In a night filled with heart, humour and history, two of Australia’s most beloved TV icons were honoured at the 65th TV WEEK Logie Awards – Magda Szubanski and Lynne McGranger – in what became a powerful celebration of legacy and the enduring spirit of Aussie entertainment.
Szubanski, 64, was inducted into the prestigious Logies Hall of Fame and moved viewers with an emotional acceptance speech delivered via video, just months after revealing her stage four mantle cell lymphoma diagnosis.
“Let’s get this out of the way,” she began with trademark wit. “I have not been awarded this honour because I have the cancer. I am getting this because of 40 years of hard work – lobbying, bribing, threatening, whatever it took.”
Fighting back tears, the Kath & Kim legend said she was “overwhelmed” by the wave of public support that had buoyed her since going public with her illness. “The love and support that I have felt, like a tsunami, from the Australian public — it’s been overwhelming,” she said. “It really helps… every time I go online and look at those messages, my heart lifts.”
With her signature blend of strength and humour, Szubanski reflected on her decades-long career making people laugh: “What a way to be able to make a life and a career.”
Another unforgettable moment came when Home and Away’s Lynne McGranger, 72, claimed her first-ever Gold Logie, a fitting send-off as she prepares to exit the long-running soap after 33 years as Irene Roberts.
“Wear a pretty dress, they said. You’ll be fine, they said,” McGranger quipped, clutching the coveted statuette. “This is going to be pride of place next to my 1974 Wagga Wagga Drama Festival Best Actress.”
The soap stalwart also picked up the Silver Logie for Best Lead Actress in a Drama, adding extra sparkle to an already unforgettable evening. Her speech was a rollercoaster of gratitude, wisecracks and heartfelt reflection.
“I may regret it,” she laughed, referring to her vow to carry the Gold Logie in her handbag for a year. “But I also thought in a few years when I die, I might chop the head off, scoop it out and put the ashes in there… and give it to Clancy,” she added, looking proudly at her daughter in the audience.
McGranger gave special thanks to Home and Away’s hardworking writers and crew: “Yeah, it’s a soap – but it gives Australia’s actors and crew so much work, and we are so proud of it.”
Images: Instagram / Channel 7
