Denton’s note to Logies… not Bert and Gra-Gra
Andrew Denton reminds Fairfax papers he wasn't targetting veteran stars but a culture within the Logies.
- Published by David Knox
- on
- Filed under News
Andrew Denton has sent a letter to Fairfax papers The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age to qualify statements he made about the Logies, and in particular, Bert Newton and Graham Kennedy, in an interview this week on media website Mumbrella.
The Fairfax papers ran the headline “‘I’m sick to f-ing death of them’, Denton’s spray at TV greats.”
But the Zapruder’s Other Films producer says the article is misleading and takes his comments out of context.
He says his remarks were not about the two TV legends but about the Logies failing to recognise stars from other generations.
“For the record: I think Graham Kennedy was the most gifted live television performer I have seen anywhere in the world. I am also a long-time admirer of Bert’s wit and skills. That he has survived for so long is a testament to his professionalism, not a cause for condemnation. I am not seeking to be compared to them, favourably or otherwise,” he writes.
“What I would like to see are the stars of other generations – those who, like Graham and Bert, captivated and delighted millions – acknowledged for their work. Why should viewers from the 60s and 70s have a mortgage on Australia’s television memories? To those growing up in the 80s, 90s and beyond, the likes of Working Dog, Glenn Robbins, Maryanne Fahey, Shaun Micallef, Gina Riley and Jane Turner, Peter Moon, Rove, Adam Hills, Chris Lilley, Chaser, and Hamish and Andy carry just as much resonance as Bert and Graham do for older generations.
“A mature and confident television industry should understand this instinctively.”
You can read the letter in full here.
Share
- Tagged with Logie Awards
13 Responses
I can see where Denton is coming from.
Every single year the Logies mention Bert and Graham and show the usual clips from decades gone by.
Whilst I have plenty of respect for both gents, it’s time for the Logies to embrace other performers who contributed just as much to the industry.
I do agree that the Logies get bagged every single year as rubbish…but it still rates its socks off no matter its qualilty – but it does need to update itself and not feast so much on the past.
The logies are outdated. First of all the format needs to be changed, secondly music shows need to be counte they are not light entertainment they are music shows. Iam reffering to VIDEO HITS & RAGE not being given their won category and if you tink there is not enough shows then think again if you include foxtel then their is more then enough. The logies compleelty disrespect the show (VIDEO HITS). The show has been on air since 1986 and no recognition shame.
Then name logies has to be changed to “Australian Television Awards”
Goodness – Fairfax took a quote out of context and turned it into a sensationalised headline? I don’t think that’s ever happened before!
It sounded like an attack to me. Who care?? He’s right anyway.
TV Award ceremonies in Australia are a joke. They have to have a sponsor to survive and it’s really tacky. Imagine the Pepsi Emmy Awards or the Loreal Academy Awards.
As one who lives with a souths supporter Tim (and has had to hide the good crockery this week) – nice point!! Totally off subject but cute!
Denton has a point – and so do the people that argue that men aren’t they only people involved in Television!! The Logies have reached facelift stage!!
PS: @David Knox That is a very common complaint, but it’s ridiculous. If I was watching an awards show which awarded something I didn’t pay attention to, I would no doubt be confused too. It’s like watching the Brownlow and complaining you only know the players on the team you support and so they shouldn’t show the others.
I was most annoyed that of all the things wrong with Australian TV, the only think Denton could come up with is that the Logies – one night a year – shows too many clips of ’50s TV. Really?
Denton did not single out Logies as the only thing wrong with industry. He actually said the Logies were a microcosm of a some cultural issues.
i understand dentons frustration but to be fair the dragons rested five players and had nothing to play for. If south can’t win on those terms then they simply don’t deserve to be in the finals and there’s no need to take it out on Gra Gra and Bert.
While I do endorse, Denton’s comments and examples cited of 80’s and 90’s iconic performers, how about widening that to the acting fraternity and journalist groups. Some beloved and respected names could also be celebrated – Negus, Byrne, Wendt, Grimshaw,Waley, O’brien can be honoured along with acting greats Claudia Karvan, Anne Tenney, Michael Caton, Richard Roxburgh, Sigrid Thornton, Rebecca Gibney, Ben Mendelsohn, William Mcinnes for examples. Why just light ent performers? If it is about the Logies being contemporary, then have all presenters and hosts, previous and current winners/nominees etc. Oh and overhaul the categories while they are at it!
im sick to death every year them replaying bert saying “i like the boy”
Peter Ford did the same thing in his entertainment wrap on 2UE yesterday- tried to suggest Denton’s comments were in some way an attack on Kennedy and Newton. Denton’s words were, in fact, well chosen and very respectful of the two legends.
Didn’t hear 2UE but on 3AW today he did acknowledge that the Logies also come under fire when people say “we don’t know who these soapie people are,” so it’s a complex landscape.
Logies will get attacked every year. It’s what we do. It does need some overhauling, especially in terms of voting, but it is still the #1 awards show in this country for better or worse.