Logie Awards 2026: Sam Pang wins Gold Logie, Sam Neill honoured posthumously
Comedian Sam Pang won the Gold Logie for Australia's most popular TV personality, while actor Sam Neill, who died in July, received a posthumous best actor award for his role in "The Twelve: Cape Rock Killer."
At Australia's leading television awards, the Logies, comedian Sam Pang was named the country's most popular personality, taking home the coveted Gold Logie. The 52-year-old, known for "Have You Been Paying Attention?", "The Front Bar" and "Sam Pang Tonight", joked in his acceptance speech that he might forget to thank some people. The award was presented by actor Magda Szubanski, who recently announced she was in remission following cancer treatment.
Posthumous honour for Sam Neill
Actor Sam Neill, who died in July, was awarded best lead actor in a drama posthumously for his performance in the legal thriller "The Twelve: Cape Rock Killer." His close friend, actor Heather Mitchell, accepted the award on his behalf, saying it reflected his connection with audiences and noting how much he valued playing his character, Brett Colby.
Other winners
Robert Irwin, who hosted this year's ceremony, won his first Logie as most popular presenter for his role on "I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!" Brooke Satchwell won best lead actress in a drama, while Claudia Karvan took best supporting actress in a drama for "Homebodies." Former tennis player Jelena Dokic won the newly introduced award for most popular sports presenter, upsetting longtime broadcaster Bruce McAvaney.
Public broadcaster ABC had a strong night with eight wins, including for the miniseries "Goolagong," about tennis champion Evonne Goolagong Cawley. Actor Deborah Mailman became the first Indigenous Australian inducted into the Logies Hall of Fame.
