(Mini) Monday Spotlight: Haiku Hands

Claire Nakazawa, Beatrice Lewis, Mie Nakazawa make up Haiku Hands, they are the latest (Mini) Monday Spotlight acts for 2020.

Hailing from both Sydney and Melbourne, the Nakazawa sisters are from Sydney and Lewis is from Melbourne.

The group have played Groovin The Moo and Listen Out, Splendour in the Grass, St Jerome's Laneway Festival, Wonderland Scarehouse Tour, Pitch Festival and Party In The Paddock. The group have also supported Flight Facilities and Bloc Party whilst they toured with Sofi Tukker when they popped down to Australia.

Their debut album was released back on 11 September 2020. It's taken me a while to give them a feature. To be honest despite everything in 2020, there have been a lot of new acts coming through giving us solid releases. So a big fat sorry to Haiku Hands for the delayed feature. Jupiter honestly hooked me in back in 2018.

I may have a few more (Mini) Monday Spotlights in order for you in 2020, so seeya next week!

COVID-Cinema 2020 - Let Him Go

Did I just watch a movie length episode of Yellowstone?

Let Him Go is based on the 2013 novel of the same name by Larry Watson. Starring Kevin Costner and Diane Lane, the plot reads a lot like a Yellowstone story arc. A retired sheriff and his wife who set out to find their only grandchild after their son dies. Their sons wife remarries a creep and moves across state borders.

Arriving at the Australian cinemas this week, I believe it even got a theatre run in the COVID-19 plagued United States. 

Lesley Manville as Blanche Weboy is also a highlight in the second half of this slightly slow paced modern American western. A tough mother of some rather questionable boys.

The pacing is the only thing that lets this film down a little. The first half is particularly long, with the sons death happening early on, then the grandsons move takes us on a great American road trip. Whilst the film is actually filmed in the simply stunning Calgary, Canada.

The scenery is top notch, it's beautiful. Makes me miss my year away in lovely Canada. O Canada.

This is like All My Life one of the better films of the second chunk of 2020. As we head into December and hopefully the release of Wonder Woman, I will look back on this second part of COVID-Cinema 2020 and award some films. Whilst I understand studios wanting to maximise their profits at the cinemas, holding films for release of giving us substandard films, will not help cinemas moving forward.

Thank you Focus Features for allowing this to get a big screen release.

It really is the year of Kevin Costner's comeback, first a massive Yellowstone season, now this. 3.5 Stars.

COVID-Cinema 2020 - All My Life

Get your tissues ready, like seriously. I cried for the entire last thirty minutes of this film. Not just the ending, no just one scene, for thirty minutes straight.

Tears, snot, sound effects, luckily there was only one other lady in the cinema. It was not my finest moment.

However All My Life, will go down in 2020 as one of my favourite films. Predictable, all done before, yes and yes, but my gosh it hit me in the feels.

Jessica Rothe & Harry Shum Jr. are beautiful as Jennifer “Jenn” Carter & Solomon Chau. Shum Jr. deserves more leading man roles. He is handsome AF whilst really going from true love to true heartbreak.

If like me you need a good cry pre the holiday season, All My Life is totally for you. 4 Stars, despite being totally emotional.

#COVID-19 CATCH UP TV - Cobra Kai

Cobra Kai is up there with one of the easiest watches of 2020. Released initially on YouTube Red (now YouTube Premium), then in une 2020, Netflix acquired the series, with a third season due to land on January 8, 2021. And I for one cannot wait!

The first two seasons were gold as well as leaving the viewers wanting more. So much so Netflix have already given the show a fourth season order!

The series is a throwback (to simpler times) linking in with The Karate Kid film series.

Starring leads Ralph Macchio and William Zabka (both of whom are reprising their roles from The Karate Kid, and who also serve as co-executive producers of the series) along with Xolo Maridueña, Jacob Bertrand, Courtney Henggeler, Tanner Buchanan, Mary Mouser and Peyton List. 

Cobra Kai is set 34 years after the original Karate Kid film, re-examining the narrative from Johnny Lawrence's point of view, and his decision to reopen the Cobra Kai karate dojo leading to the rekindling of his old rivalry with Daniel LaRusso.

The above taken straight from Wikipedia, I was so in love with this series. I watched both seasons back to back and was really left wanting more.

No spoiler alerts here, but honestly everyone I know who has watched this, has loved it.

With ten more episodes on the way in early January 2021, I for one am excited for something in 2021. Let's just hope we are not stuck at home for too much longer and can enjoy some travel and better times in 2021.

I honestly can not remember smashing through this much TV ever. 

(Mini) Monday Spotlight: Lastlings

I know it's Tuesday right, but yesterday was literally a manic Monday.

So here we are on Tuesday, the second last (Mini) Monday Spotlight for November, 2020. It's time to keep it local with Lastlings.

Hailing from Gold Coast, Queensland Lastlings are brother, sister duo Amy and Josh Dowdle.

Following performances at Coachella, Spilt Milk, Splendour in the Grass, and The Plot, the duo have just released their debut album, First Contact. They have also supported Two Door Cinema Club on their Australian national tour. In 2017 Lastlings embarked on an Australian regional tour with Rüfüs Du Sol. Now Rüfüs Du Sol have remixed their tune No Time.

Lastlings are currently playing a few shows in their home state of QLD. So why not get on board with their album below. A few more new acts to discover before 2020 finally comes to a close. Until next time..

COVID-Cinema 2020 - Fatman

Oh dear my second Mel Gibson film of 2020. Pre 2020 I can't remember the last Mel Gibson film I had seen. COVID-Cinema 2020 is really gives us some lemons.

Fatman is considered a black comedy action thriller film starring Mel Gibson and the wonderful Walton Goggins from Vice Principals and The Righteous Gemstones.

So the basic plot of this film is as bat shit crazy as Force of Nature (spoiler alert - a 2 star film), Santa Claus who must fight off an assassin sent by a vengeful kid to kill him.[5]

Oh boy, I wanted to enjoy this and I thought during the week I was generous to Freaky giving it three stars, however that film was so much more than this film could ever be.

I really like Walton Goggins in his TV roles, but this is a pre Christmas turkey. And can I just say retailers and large shopping centres. It's still November people, what do you have left to offer the punters in December? I have never seen Christmas come early like this before.

No joke today a man wearing a Santa hat stopped in front of me just behind the Capitol Theatre and pissed on Pitt Street mid afternoon. Oh the joys of the holiday season.

Now to put Fatman out of it's misery. This is a sad one star film. Sorry Mel, it's time to hang up the hat.

#COVID-19 CATCH UP TV - The Good Lord Bird

The Good Lord Bird follows yesterday's film review as it also falls under Blumhouse Television. Whilst being Produced by Jason Blum. Premiering on October 4, 2020 on Showtime or STAN in Australia, the historical drama miniseries, based on the 2013 novel of the same name by James McBride. 

The basic plot of the 7 episode run from Wikipedia below...

The series is told from the point of view of Henry Shackleford (Joshua Caleb Johnson), a fictional enslaved boy, who is part of John Brown's (Ethan Hawke) motley crew of abolitionist soldiers during the time of Bleeding Kansas, eventually participating in the famous 1859 raid on the Army depot at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Brown's raid failed to initiate the slave revolt he intended, but was the instigating event that started the American Civil War.

The series has had good reviews whilst I didn't really catch up with this series, rather I watched it easily week to week, I am still having this under the banner of #COVID-19 CATCH UP TV.

If seven weeks went fast pre COVID, well these last seven weeks have flown by. How it is Friday again today and how we are so close to Christmas is beyond me. 2020 has really just left me feeling exhausted.

So when it comes to time at home, TV is my one and only saving grace. From earlier in the year home has been a workplace, a gym with Facebook Live classes and even a place to eat varied take out food, 2020 has really thrown us a curveball.

So The Good Lord Bird airing while the US election was going nuts, was an interesting flashback to US history. Ethan Hawke is actually really good in this series and Onion is a rising star.

If you are like me and love a 6-8 episode mini series (or series for that matter) this could be for you.

STAN has some top notch offerings up right now, here is also hoping for some local summer titles.

Until next time, happy Fri-Yay.

COVID-Cinema 2020 - Freaky

Freaky sits under the Blumhouse Productions banner, putting a twist on Freaky Friday. Leading the film is Big Little Lies star Kathryn Newton and an actor I don't love, Vince Vaughn. The latest Blumhouse slasher film revolves around a high school student who unintentionally switches bodies with a serial killer.

Heading back to Scream territory the film starts off with a big kills scene. However unlike Scream, this film is actually funny intentionally at times and pokes a little fun at our younger millennials.

Freaky got a cinema release in the United States, the same time as Australia November 13, 2020.

Whilst it wasn't the strongest horror film I've scene or the best Blumhouse film. It's been a tough year for cinemas and after reading today Woman Woman would get a free HBO Max release as well as a cinema release around Christmas. It's time to really head out and support our cinemas.

This week we got two new films which I will try and catch this weekend or next week, Fatman and All My Life.

Freaky is a bit of freaky fun, there is a little bit too much gore for my liking, but they drop the one word that is 2020. The C bomb.

So if you need a film to break up the day to day right now, Freaky gets a solid 3 Stars.

COVID-Cinema 2020 - Radioactive

It's time for another trip to the COVID-Cinema 2020, this time for a bio pic, Rosamund Pike starring as Marie Curie in Radioactive.

Whilst being a little long with some slow moments, the film was mostly enjoyable whilst being fairly educational. Marie Curie was an incredible woman, discovering radioactivity, revolutionising physics and chemistry.

With a tough life as well as having a much tougher time than nowadays as a woman scientist, Marie Curie was remarkable.

I adored Pike in Gone Girl and have longed to see her in another terrific role. Whilst this was not as magnificent as her role in Gone Girl, Pike is still an extraordinary talent I hope to see a lot more of in the future.

The movie has had mixed reviews, its a fine film for 2020, however if it was a normal year with a packed release schedule I think this film would 100% get lost in the mix. 3 Stars.

(Mini) Monday Spotlight: Whetan

Ethan Snorek AKA Whethan (formerly Wheathin), is today's (Mini) Monday Spotlight. We are now closing in to the final edition for 2020. So this week it's time to focus on the American DJ/music producer from Chicago.

Whethan considers his main main influence to be your local boy (Australians) Flume. He also frequently collaborates with Oliver Tree. I heard on a recent interview the two even live together.

The duo have released singles titled "All You Ever Talk About", "When I'm Down", "Enemy","Do You Feel Me?" and "Freefall".

Whethan has performed at SXSW music festival whilst touring with trap Flosstradamus in November alongside fellow DJs Slushii, Towkio, & Gent & Jawns.

Whethan also worked with Dua Lipa oon a track for the Fifty Shades Freed soundtrack. He has also worked with/remixed the likes of Broods, Charli XCX, Honne, Jeremih, K.Flay, Wafia and Travis Scott. That's not all there are heaps more. The 21 year old is on fire!

So if you have not got your ears around Whethan's genre bending work yet, do it! He is 100% one to watch in 2021 and beyond. Next week another (Mini) Monday Spotlight before we head into the real heat of Summer 2020/2021. Although today was smokin' in Sydney!

#COVID-19 CATCH UP TV - Raised by Wolves

 Don't hate me sci-fi fans, but I didn't love Raised by Wolves.

Raised by Wolves is created by Aaron Guzikowski whilst being one of the first HBO Max original series along with one of my faves, Love Life.

Unlike Love Life, I didn't love this. The first two episodes were directed by Ridley Scott, yes Ridley Scott! So with a name like that and a big budget season one, it's no surprise the show will be back for a second season.

The series in Australia is currently on Binge and most likely Foxtel platforms.

Aussie Travis Fimmel stars as Marcus / Caleb alongside Amanda Collin as Mother / Lamia. The show revolves around two androids (Father (Abubakar Salim) and Mother (Collin) tasked with raising human children on Kepler-22b. Earth has been destroyed by a great war (post USA election 2020?). 

As the burgeoning colony of humans threatens to be torn apart by religious differences, the androids learn that controlling the beliefs of humans is a treacherous and difficult task. Sounds like fun? Well it's high budget and visually spectacular but the pacing is a little off. Other critics have also criticised the show for it's slow pace and sci-fi formula.

It's a ten episode romp, however with The Crown season four back today, Big Sky premiering next week in the US, new TV is on the comeback. We already saw this week Grey's Anatomy and Station 19 tackle COVID-19 in US city Seattle.

Coming up soon, my review of limited week to week Showtime series airing on STAN Good Lord Bird. Until then bye-bye.

#COVID-19 CATCH UP TV - Maxxx

Maxxx is my latest binge. Like Betty from yesterday it's an six 21-25 minute episodes. Super easy, super brief. The series resolves around a formerly famous boyband star turned drug-shamed tabloid laughing stock. Maxxx played by The Handmaid's Tale's Luke,  O. T. Fagbenle is exceptional in. a very different role to the Hulu's screen adaption of Margaret Atwood's novel.

The cast has a mix match of crazy players alongside O. T. Fagbenle from his famous supermodel ex-girlfriend to his adopted teenage son, Amit, who falls in love with the gender neutral son of his new manager. Alongside his immediate family there is his cousin-slash-superfan-slash-stalker Rose and Tamzin, with her dreams of becoming an internationally respected manager despite being extremely amateur.

Does this show ring true for guys (or ladies for that matter) after they leave their respective groups? Could the Backstreet Boys or NKOTB be this dysfunctional? I reckon yes.

Showcasing the outrageous, rude and peek behind the pop world's curtain at the drugs, sex, insecurity and fragile narcissism of those who were once on top of their game, now, not so much.

As my blog now celebrates over 200 posts for a year where everything has gone rather south, at least there is still some TV on the radar to catch up. Coming up soon, how confused did I get with Raised by Wolves on HBO Max and a few US major shows like Station 19 and The Blacklist return later this week...

Until next time, boy bye.

#COVID-19 CATCH UP TV - Betty

Betty is a new HBO show I have been wanting to watch for a while now. Created by Crystal Moselle, the series is based on Moselle's 2018 film Skate Kitchen.

Including most of the cast of the original movie, and focuses on the group's efforts to stand out in New York's predominantly male world of skateboarding.

With only six short episodes this was a super easy binge. Funny thing I saw Binge as that is the streaming service (along with Foxtel most likely) that it streams on in Australia.

The series only just premiered here in Australia, whilst in the USA it was back in May the show commenced it's debut season.

Good news dear readers 1, the series was renewed for a second season back in June. So hopefully that will air here sooner rather than later.

The show has had a good critical reaction and here is another, watch this now. The music, the leads, it's all great. Another reason why HBO leads the pack when it comes to quality dramas. Their consistency at HBO is next level. I am currently watching The Undoing with our own Nicole Kidman alongside Hugh Grant which isn't the best but halfway through it's six episode one and done season, it's getting better.

So if you need another series with a future to smash this week, you can easily do this in a night or two.

Until next time, bye.

#COVID-19 CATCH UP TV - PEN15

PEN15 has been sitting on my STAN list for a while. Once I started season one, I just got in there and got the one point five series done. Yes 1.5, season one aired in February, 2019 whilst the first half of season two commenced in September, 2020.

Another 7 episodes are scheduled to come in 2021 and my word, they cannot come soon enough! The world needs scripted comedy right now. And I'm not talking about booking the wrong Four Seasons for a press conference.

Airing in the States on Hulu, this comedy series created by Maya Erskine, Anna Konkle, and Sam Zvibleman is everything about the early 2000's I love. Everything about high school and how awkward growing up was.

Starring both Erskine and Konkle, who play 13 year versions of themselves along with real 13 year olds.

So this series sounds like a different idea for a comedy. Right. It's different and my word does it work.

I laughed so hard throughout season one and two (half thus far) when I really needed a good laugh.

It's rare to find a good comedy that is as consistent as Veep and original all at once.

If you are looking for a new show to binge as 2020 (thank god) draws to a close PEN15 could be your new addiction. With some series finally returning stateside. Grey's Anatomy, Station 19 and The Blacklist all return this week in the divided States of America.

However I have two more #COVID-19 CATCH UP TV series to bring you this week. Yes two. Even though I was glued to the news (plus Four Corners last night, wow, wow, that's all I can say) I managed to binge two more 6 x 30 minute comedies. Both very different.

So PEN15 streams now on STAN. Get amongst it!

(Mini) Monday Spotlight: Kllo

Chloe Kaul and producer Simon Lam are Kllo (pronounced "Kl-oh") hailing from Melbourne.

The duo's debut EP, Cusp, was released back in 2014, followed by a second EP, Well Worn in 2016. Chloe & Simon then released their debut studio album, Backwater,  back in 2017. In the midst of winter 2 days after my birthday back in July we got their second studio album Maybe We Could.

It's coming to the of the 2020 (Mini) Monday Spotlight series so I am so proud to bring you another terrific new local talent. The duo are finally making waves with their second album and some solid reviews.

When I first held Kllo I was blown away. The smooth electronic the pop sensibilities were all there for the type of music I add to my Apple Music playlists.

We have a few more weeks in 2020 to discover some more new music, so pop back next week. Hopefully we are still dancing to music like Kllo in the streets. Biden/Harris, YASS!

COVID-Cinema 2020 - City of Lies

City of Lies is just coming out in Australia at the cinemas following a long time on the shelves. So for an idea of how long before it got a release, principal photography wrapped in May 2017.

Based on the book LAbyrinth by Randall Sullivan, following the murder investigations of Tupac Shakur & The Notorious B.I.G. 

The problem is as well, Johnny Depp is no longer box office gold. He is actually fairly toxic as far as movie ticket goes. The story revolves around retired detective LAPD Russell Poole and Forest Whitaker as a journalist Jackson covering the crimes in LA and the LAPD.

The film was originally set out to be released in September 2018. However it was pulled from the schedule in August 2018. The film never got a no new date announced. However it was screened at the Noir in Festival on December, 2018. Whilst also getting a limited release in Italy on January 10, 2019.

Like The New Mutants ahead of it, some films that sit on the shelves maybe should have just stayed there.

For the music part of it I enjoyed it. The Notorious B.I.G. &Tupac Shakur have been subject to many film, TV series or speculation. 

I enjoyed City of Lies way more than The New Mutants but found the film to really stray a little. With Johnny Depp's real life LAPD detective Russell Wayne Poole had a lot going on in his career at the LAPD. The movie has a lot of material to cover which it struggles to do well in detail.

If you like true crime, hip hop or still can stand Johnny Depp this maybe for you.

City of Lies is still showing, but for how much longer is anyones guess? 2.5 Stars.

The Mandalorian - Season Two

Two episodes in, let's talk about the biggest Fall (US season) TV return in months!

The second season of The Mandalorian starring the masked Pedro Pascal started streaming week to week again late last week. Already I am back being obsessed with Baby Yoda aka The Child.

The Disney+ series is part of the Star Wars franchise, set after the events of Return of the Jedi. 

A third season is already in the works so don't fear Baby Yoda fans, this was confirmed back in April 2020.

Chapter 9: The Marshal & Chapter 10: The Passenger have been awesome. From Jawas to Sand People, there are so many amazing Star Wars throwbacks.

The action scenes have been cinema grade thus far. Disney+ have spared no expense with this series.

Hype is high for the Disney+ series and rightfully so, it's honestly one of the best shows streaming right now.

If you have not caught up on season one, hop to it now. Honestly this is worth a month or two of Disney+ subscription fees. You can also catch up on Mulan for free too from next month (I believe).

I may do another The Mandalorian post before the second season comes to a close because I am completely obsessed with Baby Yoda and his sweet little sounds.

COVID-Cinema 2020 - The Craft: Legacy

The Craft: Legacy arrived just in time for not only a full moon but Halloween 2020.

The film is not a sequel, or really a reboot to the 1996 cult film The Craft. Starring Cailee Spaeny, Gideon Adlon, Lovie Simone, Zoey Luna, Michelle Monaghan and David Duchovny. Jason Blum also serves as a producer whilst the film falls under the success Blumhouse Productions group of horror films. Think Us and Get Out.

The Craft: Legacy was another video on demand release in the United States (maybe united again tomorrow) and a decent cinema release in Australia.

The plot moves swiftly and for all the girl power in the film, it neglects to use the girl power anthem Black Magic by Little Mix which would have served perfectly as a camp anthem throughout the film.

David Duchovny is actually menacing in the film with his three "Proud Boy" sons. It's refreshing to see him back on the big screen following a number of small screen hits. The X Files, Californication and the lesser known serial killer two season Aquarius.

It's been a weird year for films in 2020, with most major films being delayed or moved promptly into 2021. But will 2021 be any better?

With Wonder Woman possibly set for release on Christmas Day 2020 cinema needs a saviour now. A recent cinema I visited in Wollongong is now possibly shut for good. As a chain this is scary.

So will films like The Craft: Legacy save more theatres? Short answer no. But honestly this was a nice distraction with everything else going on in the world. Elections, COVID, job losses and my least favourite 2020 saying the "new normal".

A swift 90 minute film for me is always welcome in my books. 3 Stars for this 90's throwback.

(Mini) Monday Spotlight: beabadoobee

The (Mini) Monday Spotlight meets Beatrice Laus, born in the year 2000. However Laus is also known as Beabadoobee (stylized in all lowercase),

beabadoobee is a Filipino-born British singer-songwriter releasing tunes since 2018. Giving listeners four EPs to date. In order we got, Lice (2018), Patched Up (2018), Loveworm (2019) and Space Cadet (2019). Now in 2020 her debut studio album, Fake It Flowers, has been released to critical acclaim.

beabadoobee scored the feature album on Triple J last week. They made note of the 90's sound. It did remind me of my earlier days of listening to Triple J when it was a load more guitar driven musically. However beabadoobee was not yet born when Courtney Love and Hole were slaying it whilst Veruca Salt were telling us all about the Seether.

This album is stunning record in a difficult time. If you are looking for something new to soundtrack your 2020 that has a touch of nostalgia, this could be it. beabadoobee a bright star to look out for in the future, some may be well and truly familiar already with her Powfu feature on Death Bed (Coffee for Your Head).

Welcome to November dear readers.

AACTA 2020 Nominations | Predictions

Best Drama Series

Bloom David Maher, David Taylor, Glen Dolman, Sue Seeary—Playmaker Media (Stan)

Doctor Doctor Ian Collie, Ally Henville, Keith Thompson, Rodger Corser—Easy Tiger (Nine Network)

Halifax: Retribution Roger Simpson, Louisa Kors—Beyond Lone Hand (Nine Network)

The Heights Warren Clarke, Peta Astbury-Bulsara, Debbie Lee, Que Minh Luu— Matchbox Pictures In Association With for Pete’s Sake Productions (ABC)

Mystery Road David Jowsey, Greer Simpkin—Bunya Productions (ABC)

Wentworth Jo Porter, Pino Amenta—Fremantle (Foxtel)

Best Telefeature or Miniseries

The Gloaming Victoria Madden, John Molloy, Fiona McConaghy—2 Jons And Sweet Potato Films (Stan)

Hungry Ghosts Stephen Corvini, Timothy Hobart, Debbie Lee, Sue Masters— Matchbox Pictures (SBS)

Operation Buffalo Vincent Sheehan, Tanya Phegan, Peter Duncan—Porchlight Films (ABC)

The Secrets She Keeps Helen Bowden, Jason Stephens, Paul Watters—Lingo Pictures (Network Ten)

Stateless Cate Blanchett, Elise McCredie, Tony Ayres, Sheila Jayadev, Paul Ranford, Liz Watts, Andrew Upton—Matchbox Pictures, Dirty Films (ABC)

Best Comedy Series

At Home Alone Together Nick Hayden, Janet Gaeta, Nikita Agzarian, Dan Ilic— Australian Broadcasting Company (ABC)

Black Comedy Kath Shelper, Mark O’Toole, Nakkiah Lui, David Woodhead—Scarlett Pictures (ABC)

The Other Guy Angie Fielder, Polly Staniford, Jude Troy, Alice Willison—Aquarius Films, Wooden Horse (Stan)

Rosehaven Andrew Walker, Kevin Whyte, Celia Pacquola, Luke McGregor—What Horse? And Guesswork Television (ABC)

Upright – Jason Stephens, Helen Bowden, Melissa Kelly, Chris Taylor, Tim Minchin— Lingo Pictures (Foxtel)

Best Comedy Entertainment Program

Australian Amazon Original Stand-Up Specials Todd Abbott, Frank Bruzzese, Kevin Whyte, Kathleen McCarthy—Guesswork Television (Amazon Prime Video Australia)

Australian Lockdown Comedy Festival Kevin Whyte, Jon Casimir, Todd Abbott—Guesswork Television (Stan)

Drunk History Australia Paul Franklin, Chris Culvenor, Sophia Mogford, Ashley Davies—Eureka Productions (Network Ten)

LOL: Last One Laughing Australia David McDonald, Marty Benson—Amazon Prime Video Australia, Endemol Shine Australia (Amazon Prime Video Australia)

Shaun Micallef’s Mad As Hell Shaun Micallef, Peter Beck, Gary McCaffrie—ITV Studios Australia, Giant Baby Productions (ABC)

Best Entertainment Program

Eurovision – Australia Decides – Gold Coast 2020 Paul Clarke, Stephanie Werrett, Josh Martin—Blink TV Production (SBS)

Hard Quiz Chris Walker, Kevin Whyte, Charlie Pickering, Tom Gleeson, John Tabbagh—Thinkative Television (ABC)

Have You Been Paying Attention? Santo Cilauro, Tom Gleisner, Michael Hirsh, Rob Sitch—Working Dog Productions (Network Ten)

Lego Masters Australia David McDonald, AJ Johnson, Mark Barlin—Endemol Shine Australia In Association With Nine Network (Nine Network)

The Voice Leigh Aramberri, Chloe Baker, Jaala Webster, Beth Hart—ITV Studios Australia (Nine Network)

The Weekly Kevin Whyte, Chris Walker, Charlie Pickering, Jo Long—Thinkative Television, Australian Broadcasting Company (ABC)

Best Factual Entertainment Program

Gogglebox Australia Howard Myers, David McDonald, Kerrie Kerr— Endemol Shine, Network Ten, Foxtel (Foxtel, Network Ten)

Hamish & Andy’s “Perfect” Holiday Tim Bartley, Hamish Blake, Andy Lee, Ryan Shelton—Radio Karate (Nine Network)

Love On The Spectrum Cian O’Clery, Karina Holden, Jenni Wilks —Northern Pictures (ABC)

The Project Craig Campbell, Christopher Bendall, Sarah Ashley—Roving Enterprises, Network Ten (Network Ten)

Who Do You Think You Are? Maxine Gray, Michael Wilton—Warner Bros. International Television Productions (SBS)

You Can’t Ask That Kirk Docker, Frances O’Riordan, Ali Russell—Australian Broadcasting Company (ABC)

Best Lifestyle Program

Better Homes and Gardens Russel Palmer, Rani Eaton—Seven Network (Seven Network)

Jimmy Shu’s Taste of the Territory Naina Sen, Sally Ingleton, Josh Martin— Indigo Productions and 360 Degree Films (SBS)

The Living Room Sarah Thornton, Ciaran Flannery—Network Ten and WTFN (Network Ten)

Luke Nguyen’s Railway Vietnam Michael Donnelly, Josh Martin, John Hatcher, Clara O’Sullivan—Red Creative Media (SBS)

Restoration Australia Brooke Bayvel—Fremantle (ABC)

Selling Houses Australia Sonia Harding, Geoff Fitzpatrick, Wendy Moore— Beyond Productions (Foxtel)

Best Reality Program

The Amazing Race Australia Paul Franklin, Chris Culvenor, Sophia Mogford, Stephen Tate—Eureka Productions (Network Ten)

Australian Survivor: All Stars Amelia Fisk, Keely Sonntag, Adam Fergusson— Endemol Shine Australia (Network Ten)

The Block David Barbour, Julian Cress—Cavalier Television (Nine Network)

I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! Ben Ulm, Clare Bath, Alex Mavroidakis, Riima Daher—ITV Studios Australia (Network Ten)

Masterchef Australia Marty Benson, Adam Fergusson—Endemol Shine Australia (Network Ten)

The Real Dirty Dancing Paul Franklin, Chris Culvenor, Sophia Mogford, Sonya Wilkes—Eureka Productions (Seven Network)

Best Children’s Program

Are You Tougher Than Your Ancestors? Vanna Morosini, Stu Connolly, Donna Andrews—Flying Kite Pictures & Sticky Fingers Pictures (ABC)

Bluey Joe Brumm, Charlie Aspinwall, Sam Moor, Daley Pearson—Ludo Studio (ABC)

First Day Julie Kalceff, Kirsty Stark, Kate Croser—Epic Films (ABC)

The Inbestigators Robyn Butler, Wayne Hope—Gristmill (ABC)

Little J & Big Cuz Tony Thorne, Ned Lander, Colin South, Alicia Rackett—Ned Lander Media (NITV)

Mustangs FC Amanda Higgs, Rachel Davis, Debbie Lee—Matchbox Pictures (ABC)

Best Lead Actor in a Television Drama

Fayssal Bazzi—Stateless

Bryan Brown—Bloom

Jai Courtney—Stateless

Ewen Leslie—Operation Buffalo

Aaron Pedersen—Mystery Road

Best Lead Actress in a Television Drama

Jada Alberts—Mystery Road

Rebecca Gibney—Halifax: Retribution

Asher Keddie—Stateless

Pamela Rabe—Wentworth

Yvonne Strahovski—Stateless

Best Comedy Performer

Milly Alcock—Upright

Anne Edmonds—At Home Alone Together

Luke McGregor—Rosehaven

Tim Minchin—Upright

Celia Pacquola—Rosehaven

Best Guest or Supporting Actor in a Television Drama

Rob Collins—Mystery Road

Darren Gilshenan—Stateless

Damon Herriman—The Commons

Callan Mulvey—Mystery Road

Ed Oxenbould—Bloom

Best Guest or Supporting Actress in a Television Drama

Cate Blanchett—Stateless

Jacqueline McKenzie—Bloom

Ngaire Pigram—Mystery Road

Tasma Walton—Mystery Road

Jacki Weaver—Bloom

Best Documentary

Brazen Hussies Catherine Dwyer (Dir.), Andrea Foxworthy, Philippa Campey—Film Camp

Brock: Over The Top Kriv Stenders (Dir.), Veronica Fury, Alan Erson, Ruby Schmidt—Wildbear Entertainment

Looky Looky Here Comes Cooky Steven McGregor (Dir.), Danielle Maclean, Anna Grieve, Steven Thomas—Tamarind Tree Pictures, Roar Film

Firestarter – The Story of Bangarra Nel Minchin (Dir.), Wayne Blair (Dir.), Ivan O’Mahoney—In Films

Slim & I Kriv Stenders (Dir.), Chris Brown, Aline Jacques, James Arneman—Slim & I Productions

Suzi Q Liam Firmager (Dir.), Tait Brady—The ACME Film Company

Best Documentary or Factual Program

Ambulance Australia Margaret Bashfield, Debbie Cuell, Matthew Tomszewski— Endemol Shine Australia (Network Ten)

Fight for Planet A: Our Climate Challenge Jodie Boylan, David Galloway— Lune Media (ABC)

Lindy Chamberlain: The True Story Ian Collie, Rob Gibson, Francine Finnane, Mark Joffe —Easy Tiger Productions (Network Ten)

Maralinga Tjarutja Darren Dale, Jacob Hickey—Blackfella Films (ABC)

Murder in the Outback: The Falconio And Lees Mystery Andrew Farrell, Matt Campbell, Bethan Arwel-Lewis, Sophie Meyrick—CJZ (Seven Network)

Shaun Micallef’s On The Sauce Andrew Farrell, Shaun Micallef, Paula Bycroft, Matt Campbell—CJZ (ABC)