Latest news with #LogiesHallofFame
Sydney Morning Herald
03-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
Lynne McGranger takes the Gold, Tom Gleeson makes mischief and the ABC cleans up: Highlights of the 2025 Logies
The third season of the show about a brown-suited suburban lawyer swept the comedy category, bringing wins as best series and for cast members Kitty Flanagan, Julia Zemiro, Aaron Chen and Glenn Butcher. Nine won six awards (including one in conjunction with Stan), while there was one each for Binge/Foxtel (Sam Neill for The Twelve) and Ten (Have You Been Paying Attention?). The ceremony got off to a banging start, with Jimmy Barnes belting out Working Class Man, a performance that brought the room to its feet barely three minutes into what would be a four-and-a-half-hour ceremony. The emotional highpoint came almost three hours in, when Magda Szubanski was inducted into the Logies Hall of Fame. Currently undergoing treatment for stage 4 mantle cell lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer, she wasn't at The Star in Sydney. But her taped speech was full of the warmth and humour that has made her one of the most popular TV personalities this country has ever produced – even if she doesn't have the Gold Logie to prove it. 'Let's get this out of the way,' she began, after being introduced by fellow comedian Marg Downey, a friend since the pair met on the junior tennis circuit aged 11. 'I have not been awarded this honour because I have the cancer. I am getting this because of 40 years of hard work – lobbying, bribing, threatening, whatever it took.' Szubanski soon dropped the jokes to express gratitude for 'the love and support that I have felt, like a tsunami, from the Australian public … when I go online and look at those messages, every time, my heart lifts, and I feel that much stronger to deal with the cancer. So thank you for the love that you are pouring my way, I really feel it.' Seven, though, may have been forgiven for feeling a little less affection. There has been confusion and some disgruntlement in the industry about changes to the way Logie votes were calculated this year. Previously split into peer-voted 'most outstanding' and publicly voted 'most popular' categories, the bulk of the awards are now 'best', a hybrid of expert vote (30 per cent) and ratings (20 per cent) to generate nominees, and public vote (50 per cent) to determine winners. The new system is, say critics, confusing, opaque, and all but guaranteed to ensure SBS, for instance, will struggle even to be nominated for anything bar Alone. The fact the streamers do not release ratings numbers may also have factored into their disappointing showing on the night, effectively handing them a 20 per cent handicap. Perhaps. There is so little transparency that it is impossible to know for certain. What is clear is that the relentless promotion of its own shows in the lead-up to and even during the telecast – including a three-minute pre-recorded promo spot for The Voice that aired in-show – there was a strong sense that the fix was in for Seven's nominees. And Tom Gleeson, a man who knows more than most about gaming the system, was having none of it. Taking to the stage with Gold Logie nominee Poh Ling Yeow, the Hard Quiz host and shock winner of the Gold in 2019 summed up what many were apparently thinking. 'You are not going to win because you are not Channel Seven,' Gleeson said, veering wildly from the script he had reportedly delivered in rehearsal. 'By giving out awards themselves … it is becoming a bit like Channel Seven's invited us to their house so we can watch them wank. 'To be fair, voting is still open,' he continued, referring to the fact that votes for the Gold could still be cast until 10.30pm. 'Over 1 million people watching, if everyone voted for Poh, it could be an upset. You know I love an upset. I am saying you can vote for Channel Seven if you want to, but if you don't know, vote Poh.' Gleeson wasn't the only presenter to take a spray at a network. Ten copped a serve from Tom Gleisner as he accepted Have You Been Paying Attention? 's win for best entertainment program. 'It has been a tough year on Ten,' he said. 'We've seen the end of some very fine shows and mysteriously the recommissioning of a second series of others. Who knows what's happening in this crazy world?' Host Sam Pang – whose opening monologue was hilarious, edgy and occasionally very dark – also took a dig at his employer over its recent programming choices. Loading 'Ten replaced The Project with 10 News+, which is like the Titanic being replaced with the OceanGate submarine,' he said, referring to the doomed submersible on which five people died in 2023. Immediately after Pang's monologue ended, Kitty Flanagan took to the stage with Anne Edmonds and took a dig at streaming services Binge, SBS On Demand and 10 Play – 'or, like, 'won't play'' – for their technical issues. 'It would be lucky to get one play, let alone 10 plays,' she added. Melanie Bracewell also took aim at the beleaguered network on which she appears. 'Personally, I can't wait for the new season Survivor: Network 10 vs Jonathon LaPaglia's lawyers ' – a reference to the recent decision to axe the host of Australian Survivor after 10 seasons. On the red carpet, SBS's Marc Fennell had lauded the Logies as a night when the entire TV industry comes together and celebrates what it has in common. 'You sometimes forget that there are other people making all these other kinds of shows, until you come to events like this,' he said. But if it were possible to gauge the mood of the industry from this gathering, you might get some very mixed signals. Like, maybe free-to-air TV isn't yet ready to cede the game to streaming entirely. Or that some of Australia's funniest performers are happy to bite the hand that feeds them when they feel it's deserved. Or that the Australian public is still willing to get behind a home-grown scripted show such as Fisk if they feel it speaks to them with brains and warmth and plenty of laughs. And maybe even that running the game might give you some wins, but not all.
The Age
03-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Age
Lynne McGranger takes the Gold, Tom Gleeson makes mischief and the ABC cleans up: Highlights of the 2025 Logies
The third season of the show about a brown-suited suburban lawyer swept the comedy category, bringing wins as best series and for cast members Kitty Flanagan, Julia Zemiro, Aaron Chen and Glenn Butcher. Nine won six awards (including one in conjunction with Stan), while there was one each for Binge/Foxtel (Sam Neill for The Twelve) and Ten (Have You Been Paying Attention?). The ceremony got off to a banging start, with Jimmy Barnes belting out Working Class Man, a performance that brought the room to its feet barely three minutes into what would be a four-and-a-half-hour ceremony. The emotional highpoint came almost three hours in, when Magda Szubanski was inducted into the Logies Hall of Fame. Currently undergoing treatment for stage 4 mantle cell lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer, she wasn't at The Star in Sydney. But her taped speech was full of the warmth and humour that has made her one of the most popular TV personalities this country has ever produced – even if she doesn't have the Gold Logie to prove it. 'Let's get this out of the way,' she began, after being introduced by fellow comedian Marg Downey, a friend since the pair met on the junior tennis circuit aged 11. 'I have not been awarded this honour because I have the cancer. I am getting this because of 40 years of hard work – lobbying, bribing, threatening, whatever it took.' Szubanski soon dropped the jokes to express gratitude for 'the love and support that I have felt, like a tsunami, from the Australian public … when I go online and look at those messages, every time, my heart lifts, and I feel that much stronger to deal with the cancer. So thank you for the love that you are pouring my way, I really feel it.' Seven, though, may have been forgiven for feeling a little less affection. There has been confusion and some disgruntlement in the industry about changes to the way Logie votes were calculated this year. Previously split into peer-voted 'most outstanding' and publicly voted 'most popular' categories, the bulk of the awards are now 'best', a hybrid of expert vote (30 per cent) and ratings (20 per cent) to generate nominees, and public vote (50 per cent) to determine winners. The new system is, say critics, confusing, opaque, and all but guaranteed to ensure SBS, for instance, will struggle even to be nominated for anything bar Alone. The fact the streamers do not release ratings numbers may also have factored into their disappointing showing on the night, effectively handing them a 20 per cent handicap. Perhaps. There is so little transparency that it is impossible to know for certain. What is clear is that the relentless promotion of its own shows in the lead-up to and even during the telecast – including a three-minute pre-recorded promo spot for The Voice that aired in-show – there was a strong sense that the fix was in for Seven's nominees. And Tom Gleeson, a man who knows more than most about gaming the system, was having none of it. Taking to the stage with Gold Logie nominee Poh Ling Yeow, the Hard Quiz host and shock winner of the Gold in 2019 summed up what many were apparently thinking. 'You are not going to win because you are not Channel Seven,' Gleeson said, veering wildly from the script he had reportedly delivered in rehearsal. 'By giving out awards themselves … it is becoming a bit like Channel Seven's invited us to their house so we can watch them wank. 'To be fair, voting is still open,' he continued, referring to the fact that votes for the Gold could still be cast until 10.30pm. 'Over 1 million people watching, if everyone voted for Poh, it could be an upset. You know I love an upset. I am saying you can vote for Channel Seven if you want to, but if you don't know, vote Poh.' Gleeson wasn't the only presenter to take a spray at a network. Ten copped a serve from Tom Gleisner as he accepted Have You Been Paying Attention? 's win for best entertainment program. 'It has been a tough year on Ten,' he said. 'We've seen the end of some very fine shows and mysteriously the recommissioning of a second series of others. Who knows what's happening in this crazy world?' Host Sam Pang – whose opening monologue was hilarious, edgy and occasionally very dark – also took a dig at his employer over its recent programming choices. Loading 'Ten replaced The Project with 10 News+, which is like the Titanic being replaced with the OceanGate submarine,' he said, referring to the doomed submersible on which five people died in 2023. Immediately after Pang's monologue ended, Kitty Flanagan took to the stage with Anne Edmonds and took a dig at streaming services Binge, SBS On Demand and 10 Play – 'or, like, 'won't play'' – for their technical issues. 'It would be lucky to get one play, let alone 10 plays,' she added. Melanie Bracewell also took aim at the beleaguered network on which she appears. 'Personally, I can't wait for the new season Survivor: Network 10 vs Jonathon LaPaglia's lawyers ' – a reference to the recent decision to axe the host of Australian Survivor after 10 seasons. On the red carpet, SBS's Marc Fennell had lauded the Logies as a night when the entire TV industry comes together and celebrates what it has in common. 'You sometimes forget that there are other people making all these other kinds of shows, until you come to events like this,' he said. But if it were possible to gauge the mood of the industry from this gathering, you might get some very mixed signals. Like, maybe free-to-air TV isn't yet ready to cede the game to streaming entirely. Or that some of Australia's funniest performers are happy to bite the hand that feeds them when they feel it's deserved. Or that the Australian public is still willing to get behind a home-grown scripted show such as Fisk if they feel it speaks to them with brains and warmth and plenty of laughs. And maybe even that running the game might give you some wins, but not all.
The Advertiser
03-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
Lynne McGranger wins Gold Logie
Australian television royalty Lynne McGranger has claimed the coveted Gold Logie. It marks a milestone year for the 72-year-old, who stepped away from her iconic role as Irene Roberts on the cult-hit Home and Away in March, ending a decades-long chapter in Australian TV history. "I am thrilled and honoured," she said moments after accepting the award, beaming with emotion. Six other TV personalities were vying for the Gold Logie - 2023 winner Sonia Kruger, Ten's I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here! host Julia Morris, ABC's Lisa Millar, MasterChef Australia's Poh Ling Yeow, A Current Affair host Ally Langdon and two-time Gold Logie winner Hamish Blake, host of Lego Masters. Magda Szubanski earlier took centre stage - via video - as she was inducted into the Logies Hall of Fame. The beloved comedian and actor recently revealed her diagnosis of stage four blood cancer and was unable to attend the awards. True to form, Szubanski worked her audience with tears and laughs as she accepted her honour in a pre-recorded speech, adding her award was in no way due to her cancer. "I am getting this because of 40 years of hard work. Lobbying, bribing, threatening, whatever it took, whatever it took. Finally it has all paid off," she said. She ended her speech by removing her beanie to reveal a clean-shaven head and joking she had her "hair done specifically so it would match" her Gold Logie. "The Australian TV industry is a terrific industry to work in and it is chock-a-block full of really good people, a few rogues but mostly really good people," she said. Szubanski, best known for her beloved role as Sharon Strzelecki in the comedy series Kath & Kim, received a standing ovation. Fisk was one of the night's biggest winners, taking home five Logie Awards, including Best Scripted Comedy Program. Kitty Flanagan clenched the Silver Logie for Best Lead Actress in a Comedy, while Glenn Butcher claimed Best Supporting Actor, and Aaron Chen won the Silver Logie for Best Lead Actor in a Comedy. Julia Zemiro rounded out the sweep with the Silver Logie for Best Supporting Actress. Tennis star Jelena Dokic also delivered an emotional acceptance speech after winning the Logie for Best Factual or Documentary Program for Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story. Based on her book of the same name, the powerful documentary traces Dokic's journey from refugee to tennis champion, while confronting the trauma of her abusive relationship with her father. Journalist Ally Langdon was all smiles as she accepted the inaugural Ray Martin Award for Most Popular News or Public Affairs Presenter. The award was presented by Martin, who said he was honoured to be recognised with the tribute, adding he had never seen journalism more under siege than it is today. Gold Logie nominee Langdon, who hosts Nine's A Current Affair, thanked the media veteran for his service to news in Australia. Langdon was also part of the Channel Nine team that won the Logie for Best Sports Coverage for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Travel Guides claimed its fourth Logie, taking out the award for Best Lifestyle Program, while LEGO Masters was named Best Competition Reality Program. New Zealand comedian and Guy Mont Spelling Bee host Guy Montgomery won the coveted Graham Kennedy Award for Most Popular New Talent. Iconic rocker Jimmy Barnes earlier kicked off the night in true style with a powerhouse performance of his hit Working Class Man, before settling in for opening remarks from returning host Sam Pang. Pang, hosting for the third consecutive year, didn't miss a beat. "It's inspiring that with the world in as much turmoil as it is right now, that we as an industry have not wavered in our commitment and bravery in coming together tonight to honour ourselves," he said. He went on to congratulate and roast each nominee for the coveted Gold Logie and some of the commercial networks' biggest stars - from The Voice host Sonia Kruger to 20-year Today Show veteran Karl Stefanovic and former talk show queen Kerri-Anne Kennerley. Bluey was an early winner, taking the Logie for the Best Children's Program. The 65th Logie Awards are being broadcast on the Seven Network. Australian television royalty Lynne McGranger has claimed the coveted Gold Logie. It marks a milestone year for the 72-year-old, who stepped away from her iconic role as Irene Roberts on the cult-hit Home and Away in March, ending a decades-long chapter in Australian TV history. "I am thrilled and honoured," she said moments after accepting the award, beaming with emotion. Six other TV personalities were vying for the Gold Logie - 2023 winner Sonia Kruger, Ten's I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here! host Julia Morris, ABC's Lisa Millar, MasterChef Australia's Poh Ling Yeow, A Current Affair host Ally Langdon and two-time Gold Logie winner Hamish Blake, host of Lego Masters. Magda Szubanski earlier took centre stage - via video - as she was inducted into the Logies Hall of Fame. The beloved comedian and actor recently revealed her diagnosis of stage four blood cancer and was unable to attend the awards. True to form, Szubanski worked her audience with tears and laughs as she accepted her honour in a pre-recorded speech, adding her award was in no way due to her cancer. "I am getting this because of 40 years of hard work. Lobbying, bribing, threatening, whatever it took, whatever it took. Finally it has all paid off," she said. She ended her speech by removing her beanie to reveal a clean-shaven head and joking she had her "hair done specifically so it would match" her Gold Logie. "The Australian TV industry is a terrific industry to work in and it is chock-a-block full of really good people, a few rogues but mostly really good people," she said. Szubanski, best known for her beloved role as Sharon Strzelecki in the comedy series Kath & Kim, received a standing ovation. Fisk was one of the night's biggest winners, taking home five Logie Awards, including Best Scripted Comedy Program. Kitty Flanagan clenched the Silver Logie for Best Lead Actress in a Comedy, while Glenn Butcher claimed Best Supporting Actor, and Aaron Chen won the Silver Logie for Best Lead Actor in a Comedy. Julia Zemiro rounded out the sweep with the Silver Logie for Best Supporting Actress. Tennis star Jelena Dokic also delivered an emotional acceptance speech after winning the Logie for Best Factual or Documentary Program for Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story. Based on her book of the same name, the powerful documentary traces Dokic's journey from refugee to tennis champion, while confronting the trauma of her abusive relationship with her father. Journalist Ally Langdon was all smiles as she accepted the inaugural Ray Martin Award for Most Popular News or Public Affairs Presenter. The award was presented by Martin, who said he was honoured to be recognised with the tribute, adding he had never seen journalism more under siege than it is today. Gold Logie nominee Langdon, who hosts Nine's A Current Affair, thanked the media veteran for his service to news in Australia. Langdon was also part of the Channel Nine team that won the Logie for Best Sports Coverage for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Travel Guides claimed its fourth Logie, taking out the award for Best Lifestyle Program, while LEGO Masters was named Best Competition Reality Program. New Zealand comedian and Guy Mont Spelling Bee host Guy Montgomery won the coveted Graham Kennedy Award for Most Popular New Talent. Iconic rocker Jimmy Barnes earlier kicked off the night in true style with a powerhouse performance of his hit Working Class Man, before settling in for opening remarks from returning host Sam Pang. Pang, hosting for the third consecutive year, didn't miss a beat. "It's inspiring that with the world in as much turmoil as it is right now, that we as an industry have not wavered in our commitment and bravery in coming together tonight to honour ourselves," he said. He went on to congratulate and roast each nominee for the coveted Gold Logie and some of the commercial networks' biggest stars - from The Voice host Sonia Kruger to 20-year Today Show veteran Karl Stefanovic and former talk show queen Kerri-Anne Kennerley. Bluey was an early winner, taking the Logie for the Best Children's Program. The 65th Logie Awards are being broadcast on the Seven Network. Australian television royalty Lynne McGranger has claimed the coveted Gold Logie. It marks a milestone year for the 72-year-old, who stepped away from her iconic role as Irene Roberts on the cult-hit Home and Away in March, ending a decades-long chapter in Australian TV history. "I am thrilled and honoured," she said moments after accepting the award, beaming with emotion. Six other TV personalities were vying for the Gold Logie - 2023 winner Sonia Kruger, Ten's I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here! host Julia Morris, ABC's Lisa Millar, MasterChef Australia's Poh Ling Yeow, A Current Affair host Ally Langdon and two-time Gold Logie winner Hamish Blake, host of Lego Masters. Magda Szubanski earlier took centre stage - via video - as she was inducted into the Logies Hall of Fame. The beloved comedian and actor recently revealed her diagnosis of stage four blood cancer and was unable to attend the awards. True to form, Szubanski worked her audience with tears and laughs as she accepted her honour in a pre-recorded speech, adding her award was in no way due to her cancer. "I am getting this because of 40 years of hard work. Lobbying, bribing, threatening, whatever it took, whatever it took. Finally it has all paid off," she said. She ended her speech by removing her beanie to reveal a clean-shaven head and joking she had her "hair done specifically so it would match" her Gold Logie. "The Australian TV industry is a terrific industry to work in and it is chock-a-block full of really good people, a few rogues but mostly really good people," she said. Szubanski, best known for her beloved role as Sharon Strzelecki in the comedy series Kath & Kim, received a standing ovation. Fisk was one of the night's biggest winners, taking home five Logie Awards, including Best Scripted Comedy Program. Kitty Flanagan clenched the Silver Logie for Best Lead Actress in a Comedy, while Glenn Butcher claimed Best Supporting Actor, and Aaron Chen won the Silver Logie for Best Lead Actor in a Comedy. Julia Zemiro rounded out the sweep with the Silver Logie for Best Supporting Actress. Tennis star Jelena Dokic also delivered an emotional acceptance speech after winning the Logie for Best Factual or Documentary Program for Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story. Based on her book of the same name, the powerful documentary traces Dokic's journey from refugee to tennis champion, while confronting the trauma of her abusive relationship with her father. Journalist Ally Langdon was all smiles as she accepted the inaugural Ray Martin Award for Most Popular News or Public Affairs Presenter. The award was presented by Martin, who said he was honoured to be recognised with the tribute, adding he had never seen journalism more under siege than it is today. Gold Logie nominee Langdon, who hosts Nine's A Current Affair, thanked the media veteran for his service to news in Australia. Langdon was also part of the Channel Nine team that won the Logie for Best Sports Coverage for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Travel Guides claimed its fourth Logie, taking out the award for Best Lifestyle Program, while LEGO Masters was named Best Competition Reality Program. New Zealand comedian and Guy Mont Spelling Bee host Guy Montgomery won the coveted Graham Kennedy Award for Most Popular New Talent. Iconic rocker Jimmy Barnes earlier kicked off the night in true style with a powerhouse performance of his hit Working Class Man, before settling in for opening remarks from returning host Sam Pang. Pang, hosting for the third consecutive year, didn't miss a beat. "It's inspiring that with the world in as much turmoil as it is right now, that we as an industry have not wavered in our commitment and bravery in coming together tonight to honour ourselves," he said. He went on to congratulate and roast each nominee for the coveted Gold Logie and some of the commercial networks' biggest stars - from The Voice host Sonia Kruger to 20-year Today Show veteran Karl Stefanovic and former talk show queen Kerri-Anne Kennerley. Bluey was an early winner, taking the Logie for the Best Children's Program. The 65th Logie Awards are being broadcast on the Seven Network. Australian television royalty Lynne McGranger has claimed the coveted Gold Logie. It marks a milestone year for the 72-year-old, who stepped away from her iconic role as Irene Roberts on the cult-hit Home and Away in March, ending a decades-long chapter in Australian TV history. "I am thrilled and honoured," she said moments after accepting the award, beaming with emotion. Six other TV personalities were vying for the Gold Logie - 2023 winner Sonia Kruger, Ten's I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here! host Julia Morris, ABC's Lisa Millar, MasterChef Australia's Poh Ling Yeow, A Current Affair host Ally Langdon and two-time Gold Logie winner Hamish Blake, host of Lego Masters. Magda Szubanski earlier took centre stage - via video - as she was inducted into the Logies Hall of Fame. The beloved comedian and actor recently revealed her diagnosis of stage four blood cancer and was unable to attend the awards. True to form, Szubanski worked her audience with tears and laughs as she accepted her honour in a pre-recorded speech, adding her award was in no way due to her cancer. "I am getting this because of 40 years of hard work. Lobbying, bribing, threatening, whatever it took, whatever it took. Finally it has all paid off," she said. She ended her speech by removing her beanie to reveal a clean-shaven head and joking she had her "hair done specifically so it would match" her Gold Logie. "The Australian TV industry is a terrific industry to work in and it is chock-a-block full of really good people, a few rogues but mostly really good people," she said. Szubanski, best known for her beloved role as Sharon Strzelecki in the comedy series Kath & Kim, received a standing ovation. Fisk was one of the night's biggest winners, taking home five Logie Awards, including Best Scripted Comedy Program. Kitty Flanagan clenched the Silver Logie for Best Lead Actress in a Comedy, while Glenn Butcher claimed Best Supporting Actor, and Aaron Chen won the Silver Logie for Best Lead Actor in a Comedy. Julia Zemiro rounded out the sweep with the Silver Logie for Best Supporting Actress. Tennis star Jelena Dokic also delivered an emotional acceptance speech after winning the Logie for Best Factual or Documentary Program for Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story. Based on her book of the same name, the powerful documentary traces Dokic's journey from refugee to tennis champion, while confronting the trauma of her abusive relationship with her father. Journalist Ally Langdon was all smiles as she accepted the inaugural Ray Martin Award for Most Popular News or Public Affairs Presenter. The award was presented by Martin, who said he was honoured to be recognised with the tribute, adding he had never seen journalism more under siege than it is today. Gold Logie nominee Langdon, who hosts Nine's A Current Affair, thanked the media veteran for his service to news in Australia. Langdon was also part of the Channel Nine team that won the Logie for Best Sports Coverage for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Travel Guides claimed its fourth Logie, taking out the award for Best Lifestyle Program, while LEGO Masters was named Best Competition Reality Program. New Zealand comedian and Guy Mont Spelling Bee host Guy Montgomery won the coveted Graham Kennedy Award for Most Popular New Talent. Iconic rocker Jimmy Barnes earlier kicked off the night in true style with a powerhouse performance of his hit Working Class Man, before settling in for opening remarks from returning host Sam Pang. Pang, hosting for the third consecutive year, didn't miss a beat. "It's inspiring that with the world in as much turmoil as it is right now, that we as an industry have not wavered in our commitment and bravery in coming together tonight to honour ourselves," he said. He went on to congratulate and roast each nominee for the coveted Gold Logie and some of the commercial networks' biggest stars - from The Voice host Sonia Kruger to 20-year Today Show veteran Karl Stefanovic and former talk show queen Kerri-Anne Kennerley. Bluey was an early winner, taking the Logie for the Best Children's Program. The 65th Logie Awards are being broadcast on the Seven Network.
West Australian
03-08-2025
- Entertainment
- West Australian
Gold Logie 2025 Winner: Lynne McGranger takes out top TV honours at this year's awards
Home and Away favourite Lynne McGranger has won TV's top award, taking home the coveted Gold Logie at the 65th Annual TV Week Logie Awards. The celebration took place at Sydney's The Star on Sunday night, with the live broadcast airing on Seven from 7pm. McGranger, who also won Best Actress, has portrayed iconic Summer Bay inhabitant Irene Roberts for 33 years, and said she was 'thrilled and honoured.' 'This is going to be pride of place next to my 1974 Wagga Wagga Drama Festival Best Actress award,' she joked. 'Yeah, it's a soap, but (Home and Away) gives Australian actors and crew so much work, and we are so proud of it. 'To all the fans who for those of you out there that keep free-to-air television alive, please keep doing what you are doing, and watching what you watch.' The ceremony was hosted for the third year in a row by comedian Sam Pang, who used his opening monologue to skewer the Aussie TV industry. He had the crowd — and viewers at home — in stitches. 'It's inspiring that with the world in as much much turmoil as it is right now, that we as an industry have not wavered in our commitment and bravery in coming together tonight... to honour ourselves,' he joked in his opening remarks. But it wasn't all laughs: the audience, and viewers, were touched by the moving tribute to comedy star Magda Szubanski, who was inducted into the Logies Hall of Fame. The honour comes as the 64 year-old veteran entertainer battles stage four blood cancer. She was unable to attend the awards, with Marg Downey, her friend of 50 years, accepting the honour on her behalf. She recorded a heartfelt thank-you, showing off her newly bald head, shaved to 'match with my Gold Logie.' One of the most-loved stars on TV, Szubanski has won seven Logies in a career that has spanned 40 years. She has twice been named the most Popular Person on Television, in 2003 and 2004. 'Normally I don't come (to the Logies) because I just can't be bothered getting out of my pyjamas, but, you know, this time, there really is a real reason,' she joked. 'First of all, let's just get this out of the way, alright? I've not been awarded this honour because I've got The Cancer. I'm getting this because of 40 years of hard work.' There wasn't a dry eye in the house after Szubanski's emotional speech, which saw her thank friend Kristen, her 'absolute rock.' She also thanked the Australian public for their 'overwhelming' support, saying 'what can I say except, I love you.' The room took to their feet for a standing ovation in appreciation. Szubanski was just one of several women who took centre stage this year, with tennis great Jelena Dokic also winning fans for her deeply moving acceptance speech for her documentary, Unbreakable, which won in its category. 'I will say to every single girl and woman out there, never allow anyone to take your worth or happiness or smile away. Believe in your goals and dreams,' she said. This year, a record six women were in contention for the Gold Logie, with nominees including journalist Ally Langdon, I'm A Celebrity…Get Me Out Here! host Julia Morris, Muster Dogs' Lisa Millar, plus Masterchef's Poh Ling Yeow and Dancing With The Stars front-woman, Sonia Kruger. The sole male representative in the line-up this year was Lego Master's Hamish Blake, who attended the event with his business founder wife, Zoe Foster Blake — he embarked on an 'anti Logie Campaign' to ensure his female co-nominees got a look-in. This year's big winner was ABC comedy Fisk, which took home five awards in various categories, with the show's creator Kitty Flanagan taking out a gong for Best Actress in a Comedy. This year, long-time Home and Away star Lynne McGranger was the favourite to take out the Gold Logie for her stellar 33-year run playing Irene Roberts on the beloved show. The star, who attended the awards with her daughter Clancy, said she was thrilled to be ending her years-long run on such a high. 'If I had known this was going to happen, I would have left years ago,' she said. 'I am loving the ride — really, I am.' McGranger looked sensational in a custom-made gown by Dianne Lewis couture — the designer had previously made McGranger's 2023 outfit, and she said she was excited to work with her again. 'She approached me before she even knew I was nominated, through Donny Galella, our wonderful stylist,' McGranger said. 'When I was nominated for a Gold, she was so excited.' McGranger admitted on the red carpet that she thought her famous character would think it was 'a load of BS' that she had been nominated. Co-star Ada Nicodemou, who attended the event with partner and co-star James Stewart weighed in, saying she misses her 'dressing room buddy' and co-star, who left the show back in March, and that she was a worthy contender for the top award. All the Gold Logie nominees looked sensational in their Red Carpet outfits, including Julia Morris, who wowed in a custom Alin Le Kal couture gown in black velvet and tulle. Ever the pragmatist, she accessorised with her trusty trainers, which were hidden beneath layers of fabric under her skirt. Sonia Kruger, who took home the Gold Logie in 2023, also opted for a gold gown with pearlescant hues for her red carpet hosting duties, also wearing Alin Le Kal, while ABC journalist Lisa Millar opted for a vibrant purple number by Diane Lewis. But it wasn't just the ladies wowing on the red carpet — the men got in on the act too, with Gardening Australia's Costa Georgiadis making quite the splash with his flower crown and bouquet. Hamish Blake also looked dapper. As the only man nominated for Gold, he admitted he embarked on an 'anti campaign' in the hopes his female co-stars would be in with a better chance to win. Representing the west at the event were Seven's very own Rick Ardon and Susanna Carr, who attended the event together again this year. 'It's exciting. There's a nice big crowd here, with people from all walks of life,' Arden said. 'Also, we've got Michael Usher, who's of course, a Perth boy. Michael is up for a major award,' Carr said. Performing at this year's event was Iconic Aussie super star Jimmy Barnes, who opened the show with a stirring rendition of his hit, 'Working Class Man.' International singing sensation Richard Marx also performed, singing a medley of his biggest hits Hazard and Should Have Known Better — Australia's own Guy Sebastian also performed his new song.
Perth Now
03-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Kath and Kim star breaks down in tears during Logies message
Kath and Kim star Magda Szubanski brought the room to tears with a heartbreaking speech after being inducted into the Logies Hall of Fame. The 64-year-old beloved Aussie TV star — who is battling a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer known as mantle cell lymphoma — sent a message to her fellow actors in a video message played to the room. 'I do have a good excuse this time (for not coming to the Logies), normally I don't come because I can't be bothered getting out of my pyjamas. This time there really is a reason,' Szubanski said. 'I want to say first of all, let's get this out of the way, I have not been awarded this honour because I have the cancer, like I am getting this because of 40 years of hard work. 'The love and support that I have felt, like a tsunami, from the Australian public, it has been overwhelming and I have to tell you, it really helps. Szubanski broke down in tears as she thanked those around her for their support. 'I did not think I was going to cry,' she said. 'When I go online and look at those messages, every time, my heart lifts. And I feel that much stronger to deal with the cancer. 'So thank you for the love that you are pouring my way, I really feel it.'
