Broadcasters congratulate AACTA wins

ABC picked up 11 AACTA Awards this week, more than any other Free to Air broadcaster.

Wins included Total Control for Best Drama (amongst wins skipped in the broadcast), Best Lead Actress for Deborah Mailman and Best Supporting Actress for Rachel Griffiths.

The Letdown won Best Comedy Program and Best Performance in a Television Comedy for Alison Bell. Somewhat awkwardly, those wins come at a time when the broadcaster is in conflict with producers Giant Dwarf over The Checkout.

Michael Carrington, ABC Director of Entertainment & Specialist, said: “Total Control has proven that people want to see Indigenous-led talent, craft and creativity in prime time, showcasing the depth and diversity of Australian stories and landscapes, from the Top End to the political centre in Canberra.

“Congratulations to all the AACTA Award-winning ABC programs and partners. Making audiences laugh, cry and think about the world around them is what we do, bringing the best of Australia to Australians every day.”

Best Drama Series: Total Control (Blackfella Films)
Best Comedy Program: The Letdown (Giant Dwarf)
Best Factual Entertainment Program: You Can’t Ask That (ABC)
Best Documentary: The Australian Dream
Best Documentary or Factual Program: Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds (Endemol Shine Australia)
Best Children’s Program: Bluey (Ludo Studio)
Best Lead Actress in a Television Drama: Deborah Mailman (Total Control)
Best Performance in a Television Comedy: Alison Bell (The Letdown)
Best Guest or Supporting Actress in a Television Drama: Rachel Griffiths (Total Control)
Best Editing in Television: The Cry – Episode 2 (Synchronicity Films in association with December Media)
Best Cinematography in a Documentary: Magical Land of Oz – Episode 1: Oceans (Northern Pictures)

Meanwhile Foxtel took home 15 awards, including 4 in Subscription categories.

“This huge line-up of wins for Foxtel is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved both on and off screen,” said Brian Walsh, Foxtel’s Executive Director of Television.

“As a proud Australian company, Foxtel is committed to showcasing local content and to supporting our gifted storytellers with a diverse and rich slate of programming across a number of genres. We are honoured to be recognised by the Academy and the voters.”

Lambs of God took out eight awards, following a record number nominations, including Best Telefeature or Mini Series and Best Direction in a Television Drama or Comedy for Jeffery Walker.

The series also claimed Best Cinematography in Television (Don McAlpine), Best Original Score in Television (Bryony Marks), Best Production Design in Television (Chris Kennedy), Best Costume Design in Television (Xanthe Heubel), Best Sound Sound in Television (Nick Emond, Stephen Smith, Paul Devescovi and Mia Stewart), Best Hair and Makeup (Zeljka Stanin, Paul Pattison, Cheryl Williams and Anita Howell-Lowe) and Best New Female Talent (Asha Boswarva).

Brian Walsh added, “As a proud partner of AACTA we are grateful for the opportunity to honour Australian content during the award season and all year long. I am delighted Foxtel is extending our partnership, with a new multi-year agreement to continue as the major sponsor of AACTA”

TV Tonight is a partner of the AACTA Awards.