The 2025 Logie Awards, a highlight in Australian television, featured a heartfelt tribute from Magda Szubanski, who joined the ceremony virtually as she received an induction into the Hall of Fame. The beloved comedian and actress, known for her iconic role as Sharon Strzelecki in Kath & Kim, charmed the audience with her humour despite battling stage four mantle cell lymphoma, a serious and rare blood cancer, which kept her from attending the event in person.
Szubanski opened her address with a light-hearted remark, clarifying that her health condition was not the reason for her recognition. With an impressive 40-year career, she reflected on the hard work and dedication that led to her achievement, humorously attributing her success to "lobbying, bribing, and threatening." Though she joked about feeling like an imposter, she expressed genuine gratitude for the honour, stating, "I feel like I have earned it and I am thrilled."
Emotionally connecting with the audience, she thanked the Australian public for their overwhelming love and support during her journey with cancer. Szubanski referred to the messages she received online as a source of strength, saying, "When I look at those messages, my heart lifts, and I feel that much stronger to deal with the cancer."
The night also celebrated other prominent figures in the industry. Lynne McGranger, a veteran on Home and Away, won the Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television, while Ally Langdon from A Current Affair took home the Ray Martin Award for Most Popular News Presenter alongside the award for Best Sports Coverage for the Paris Olympic Games.
Jelena Dokic, a former tennis star, won the award for Best Factual or Documentary Program for Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story. In her emotional acceptance speech, she empowered women to believe in their self-worth and thanked her mentor, highlighting the importance of support in personal and professional growth.
Todd Woodbridge also made headlines, securing his first Logie for Most Popular Presenter, lauded for his extensive contributions to Australian television, including the Australian Open.
Overall, the Logie Awards celebrated both the triumphs and heartfelt moments of those involved in the industry, showcasing their resilience and the power of community support.