The Deadly Awards is Indigenous Australia's night of nights, dedicated to recognising and showcasing excellence in fields such as the arts, sport, fashion (as seen on the black carpet), education, health, employment, cultural advancement and leadership.
The awards got underway at the Sydney Opera House at 6.30pm AEST.
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Set to perform at the ceremony, Sultan is being tipped to win at least one award after being nominated in three entertainment categories.
Other finalists include famous names like Troy Cassar-Daley, Casey Donovan, Lance Franklin, Greg Inglis, Rohanee Cox, Timana Tahu, Jessica Mauboy, Wendell Sailor and SBS's own Karla Grant, up for TV Personality of the Year.
Voting in the popular choice categories was open to all Australians, while a group of past Deadly winners has decided the outcome of the Community and Hall of Fame awards.
A record 29,000 votes were received for the 16th Deadly Awards this year.
Donovan, already a two-time winner, said the Deadly Awards represent an important occasion for Aboriginal entertainers to come together and celebrate their achievements.
The Sapphires are nominated for Live Production of the Year against Sisters of Gelam, The Dreaming and Wrong Skin, while Bran Nue Dae will battle Stone Brothers, First Contact and Boxing for Palm Island for Best Film.
Hosted by two of Australia's brightest stars, actor Luke Carroll and hip-hop sensation Naomi Wenitong, this 16th Deadly Awards will be a fast-paced night of entertainment, glitz, glamour and grass-roots musicianship, on the Sydney Opera House stage.
“The Deadlys just keeps getting better,” says executive producer Gavin Jones.
“Each year the most prominent entertainers in Indigenous Australia step up to be part of the show and each year, the show doesn't disappoint.”
The ceremony will include guest presenters Ian Thorpe, Timana Tahu, David Wirrpanda and Jimmy Little as more than 100 nominees stand to win one of 30 awards.
The Deadly Awards will be broadcast on SBS One on Sunday 3 October at 10.25pm, and repeated on Wednesday 6 October at 8.30pm on SBS Two.
