Edwina Bartholomew had an awkward encounter with Mel Gibson and she handled it like a pro.

Mel Gibson cut a pretty commanding presence on the AACTAs red carpet last night. Beard. Tux. Sunglasses. He has that Hollywood royalty kind of vibe about him. It would be enough to intimidate any mere commoner.

But not Edwina Bartholomew.

The Sunrise presenter had what ought to have been a sweat-inducing awkward encounter with the veteran actor on the red carpet, and she handled it like the dead-set professional she is.

It went a little something like this:

E: “Edwina, pleasure to see you.” [Extends hand.]

M: “Who are you?”

E: “I’m very, very well. How are you, more to the point? You’re the man of the evening.”

M: “No, I’m good. And who are you?”

Umm, she’s Edwina God Damn Bartholomew, Mel. Get with the programme. 

While a lesser human would probably stutter, “Nnnn no one, Mr Gibson” and bolt for the exit at this point, the 33-year-old stood firm.

She re-introduced herself and steered the conversation forward. Not a bead of sweat in sight.

Gibson was at the ceremony representing his film Hacksaw Ridge, which dominated the evening, snatching five awards on top of the four it already earned at the un-televised craft awards earlier in the week.

Among the gongs, Best Director for Gibson.

Sorry, who?