Disarray at the Logie Awards: Attendees, including TV personalities, prohibited from gracing the red carpet and participating in the ceremony
The 65th TV Week Logie Awards, held in 2025, were not without controversy. Allegations of broadcaster bias, snubs, and an extraordinary media ban have cast a shadow over the event.
Despite the controversy, the awards ceremony took place at Sydney's Star Casino Events Centre, with Sam Pang hosting for the third consecutive year. Major Australian networks like Channel Nine celebrated several awards wins, particularly acknowledging achievements in news, sports coverage, and lifestyle programming [1][3][5].
The media coverage of the event was widespread, with live updates on major news platforms like 7NEWS and social media highlights, such as red carpet arrivals on TikTok, indicating broad media engagement without noted dispute or backlash [4][5].
One of the most controversial aspects of the awards was the media ban. A few years ago, organisers quietly banned media from being in the room altogether [2]. This move was branded embarrassing and absurd, given the long-standing relationship between the media and the Logies.
John Aiken, an expert on Married At First Sight, admitted that the show has not won any Logie Awards. Despite this, he joked that if Married At First Sight were to win a Logie Award, it might be risky to let some of the cast members accept it due to unpredictable speeches [3]. Unfortunately, the stars of Married At First Sight have been left off the official Logies guest list, according to Aiken [4]. Only Sally Obermeder from The Real Housewives of Sydney has been invited to walk the red carpet.
The move to ban media has been met with criticism, especially considering that Destination NSW, the state's tourism body, pumps money into the Logie Awards to ensure it's held in Sydney. In return, Destination NSW receives glossy drone shots of the Harbour Bridge, a few 'Feel New Sydney' tourism ads, and a table at the ceremony [1].
Organisers allegedly revoked invitations to top-tier journalists who were invited to join Destination NSW at their table [5]. This decision has led to claims of favouritism and nepotism, further fuelling the controversy surrounding the awards.
John Aiken stated that the decision regarding who is invited to the Logies is out of his hands and out of the hands of the talent [4]. He expressed gratitude towards the cast members for participating in the show, acknowledging their bravery in putting themselves out there.
Despite not winning any Logie Awards, Married At First Sight continues to produce a high-quality product that people respond to [3]. Aiken stated that the team does not measure success by trophies, but rather by the huge audience engagement they receive every year.
The 65th TV Week Logie Awards may have been marked by controversy, but it remains to be seen if this will affect the future of the awards. For now, the show must go on, and the winners will be celebrated for their achievements in the world of television.
[1] Destination NSW invests in Logie Awards to keep them in Sydney
[2] Logies Media Ban: Why the Decision to Ban Media from the Ceremony is Causing Controversy
[3] John Aiken on Married At First Sight's Logie Snub and Unpredictable Cast Speeches
[4] The Real Housewives of Sydney's Sally Obermeder is the Only One Invited to the Logies Red Carpet
[5] Logies Controversy: Top-tier Journalists Snubbed as Destination NSW Invites Take Precedence
- Amidst the controversy surrounding the 65th TV Week Logie Awards, various forms of entertainment news and pop-culture discussions were prevalent on social media, showcasing the public's engagement with the awards.
- Despite the media ban, news platforms continued to cover the Logie Awards, highlighting the ongoing relationship between the media and the awards, as well as the controversies surrounding the event.
- Celebrities from pop-culture shows, such as Married At First Sight, have been affected by the Logies' decisions, with certain stars being unable to attend the ceremony or win awards, generating further debate surrounding the awards.