Foxtel has secured a record 56 nominations for this year’s AACTA Awards, including an incredible 38 in the highly competitive Television Award categories for the 2019 AACTA Awards presented by Foxtel.
Foxtel’s nominations were across all categories, from drama, lifestyle and entertainment to factual and sport, with its award-winning drama series leading the way.
Foxtel’s Executive Director of Television, Brian Walsh, said: "This stellar result is testament to our ongoing commitment to producing a wide range of Australian content for our customers, ensuring the best entertainment all in the one place. I am particularly delighted to see our Foxtel Original drama series receive such recognition, and must congratulate our partners, producers, creatives and casts on these nominations."
Topping the drama nominations for Foxtel is the critically-acclaimed event series Lambs of God with 14 nominations in the Television categories, and an additional four nominations in the Subscription TV categories.
The four-part drama has been nominated for Best Telefeature or Mini Series, while Ann Dowd, who played Sister Margarita, and Essie Davis, who played Sister Iphigenia, have both been nominated for Best Lead Actress in a Television Drama. Sam Reid has been nominated for Best Lead Actor in a Television Drama for his role as Father Ignatius, and Damon Herriman has been nominated for Best Guest or Supporting Actor in a Television Drama for his role as Father Bob. Damon has also been nominated in the same category for his role as Freddy in Mr Inbetween.
Lambs of God took out a swag of other nominations including Best Cinematography in Television; Best Direction in a Television Drama or Comedy; Best Screenplay in Television; Best Editing in Television; Best Original Score in Television; Best Sound in Television; Best Production Design in Television; Best Hair and Makeup; and Best Costume Design in Television.
Fighting Season has also been nominated for Best Telefeature or Mini Series, while Ewen Leslie has been nominated for Best Guest or Supporting Actor in a Television Drama for his role as Captain Ted Nordenfelt.
Mr Inbetween received a further three nominations in the Television categories (in addition to Damon Herriman’s nomination for Best Guest or Supporting Actor) including Best Drama Series. Scott Ryan, who created and starred in Mr Inbetween, has been nominated for Best Lead Actor in a Television Drama for playing volatile hitman Ray Shoesmith, while co-star Brooke Satchwell has been nominated for Best Guest or Supporting Actress in a Television Drama for her role as Ray’s love interest, Ally. 2
Secret City: Under the Eagle was nominated for Best Drama Series, while Anna Torv has received a nod for Best Lead Actress in a Television Drama after reprising her role as Harriet Dunkley. The series is also nominated for Best Cinematography in Television and Best Production Design in Television.
Wentworth has also been nominated for Best Drama Series.
In addition to drama, Foxtel has dominated both the Lifestyle and Sports categories, taking out four of the five nominations in two key categories.
Lifestyle’s top rating series Selling Houses Australia, Grand Designs Australia, Love It Or List It and The Great Australian Bake Off have all been nominated for Best Lifestyle Program. In addition, the hugely popular Gogglebox has been nominated for Best Factual Entertainment Program.
In sport, AFL 360, Bounce, On the Couch and Sunday Night with Matty Johns have all been nominated for Best Sports Entertainment Program. In addition, Foxtel has been nominated for Best Sports Coverage for AFL 2019 on FOX FOOTY as well as Test Cricket Live on FOX CRICKET.
Rounding out Foxtel’s nominations in the Television categories is the HISTORY Channel’s documentary series 100 Days to Victory, with nominations for Best Cinematography in a Documentary and Best Sound in a Documentary.
In addition to these 38 awards in the Television Award categories, Foxtel secured 18 awards in the Subscription Television categories.
The winners will be announced at the two major 2019 AACTA Awards presented by Foxtel events held at The Star Event Centre in Sydney: the Industry Luncheon on Monday December 2, and the AACTA Awards Ceremony on Wednesday December 4.
For additional information on the 2019 AACTA Awards presented by Foxtel, and to view the full list of nominees including Subscription Television categories, please go to www.aacta.org