“Fair Dinkum Upset: Crazy Fun Park Trumps Bluey and Sonia Kruger at Logie Awards 2023”

Australian Television Logie Awards 2023: Crazy Fun Park Beats Bluey, Sonia Kruger Takes Gold, and Tony Armstrong Secures Back-to-Back Win

By | Published Sun 30 Jul 2023 | Last modified Sun 30 Jul 2023

Little-known ABC show Crazy Fun Park surprised audiences by winning the prestigious Logie Award for Outstanding Children’s Program, triumphing over the immensely popular animation series Bluey. The creator of Crazy Fun Park, Nicholas Verso, took to the stage and apologized for surpassing Bluey in such a hotly contested category, acknowledging the show’s incredible popularity. This unexpected victory further cements Crazy Fun Park’s place in the industry and highlights the potential for underdogs in the Australian television landscape.

A Night of Laughter and Roasting

The 2023 Logie Awards, hosted by Sam Pang, provided a night of laughter and roasting as he took jabs at a slew of celebrities including Sam Neill, Andy Lee, Karl Stefanovic, Jonathan LaPaglia, and David Koch. Pang didn’t shy away from poking fun at the Logies’ broadcaster, Channel Seven, highlighting the need for diversity in the industry and jokingly referencing his dual affiliation with both Channel Seven and Channel 10. His humorous commentary added an entertaining dynamic to the evening.

Armstrong and Kruger Shine

Tony Armstrong, renowned for his work in A Dog’s World, added another accolade to his repertoire, winning the Logie for Popular Presenter after last year’s popular New Talent win. Armstrong entertained the crowd by jokingly stating that his victory would require a renegotiation of his contract. His charisma and talent have solidified his place in the industry.

Sonia Kruger, a prominent presence across Australian television, deservedly won the prestigious Gold Logie for her exceptional hosting on three Channel Seven shows: Dancing with the Stars, Big Brother, and The Voice. Kruger, the first woman to win the Gold Logie since Carrie Bickmore in 2015, has been a staple in the Australian TV landscape since her breakthrough role in the 1992 film Strictly Ballroom. While her career has not been without controversy, her talent and contribution to the industry cannot be denied.

A Celebration of Talent

The Logie Awards also recognized emerging talent, with singer Amy Shark winning the Popular New Talent category. Shark, already an established recording artist, qualified for the category due to her role as a judge on Australian Idol. This win signifies the intersection between the music and television industries and showcases Shark’s versatility and talent.

Among the industry-voted categories, Colin from Accounts claimed the Outstanding Comedy Series award, solidifying its status as a fan-favorite. Harriet Dyer and Patrick Brammall, the stars and creators of Colin from Accounts, were also recognized with the Outstanding Actress and Outstanding Actor trophies, respectively. The Twelve, a gripping crime series, took home the Logie for Outstanding Drama, with Brooke Satchwell receiving the Outstanding Supporting Actress award and Sam Neill winning the Popular Actor gong.

Foxtel/Binge emerged as the network leader with seven Logie wins, propelled by shows such as Colin from Accounts and Gogglebox. Heartbreak High’s Thomas Weatherall received the Logie Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor, adding to the achievements of this beloved Australian television program.

Popular Favorites and Reality TV Wins

In the public-voted popular categories, Home and Away continued its reign as Australia’s most popular drama, securing its ninth Logie Award. Have You Been Paying Attention?, the perennial fan-favorite, won the Popular Comedy category for the fourth year in a row. Other winners in the popular categories included Travel Guides, Australian Story, and actor Kitty Flanagan for her role in Fisk.

In the reality TV realm, Survivor: Heroes vs Villains earned the Outstanding Reality TV award, while MasterChef Australia won the Popular Choice title. Marty Benson, the executive producer of MasterChef Australia, dedicated the award to the late chef and judge Jock Zonfrillo, paying tribute to his contributions and legacy in the culinary world.

Gong for TV Industry Legend

The Logies also honored Brian Walsh, the late Foxtel executive, with a Hall of Fame induction. Walsh, who passed away suddenly earlier this year, played a pivotal role in nurturing talent and contributing to iconic Australian shows such as Neighbours, Wentworth, and Vietnam. Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, and Jason Donovan were among the notable figures who paid tribute to Walsh’s significant impact on the nation’s television landscape.