Sam Pang claims Gold Logie as Sam Neill honoured posthumously at 2026 ceremony

Comedian Sam Pang secured the Gold Logie for most popular personality at the 2026 ceremony, capping a night where the ABC dominated the industry awards and actor Sam Neill received a posthumous honour. Hosted by Robert Irwin, the event saw Pang joke about his gratitude list while accepting the award, which remains determined entirely by popular vote.

Neills’ win for best lead actor in a drama for his role in the legal thriller The Twelve: Cape Rock Killer was accepted by his close friend, actress Heather Mitchell. Speaking on his behalf, Mitchell highlighted the character’s significance to Neill, describing Brett Colby as a clever, 007-like figure that mirrored the actor’s own persona.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation was the night’s most successful network, taking home eight awards. Its drama Goolagong, about tennis champion Evonne Goolagong Cawley, won best miniseries, while its comedy Dog Park claimed two prizes. The ABC also secured wins for best factual program, best current affairs program, and best children’s program.

In a historic moment, Deborah Mailman became the first Indigenous Australian inducted into the Logies Hall of Fame. The six-time Logie winner delivered an emotional speech, dedicating the honour to her parents who supported her ambitions growing up in Mt Isa. Broadcaster Andrew Denton and the series A Country Practice were also inducted.

Other notable winners included Robert Irwin, who took home the Bert Newton award for most popular presenter for his work on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here. Brooke Satchwell won best lead actress in a drama for Dear Life, while Simon Baker claimed best supporting actor for The Narrow Road to the Deep North. Claudia Karvan won best supporting actress for Homebodies, using her acceptance speech to pay tribute to trans children and their parents.