Where to Bet at the 2025 Logies: Acting Categories and TV Standouts

The Australian television landscape is gearing up for the TV Week Logie Awards. As the 2025 ceremony approaches, speculation is rife about which stars and shows will take home the coveted golden statuettes. For those with a penchant for a punt, the acting categories and standout television programmes offer a thrilling field of potentials. Understanding the nuances of the Logies, recent category changes, and the buzz around 2024’s television offerings can provide a strategic edge.

Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality

The Gold Logie remains the most talked-about award, a testament to a personality’s widespread appeal. In 2024, veteran presenter Larry Emdur took home the coveted Gold Logie, a win that resonated widely. Betting on the Gold Logie often involves assessing an individual’s consistent visibility, their likeability factor, and the success of their associated programmes. For 2025, personalities who have had a significant year in 2024, perhaps leading new hit shows or maintaining a strong presence on established favorite, will be strong contenders. While official nominations are a way off, media buzz and audience sentiment following the 2024 results will offer early clues. Consider those who were nominated in 2024, such as Asher Keddie, Julia Morris, Robert Irwin, Sonia Kruger, and Tony Armstrong, if their high-profile work continues.

Best Lead Actor and Actress in a Drama

The drama categories are always fiercely contested, highlighting the depth of acting talent in Australia. The separation of drama and comedy acting awards ensures a dedicated focus on these powerful performances.

For Best Lead Actor in a Drama, the 2024 Logies saw Felix Cameron win for his remarkable role in Boy Swallows Universe (Netflix). His win as a young actor in a demanding role sets an interesting precedent. Other 2024 nominees like Hugo Weaving for Love Me (BINGE), Rob Collins for Total Control (ABC) and RFDS (Seven Network), Sam Reid for The Newsreader (ABC), and Simon Baker, also for Boy Swallows Universe, highlight the calibre of talent in this category. For 2025, performances in new, impactful dramas airing in late 2024 and early 2025 will be key.

On the actress front, Deborah Mailman won Best Lead Actress in a Drama in 2024 for her powerful work in Total Control (ABC). The field of 2024 nominees was strong, including Aisha Dee for Safe Home (SBS), Anna Torv for The Newsreader (ABC), Phoebe Tonkin for Boy Swallows Universe (Netflix), Rachel Griffiths for Total Control (ABC), and Sigourney Weaver for The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart (Prime Video). New dramas or returning series with compelling female leads will be the ones to watch for 2025 nominations.

Best Lead Actor and Actress in a Comedy

Comedy is a beloved genre, and the dedicated lead acting awards for comedy celebrate those who master the art of making us laugh.

In 2024, Rob Sitch took home the Best Lead Actor in a Comedy award for Utopia (ABC). His co-star Celia Pacquola was also nominated for Best Lead Actress. The enduring popularity and critical acclaim of Utopia make its stars perennial contenders when the show is eligible. Other 2024 nominees in the male category included Ben Feldman for Population 11 (Stan), Bob Morley and Ryan Corr for In Limbo (ABC), and Matt Okine for Mother and Son (ABC).

Kitty Flanagan was the 2024 winner for Best Lead Actress in a Comedy, also for Utopia (ABC). The category also saw nominations for her co-star Celia Pacquola, Danielle Walker for Gold Diggers (ABC), Denise Scott for Mother and Son (ABC), and Kate Box and Madeleine Sami for Deadloch (Prime Video). Shows like Colin From Accounts (Binge), if a new season falls within the eligibility period, could see its leads Harriet Dyer and Patrick Brammall back in contention.

Supporting Roles and New Talent

The Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress categories often recognise stellar performances crucial to a show’s success. In 2024, Boy Swallows Universe dominated, with Bryan Brown winning Best Supporting Actor and Sophie Wilde winning Best Supporting Actress. Other nominees for supporting actor from the show included Lee Tiger Halley and Travis Fimmel. This demonstrates how a single, powerful production can sweep supporting categories.

The Graham Kennedy Award for Most Popular New Talent is always an exciting category. In 2024, Felix Cameron from Boy Swallows Universe also won this award, marking a significant debut. Lee Tiger Halley, also from Boy Swallows Universe, and Alyla Browne from The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart were among the nominees. For 2025, look for actors who make a significant impact in their debut or breakout roles in shows airing throughout 2024 and early 2025.

Standout Shows Influencing the Odds

The overall strength and popularity of a television show can significantly influence the chances of its actors.

Boy Swallows Universe (Netflix): This was the standout scripted programme at the 2024 Logies, winning Best Miniseries or Telemovie and multiple acting awards including Best Lead Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, and Most Popular New Talent. Its impact will be remembered, and its cast members will be ones to watch in future projects.

RFDS (Seven Network): Winner of Best Drama Programme in 2024, this series showcases strong ensemble performances.

Utopia (ABC): Taking home Best Scripted Comedy Programme along with both lead comedy acting awards in 2024, its clever writing and performances make it a consistent Logie favourite.

Total Control (ABC): With Deborah Mailman winning Best Lead Actress in a Drama, this series continues to be recognize for its powerful storytelling and acting.

New and Returning Series: Keep an eye on highly anticipated new dramas and comedies, as well as returning seasons of popular shows that fall within the 2025 eligibility period. Shows that generate significant buzz and critical acclaim upon release often become Logie contenders.

As the Australian television industry continues to produce a diverse range of high-quality programming, the 2025 Logie Awards promise to be another exciting event. By analysing the impact of the 2024 winners, tracking popular and critically acclaimed shows from the current eligibility period, and understanding the award category dynamics, savvy punters can make informed choices when deciding where, what, and who, to bet on for Logies glory.