SBS has taken out four honours at the 2010 Logie Awards, with two going to crime series East West 101, which pipped Channel 9's Underbelly.
The Nine Network only scored one Logie - for The Footy Show (NRL). It was beaten by SBS which managed four, and the ABC which won two.
Ray Meagher finally scored Gold, family drama Packed to the Rafters continued its winning trend, and Network Ten's Talkin' `Bout Your Generation proved a new star at the 2010 Logie Awards.
East West 101 pips Underbelly
Gangland crime drama Underbelly went home empty handed despite being nominated in five categories, losing out in the outstanding drama series category to SBS' crime show East West 101, which follows a major crime squad, as they investigate felony and murder in Sydney.
East West 101 celebrated victory with two awards, including a silver Logie for Most Outstanding Drama Series, Miniseries or Telemovie, which was accepted by Susie Porter, Don Hany and Matt Campbell.
Don Hany was also awarded the silver Logie for Most Outstanding Actor for his performance in East West 101.
This was Hany's second Logie nomination for his role as Zane Malik, the Muslim detective struggling to balance his work with his cultural and religious beliefs.
Claudia Karvan picked up a Silver Logie for Most Outstanding Actress for her role in Saved -- screened as a television movie on SBS ONE in 2009 -- as a woman who becomes the advocate for a young Iranian detainee, and develops a complex relationship with him that threatens her marriage.
Testament to SBS's reputation in documentary, Law and Disorder, about Australian whistleblowers, scooped the silver Logie for Most Outstanding Factual Program.
Shaun Brown, Managing Director SBS, said: “This really was SBS's year to shine. Four awards is a real coup and two for East West 101 is deserved recognition for this great series. Congratulations to everyone involved.”
Home and Away staple
After 40 years in the Australian television industry, including 22 years on the soapie Home and Away, Meagher was crowned the most popular personality on television at the Logie Awards on Sunday night.
The veteran actor had never been nominated for any Logie prize, and appeared emotional as he took to the stage.
"These things have never meant much to me over the years, really, mainly because I've never held one," Meagher said.
"All of a sudden they seem unbelievably important."
Early congratulations rolled in for Meagher, even before the win was announced, when a online news report revealed the winner.
Dannii Minogue was among early tweeters.
"Congratulations to Ray Meagher for winning the Gold Logie. I'm so happy for you!"
Competitive category
Meagher pipped last year's winner and the hot pick Rebecca Gibney for the Gold, as well as the likes of Shaun Micallef, Adam Hills, Wil Anderson, Esther Anderson, Paul McDermott and Rove McManus.
Gibney however scored the Silver Logie for most popular actress.
She joked she was premenstrual but said she was thrilled to win.
"I'm so lucky because when I go to work it feels like home," Gibney said.
"I love the cast and I love the crew."
Seven scored the most Logies with eight trophies, but Ten was a surprise close second with seven wins thanks largely to Talkin' `Bout Your Generation.
Bert Newton proved a welcome host, while k.d Lang and John Mayer entertained the crowd at Melbourne's Crown Casino.
Micallef wins award
Packed to the Rafters and Talkin' `Bout Your Generation won three Logies a piece, to tie for the most.
Shaun Micallef took out most popular presenter.
New talent went to Home and Away's Luke Mitchell and The 7pm Project's Carrie Bickmore.
MasterChef Australia was rewarded with two Logies, with Matt Preston picking up the Graham Kennedy Award recognising new talent, and the show winning most popular reality program.
