The 2026 TV Week Logie Awards descended upon Sydney last night in a glittering celebration of Australia’s flourishing television industry. As ever, the ceremony brought together the nation’s favourite actors, presenters and television personalities under one roof (The Star Sydney to be precise) for an evening punctuated by nostalgia, glamour and a plethora of memorable moments.
Now in its 66th year, the beloved awards ceremony welcomed a new host in the form of national treasure, Robert Irwin. At just 22, Irwin made history as the youngest person to take the Logies’ hosting reins, an achievement that was inevitably revisited throughout the evening. He was also in contention for the night’s most coveted honour, the Gold Logie, nominated for his role as co-host of I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here! alongside Julia Morris.
Ultimately, however, it was Sam Pang who clinched the evening’s top prize, taking home the Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television. Pang had presided over the ceremony for the previous three years, making his win this year a particularly fitting passing of the baton as he handed the hosted duties to Irwin.
Pang’s award was presented ny none other than Magda Szubanksi (in character as Sharon Strzelecki), making her first public appearance following her battle with blood cancer. Clad in Australia Zoo khakis and looking as though a crocodile had dragged her through the bush, complete with an eye patch and arm sling, the tattered and torn character made a wonderfully unexpected return to the spotlight.
Ahead, all the surprise appearances, heartwarming moments and highlights you may have missed from this year’s Logies.
Every Highlight From The 2026 Logies
Robert Irwin’s Dazzling Dance Number
RELATED: The Full List Of Logie Award Winners For 2026
Reminding us of his fancy footwork, Irwin dazzled with an opening performance that felt straight out of his Dancing With The Stars days. As Casey Donovan performed a soaring rendition of ‘Don’t You Worry ’Bout a Thing’, Robert made a suitably grand entrance, joining the backing dancers and proving, once again, that there appears to be very little he cannot do.
Deborah Mailman Inducted Into The Logies Hall Of Fame
Deborah Mailman has been inducted into the Logies Hall of Fame, becoming the first Indigenous person and only the sixth woman to receive the prestigious honour.
Already one of the most decorated performers in Logies history, the actor has won Most Outstanding Actress four times as well as Most Popular Actress in 2019 and Best Lead Actress in a Drama in 2024.
Speaking to ABC, Deborah said the historic recognition meant more than just a personal achievement. “This means everything. For me and for our mob, this isn’t just recognition for me. It’s recognition for everyone who’s gone before me, who changed things for someone like me to be doing the work that I’m doing.”
Robert Wrangles Reptiles In The Audience
A Robert Irwin-hosted event wouldn’t be complete without a little wildness, and the 2026 Logies were no exception. In a fitting nod to his late father, Steve Irwin, the wildlife warrior brought a touch of the Australian bush to television’s biggest night, arriving with a blue-tongued lizard and two snakes draped around his shoulders.
While Robert was completely at ease with his reptillian companions, the same couldn’t be said for the star-studded crowd, with guests visibly squirming as the snakes made their rounds.
Magda Szubanski Makes A Surprise Appearance
Magda Szubanski made a memorable return to the public eye at the 2026 Logies, marking her first major appearance since revealing she was in remission from cancer. Joining host Robert Irwin on stage, the beloved comedian arrived dressed as an injured Australia Zoo recruit, complete with a sling and bandages.
The appearance quickly turned into a nostalgic tribute to ‘Kath & Kim’, with Szubanski reviving her iconic Sharon Strzelecki character. Irwin joined in, delivering an exaggerated plea for her to let him announce the winner.
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