Television personality Lynne McGranger received the prestigious Gold Logie for the most popular personality on television during the 2025 Logie Awards, held in Sydney on March 15, 2025. This notable achievement comes as McGranger’s lengthy career on the long-running series, Home and Away, nears its conclusion, with her character, Irene Roberts, set to depart after over 3,200 episodes.
McGranger, who wore a stunning gold gown by designer Diane Lewis, expressed her surprise and delight backstage, stating, “If I’d known this was going to happen, I’d have left years ago, love.” Alongside her Gold Logie, she also secured her first win for Best Lead Actress in a Drama, competing against a strong field that included nominees from popular Netflix productions such as Alycia Debnam-Carey and Anna Torv.
The ceremony, hosted by Channel Seven, saw the network secure only two awards out of its numerous nominations, with The Voice winning Best Entertainment Program. In contrast, the ABC emerged as the big winner of the night, taking home a remarkable eleven awards, including five consecutive wins for the comedy series Fisk, which stars Kitty Flanagan and Julia Zemiro.
Industry Reactions and Controversies
While the evening celebrated many achievements, it also sparked discussions regarding the new voting system introduced for this year’s awards. The process now combines expert votes and audience ratings to determine nominees, with public votes deciding the winners. Critics argue that this shift has created confusion and may disadvantage smaller networks like SBS, which struggle to gain visibility in the changing landscape.
In a humorous moment, Tom Gleeson, known for his candid remarks, took the stage to encourage viewers to vote for Poh Ling Yeow, a fellow Gold Logie nominee. He humorously critiqued Channel Seven’s promotional tactics, suggesting that the award show felt like an event designed to showcase the network’s own productions.
The night also featured a poignant tribute to Magda Szubanski, who was inducted into the Logies Hall of Fame. Currently undergoing treatment for stage 4 mantle cell lymphoma, Szubanski delivered a heartfelt acceptance speech via video link, expressing her gratitude for the overwhelming support she has received from the public. “I have not been awarded this honour because I have the cancer. I am getting this because of 40 years of hard work,” she stated.
Reflections on the Future of Australian Television
Despite the controversies, the mood among attendees reflected a sense of unity within the television industry. Marc Fennell from SBS remarked that events like the Logies serve as a reminder of the diverse content being produced across networks. The mixed results of the evening suggest that while streaming services are increasingly dominant, there is still significant public support for local productions that resonate with audiences, such as Fisk.
As the television landscape continues to evolve, the Logie Awards remain a focal point for showcasing talent and celebrating the richness of Australian television. The reactions and results from this year’s event signal an ongoing conversation about the direction of the industry and the importance of inclusivity in recognition.
The 2025 Logies have certainly left an impression, with both triumphs and challenges shaping the narrative of Australian television’s future.
