The movie turned out to be Hacksaw Ridge.

A film which has been nominated for three Golden Globes, including best director in a motion picture, best motion picture and best performance by an actor. A well as six Academy Awards, including best picture, best actor, best director, best film editing, best sound editing and best sound mixing.

“I was in the Navy for 16 years, which was essential because Mel Gibson only wanted ex military or current military on set,” he said.

“I filled in my details, sent them off and I was told to send in photos of myself. I thought that’s me gone, no hair and too much weight around the tummy, I’m never going to get in.

“A couple of days later I got an email which said I had been accepted and was going to be a high ranking officer in the courtroom. I had to pick myself up off the floor.”

Hacksaw Ridge is directed by Mel Gibson and littered with Hollywood heavyweights, Sam Worthington, Teresa Palmer, Rachel Griffiths, Hugo Weaving and Vince Vaughn.

“It was a big surprise seeing the big name actors. It was really good to be in their presence and see how they are outside of the public domain,” Mr Sims said.

“I was one of three judges on the front table in the courtroom scene, and because Mel was directing the movie right up the front, he was next to me.”

“He’s [Gibson] got real charisma, the whole room lights up when he walks in. He’s really jovial, easy going and down-to-earth, it doesn’t matter if you’re a lowly extra like me or a high profile cast member he treats everybody the same.”

Hacksaw Ridge tells the heroic tale of World War II medic Desmond Doss, a seventh-day Adventist who refused to carry a firearm throughout the war.

“I think anyone who watches it will weep at the end, it doesn’t matter if you are military or not, it is very moving,” Mr Sims said.

“When you see the heroics of Private Doss, watch him raked through the military court system for refusing to carry a weapon and how he dealt with that, you will see what an extraordinary man this was.

“He was a genuine hero, which is why it was so deeply moving to see what he did and achieved in the realm of faith, he was living by his faith and morals.” 

Mr Sims work colleagues made the most of his brush with fame.

“I came in to work and they laid out the red carpet, made a cake and film awards. They made a big thing of it and all stood up and gave me a round of applause. It was the best five minutes of glory I’ve ever had,” he laughed.

“When the movie received award nominations all the warehouse guys at work came in to my office and lined up to get autographs.

“The whole thing was heaps of fun and I’m glad I did it.”