Yolngu elder David Gulpilil Ridjimiraril Dalaithngu has been recognised with a top NAIDOC award for revolutionising the way the world sees Aboriginal people by bringing traditional culture to the big screen.

The sixty-six year old film legend was awarded the lifetime achievement award at the 2019 NAIDOC Awards held in Canberra on Saturday.

NITV

The actor's achievements over five decades was acknowledged, including his appearances in iconic films such as Walkabout, The Last Wave, Crocodile Dundee, The Tracker and Rabbit Proof Fence.

His daughters accepted the gong on his behalf as illness prevented him from attending the awards ceremony.

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"Our father David Gulpilil is retiring," daughter Phoebe Marson said.

"He's sick. He has lung cancer and one day soon he will go to the Dreamtime."

“Our father David Gulpilil is retiring. He’s sick. He has lung cancer and one day soon he will go to the Dreamtime.” #NAIDOC2019 #VoiceTreatyTruth pic.twitter.com/lHEdmoFGIj — NITV (@NITV) July 6, 2019

In a pre-recorded interview broadcast during the ceremony, David Gulpilil expressed his wish that he be remembered.

"Thank you very much for watching me," he said.

"Never forget me. While I am here, I will never forget you. I will still remember you, even though I am gone forever, I will still remember."

READ MORE: The prolific work of David Gulpilil

'Easily the greatest actor this country has ever had'

The revelation of the actor's battle with cancer triggered an outpouring of support from fans on social media.

Many Australians thanked the actor for his work spanning five decades, saying it had inspired them.

Trevor Leaman expressed his dismay and sadness at the news, tweeting: "Oh no, just learned that my all time favorite Aboriginal actor, David Gulpilil, is very sick with lung cancer."

Oh no, just learned that my all time favorite Aboriginal actor, David Gulpilil, is very sick with lung cancer. #NAIDOC2019 #NAIDOCAwards2019 — 💧Trevor Leaman (@TrevorLeaman) July 6, 2019

Aboriginal Australian activist and human rights lawyer professor Megan Davis said the achievements of the man must not be forgotten.

"This man is easily the greatest actor this country has ever had. No debate," she said in a message posted on Twitter.

"His oeuvre speaks to the unresolved grievance this country bears."

This man is easily the greatest actor this country has ever had. No debate. Each performance is a masterclass. The physicality of his screen presence and the consummate elegance of his body onscreen. His oeuvre speaks to the unresolved grievance this country bears. #DavidGulpilil pic.twitter.com/LEQAQzBjN8 — Prof M Davis [-0-] (@mdavisqlder) July 7, 2019

'So well deserved'

Indigenous country singer Troy Cassar-Daley said the Yolngu elder was a class act, staying true to his Indigenous identity even as he made great strides in the film industry.

To walk the lines between traditional and modern life and all the complications it comes with is an achievement in itself Mr Gulpilil, love this man🖐🏽 and thank you xx https://t.co/gZfLK7CBdI — Troy Cassar-Daley (@troycassardaley) July 7, 2019

Others within the Indigenous community thanked the actor for telling the stories of Aboriginal culture.

Congratulations to David Gulpilil who won the National #NAIDOC Lifetime Achievement Award. This is so well deserved. He has played so many important roles to help share our history and stories 🖤💛❤️ #NAIDOC2019 @naidocweek https://t.co/7bjGkCh4jN — Amy Williams (@amywilliams_13) July 6, 2019

Actor Tysan Towney said as a mentee he was constantly inspired.

Privileged to have worked on @TheLeftoversHBO with this legend. Thank you for the constant inspiration Mr. Gulpilil ❤️✊🏽 https://t.co/s5wKxAl5kU — Tysan Towney (@tysantowney) July 6, 2019

Other fans recalled a life of growing up with the storytelling of the silver screen star.

Love this human! I'm a huge fan of David Gulpilil and still have his Dreamtime book from when I was a little girl which my mum got especially for me. I used to be a foster carer and mainly took in Aboriginal children and I always read it to them and my nieces and nephews. 🙌❤ pic.twitter.com/GsbiIaY0NP — Shandelle (@barossagirl72) July 7, 2019

Ten Indigenous Australians honoured

Ten Indigenous Australians were recognised across the categories of sports, arts and community contributions at the 2019 NAIDOC Awards.

Dean Duncan, national diversity manager at non-for-profit organisation Lifestyle Solutions was awarded NAIDOC Person of the Year as a champion of diversity, social justice and equality.

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National NAIDOC committee co-chair John Paul Janke said the annual awards provide the opportunity to showcase indigenous excellence.

"They celebrate our past, our present and our future and (how) individuals' unwavering determination and work enrich our communities," Mr Janke said in a statement.

The full list of 2019 NAIDOC Award winners:

Person of the Year - Dean Duncan

Lifetime Achievement Award - David Gulpilil Ridjimiraril Dalaithngu, AM

Female Elder of the Year - Thelma Weston

Male Elder of the Year - Greg Little

Caring for Country - Littlewell Working Group

Youth of the Year - Mi-kaisha Masella

Artist of the Year - Elma Gada Kris

Scholar of the Year - Professor Michael McDaniel

Apprentice of the Year - Ganur Maynard

Sportsperson of the Year - Shantelle Thompson

Additional reporting: AAP