a good year ahead.
He will spend some days lecturing students in film history at Sydney University, and others writing movie reviews.
In July, he'll board a cruise ship to sail from Barcelona to Istanbul and enjoy the Mediterranean summer as he hosts film nights with holidaymakers.
It's hard to imagine him doing anything else.
The ambassador for Australian film wouldn't name his favourite local release, but he encourages cinema fans to watch one on Australia Day.
"There are some wonderful Australian filmmakers. Watch an Australian film - support the local film industry."
David Stratton's achievements include directing Sydney Film Festival from 1966 to 1983, appointment to the French Order of Arts and Letters, three books, and membership to many international film juries.
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