The 13th annual Equity Ensemble Awards, hosted by the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance’s (MEAA) Equity Foundation, celebrated the best in Australian television tonight at the Sydney Theatre Company. Bump S4, Deadloch S1 and Safe Home received top honours for their outstanding ensemble performances in drama, comedy, and miniseries productions respectively.
More 250 industry luminaries attended the event, recognising the actors and creatives who bring Australia’s most compelling stories to life on the small screen. Finalists and winners were chosen by industry judging panels from 38 eligible Australian productions aired in 2023.
Of Drama winner, Bump S4, the judges said: “Inspired casting creates a dynamic, multi-generational, and culturally diverse ensemble that excels in storytelling. Their uniformly excellent performances enable complex, surprising, and subtle character development as their lives unfold and connect. The rich chemistry among the cast provides a shared universal thread, making this Australian drama a pure delight and deeply satisfying.”
Of Comedy winner, Deadloch S1, the judges said: “The cast of Deadloch manage to seamlessly blend the suspense and darkness of a crime mystery with the charm, humour and tomfoolery of a good comedy. Together their performances drive the storyline forward with both subtle and laugh out loud moments that effectively balance the darker themes. The deadloch cast provides a fresh and multifaceted experience, keeping the viewer engaged and entertained.”
Of Miniseries winner, Safe Home, the judges said: “The layered and impressive performances in Safe Home led to very powerful storytelling. The issue of family violence is handled with nuance and care by all involved in this production including the wonderful and talented ensemble.”
Tonight’s awards ceremony was also a chance to honour this year’s recipient of the Equity Lifetime Achievement Award, announced in March, esteemed performer and supporter of performers in need Bruce Spence. Bruce was selected from an impressive field of nominees by the National Performers’ Committee, who praised Bruce for his immense contribution to Australia’s cultural landscape, being a vocal and constant activist for actors’ rights and dedicating countless hours to fundraising and assisting those experiencing hardship.
Among those who paid tribute to Bruce this evening were Director George Miller and actors Helen Thomson, Jacki Weaver, Colin Friels and Philip Quast.
The Equity Foundation warmly congratulates all finalists and winners and thanks our sponsors, Media Super, ABC TV, Showcast and MEAA.
OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY AN ENSEMBLE IN A DRAMA SERIES
This award is proudly sponsored by Media Super
BUMP S4 (STAN/ROADSHOW ROUGH DIAMOND)
Safia Arain, Christian Byers, Ava Cannon, Paula Garcia, Claudia Karvan, Nathalie Morris, Angus Sampson, Carlos Sanson Jr, Ioane Saula.
Finalists:
Totally Completely Fine S1 (Stan)
The Artful Dodger S1 (Disney Plus)
Bump S4 (Stan)
OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY AN ENSEMBLE IN A COMEDY SERIES
This award is proudly sponsored by ABC Television
DEADLOCH S1 (PRIME VIDEO/GUESSWORK TELEVISION)
Holly Austin, Tom Ballard, Kate Box, Duncan Fellows, Alicia Gardiner, Shaun Martindale, Kartanya Maynard, Kris McQuade, Mia Morrissey, Naarah, Nina Oyama, Pamela Rabe, Katie Robertson, Madeleine Sami, Nick Simpson-Deeks, Leonie Whyman, Susie Youssef, Harvey Zielinski.
Finalists:
Deadloch S1 (Prime Video)
Class of 07 S1 (Prime Video)
Utopia S5 (ABC TV)
OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY AN ENSEMBLE IN A MINI-SERIES/TELEMOVIE
This award is proudly sponsored by Showcast
SAFE HOME (SBS/KINDLING PICTURES)
Thomas Cocquerel, Hal Cumpston, Aisha Dee, Chenoa Deemal, Virginia Gay, Mabel Li, Antonia Prebble and Katlyn Wong.
Finalists:
One Night (Paramount +)
Safe Home (SBS)
Scrublands (Stan)
EQUITY LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 2024
This award is proudly supported by Media Super
BRUCE SPENCE
