Nobody was expecting television presenter Sonia Kruger to win the Gold Logie, especially not Kruger herself.
As she made her way to the stage in a high cut rainbow lame dress to accept the award from presenter Daryl Somers, Kruger seemed genuinely surprised.
“I cannot believe that, I have to compose myself, I’m not used to being on TV,” she joked.
The host of The Voice, Dancing with the Stars and Big Brother beat favourite Hamish Blake, who had been expected to take out his third Gold.
Yet as presenter of three programs on the Seven Network (and co-host of the Logies red carpet broadcast) Kruger simply had far more screen time than most of her fellow nominees – that’s presenting, not watching.
Another big winner was offbeat comedy Colin from Accounts by husband-and-wife team Patrick Brammall and Harriet Dyer, which won three Logies.
The series won most outstanding comedy, while most outstanding actress went to Dyer and to Brammall, most outstanding actor.
Brammall thanked everyone behind the show as well as his fellow nominees.
“You’re all outstanding as far as I’m concerned, but not as outstanding as me,” he joked.
There were some other upset wins too, with well-known performer Amy Shark taking home most popular new talent for her role on Australian Idol.
Most outstanding children’s program went to ABC’s Crazy Fun Park, beating global juggernaut Bluey.
Film star Sam Neill said he was gobsmacked to win a gong for his role on The Twelve.
“There’s so many actors in the show I’m not even sure I was the main actor,” he said.
The awards were held in Sydney for the first time in 37 years, with comedian Sam Pang the first solo Logies host in more than a decade.
He delivered one zinger after another, along with some timeless advice for those onstage.
“To all the winners out there, don’t mix your acceptance speech with an active court case.”
© AAP 2023
