Sydney, Australia – June 16, 2025 – The 14th 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. High Country, Colin From Accounts S2 and How to Make Gravy received top honours for their outstanding ensemble performances in drama, comedy, and telemovie productions respectively.
More 200 industry luminaries attended the event, hosted by MEAA president Michael Balk, 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 32 eligible Australian productions aired in 2024.
Of Ensemble Drama winner, High Country S1, the judges said: “This is a strong ensemble who all deliver engaging performances and contribute significantly to the series’ depth and authenticity. The series weaves Indigenous cultural stories into its narrative with skill and ease thanks to strong character development and great performances.”
Of Ensemble Comedy winner, Colin From Accounts S2, the judges said: “The ensemble cast’s performances contribute significantly to the show’s charm and popularity with audiences. While Patrick Brammall and Harriet Dyer, co-creators, lead the series with authentic chemistry and engaging performances, the entire ensemble collectively make this show a success; bringing much depth, humour, and warmth.”
Of Ensemble Mini-Series/Telemovie winner, How to Make Gravy, the judges said: “This ensemble cast authentically bring to life the complex family dynamics central to the film’s narrative. Each actor’s performance contributes to a portrayal of familial relationships that is genuine and relatable.”
Tonight’s awards ceremony was also a chance to honour this year’s recipient of the 2025 Equity Lifetime Achievement Award – announced in March – legendary actor, dancer, singer, choreographer and director Nancye Hayes AM.
With a career spanning more than six decades, Nancye Hayes has been a cornerstone of Australian entertainment, gracing the stage and screen with her remarkable talent, dedication, and versatility. Beyond her work as a performer, Nancye has been a mentor, director, and advocate for the arts, fostering the next generation of performers and championing the importance of Australian storytelling.
OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY AN ENSEMBLE IN A DRAMA SERIES
HIGH COUNTRY S1 (BINGE/CURIO PICTURES): Linda Cropper, Matt Domingo, Pedrea Jackson, Ian McElhinney, Luke McKenzie, Geoff Morrell, Henry Nixon, Aaron Pedersen, Leah Purcell, Leah Vandenberg, Pez Warner, Sara Wiseman
Finalists:
Critical Incident S1 (Stan/Matchbox Pictures)
Heartbreak High S2 (Netflix/Fremantle Australia)
OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY AN ENSEMBLE IN A COMEDY SERIES
COLIN FROM ACCOUNTS S2 (BINGE/EASY TIGER PRODUCTIONS): Patrick Brammall, Arka Das, Harriet Dyer, Darren Gilshenan, Tai Hara, Emma Harvie, Glenn Hazeldine, Genevieve Hegney, Michael Logo, Annie Maynard, Helen Thomson
Finalists:
Population: 11 S1 (Stan/Jungle Entertainment)
Fisk S3 (ABC/Origma 45)
OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY AN ENSEMBLE IN A MINI-SERIES/TELEMOVIE
HOW TO MAKE GRAVY (BINGE/WARNER BROS. INTERNATIONAL TELEVISION PRODUCTION AUSTRALIA): Chris Alosio, Riley Armstrong, Adam Briggs, James Caulfield, Kieran Darcy-Smith, Eugene Gilfedder, Kim Gyngell, Daniel Henshall, Damon Herriman, Patience Hodgson, Brendan Maclean, Kate Mulvany, Eloise Rothfield, Agathe Rousselle, Rose Statham, Brenton Thwaites, Cyrus Vaka, Hugo Weaving, Izzy Westlake, Dallas Woods, Jonah Wren Phillips
Finalists:
Exposure (Stan/Thirdborn)
Thou Shalt Not Steal (Stan/Ludo Studio and Since1788 Production
EQUITY LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 2025
NANCYE HAYES
