The one who rose through it all: Tears flow as a beloved star joins the Logies Hall of Fame
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Australian television’s night of nights is always packed with glitz, glamour, and a few cheeky jokes—but this year, it was a heartfelt message from a beloved star who wasn’t even in the room that truly stole the show.
The 2025 Logie Awards will be remembered for many things, but above all, for Magda Szubanski’s moving Hall of Fame induction that left the entire audience reaching for the tissues.
Magda Szubanski, a household name for over four decades, was beamed into the ceremony via video link, her absence explained by her ongoing battle with stage four mantle cell lymphoma—a rare and aggressive blood cancer.
Despite her health challenges, Magda’s trademark wit and warmth shone through, and her speech was a masterclass in both humour and humility.
'I want to say first of all—let’s get this out of the way—I have not been awarded this honour because I have the cancer,' she quipped, instantly breaking the tension in the room. It’s classic Magda: using laughter to bring people together, even in the toughest of times.
But the real reason for her absence was no laughing matter. The 64-year-old icon has been isolating while undergoing treatment, a journey she’s shared openly with the Australian public. Her honesty and vulnerability have only deepened the nation’s affection for her.
The Hall of Fame induction is a fitting tribute to Magda’s extraordinary career, especially as she courageously remains positive despite her battle with cancer.
From her unforgettable turn as Sharon Strzelecki in Kath & Kim, to her hilarious characters on Fast Forward, The D-Generation, and Big Girl’s Blouse, Magda has been a constant source of joy and inspiration.
She’s also been a passionate advocate for equality and social justice, using her platform to make a real difference.
'I am getting this because of 40 years of hard work: lobbying, bribing, threatening, whatever it took, whatever it took,' she joked, before turning serious. 'Finally it has all paid off, so I don’t feel like an imposter, I feel like I have earned it and I am thrilled. But honestly, I do want to say thank you so much for this honour.'
As her speech drew to a close, Magda’s emotions bubbled to the surface. 'The love and support that I have felt, like a tsunami, from the Australian public, it has been overwhelming,' she said, wiping away tears.
'When I go online and look at those messages, every time, my heart lifts, and I feel that much stronger to deal with the cancer. So thank you for the love that you are pouring my way.'
It was a moment that reminded us all of the power of community, kindness, and a good laugh—even in the face of adversity.
But Magda wasn’t the only one making headlines on Logies night. The Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television went to Home and Away’s Lynne McGranger, a well-deserved win for a true soap stalwart.
Watch Magda’s full speech here. Source: 7NEWS Australia / Youtube.
Meanwhile, Hamish Blake, ever the good sport, picked up the award for Best Competition Reality Program for LEGO Masters Australia, and Travel Guides continued its winning streak with a fourth consecutive Logie for Best Lifestyle Program.
The night was also marked by powerful moments of gratitude and inspiration. Former tennis star Jelena Dokic took home Best Factual or Documentary Program for Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story.
In her acceptance speech, she spoke directly to 'every single girl and woman' watching, urging them never to let anyone take away their worth or happiness.
She paid special tribute to fellow tennis legend Todd Woodbridge, calling him 'my person' and crediting him with helping her find her voice after retiring from tennis.
'I hope everyone finds a Todd like I did,' she said, her voice breaking with emotion. 'If everyone can have a father and mentor like Todd, they would be very fortunate.'
It was a big night for Woodbridge too, who finally nabbed his first Logie—the Bert Newton Award for Most Popular Presenter—after years of entertaining Aussies with his work on Tipping Point, the Australian Open, and coverage of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The 2025 Logies were a celebration of talent, resilience, and the enduring power of Australian television to bring us together. But above all, it was Magda Szubanski’s courage, humour, and gratitude that left the deepest impression.
Read more: Magda Szubanski reveals stage 4 cancer diagnosis, begins treatment for rare lymphoma
So, members, what did you think of this year’s Logies? Did Magda’s speech move you as much as it did us? Do you have a favourite Magda moment from her incredible career? And who would you like to see inducted into the Hall of Fame next? Share your thoughts and memories in the comments below!
The 2025 Logie Awards will be remembered for many things, but above all, for Magda Szubanski’s moving Hall of Fame induction that left the entire audience reaching for the tissues.
Magda Szubanski, a household name for over four decades, was beamed into the ceremony via video link, her absence explained by her ongoing battle with stage four mantle cell lymphoma—a rare and aggressive blood cancer.
Despite her health challenges, Magda’s trademark wit and warmth shone through, and her speech was a masterclass in both humour and humility.
'I want to say first of all—let’s get this out of the way—I have not been awarded this honour because I have the cancer,' she quipped, instantly breaking the tension in the room. It’s classic Magda: using laughter to bring people together, even in the toughest of times.
But the real reason for her absence was no laughing matter. The 64-year-old icon has been isolating while undergoing treatment, a journey she’s shared openly with the Australian public. Her honesty and vulnerability have only deepened the nation’s affection for her.
Magda Szubanski was inducted into the Logies Hall of Fame, delivering an emotional and witty speech via video link as she isolates while undergoing treatment for stage four cancer. Image source: 7NEWS Australia / Youtube.
The Hall of Fame induction is a fitting tribute to Magda’s extraordinary career, especially as she courageously remains positive despite her battle with cancer.
From her unforgettable turn as Sharon Strzelecki in Kath & Kim, to her hilarious characters on Fast Forward, The D-Generation, and Big Girl’s Blouse, Magda has been a constant source of joy and inspiration.
She’s also been a passionate advocate for equality and social justice, using her platform to make a real difference.
'I am getting this because of 40 years of hard work: lobbying, bribing, threatening, whatever it took, whatever it took,' she joked, before turning serious. 'Finally it has all paid off, so I don’t feel like an imposter, I feel like I have earned it and I am thrilled. But honestly, I do want to say thank you so much for this honour.'
As her speech drew to a close, Magda’s emotions bubbled to the surface. 'The love and support that I have felt, like a tsunami, from the Australian public, it has been overwhelming,' she said, wiping away tears.
'When I go online and look at those messages, every time, my heart lifts, and I feel that much stronger to deal with the cancer. So thank you for the love that you are pouring my way.'
The Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television was awarded to Home and Away’s Lynne McGranger, beating a strong field of women nominees and Hamish Blake. Image source: 7NEWS Australia / Youtube.
It was a moment that reminded us all of the power of community, kindness, and a good laugh—even in the face of adversity.
But Magda wasn’t the only one making headlines on Logies night. The Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television went to Home and Away’s Lynne McGranger, a well-deserved win for a true soap stalwart.
Watch Magda’s full speech here. Source: 7NEWS Australia / Youtube.
Meanwhile, Hamish Blake, ever the good sport, picked up the award for Best Competition Reality Program for LEGO Masters Australia, and Travel Guides continued its winning streak with a fourth consecutive Logie for Best Lifestyle Program.
The night was also marked by powerful moments of gratitude and inspiration. Former tennis star Jelena Dokic took home Best Factual or Documentary Program for Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story.
In her acceptance speech, she spoke directly to 'every single girl and woman' watching, urging them never to let anyone take away their worth or happiness.
She paid special tribute to fellow tennis legend Todd Woodbridge, calling him 'my person' and crediting him with helping her find her voice after retiring from tennis.
'I hope everyone finds a Todd like I did,' she said, her voice breaking with emotion. 'If everyone can have a father and mentor like Todd, they would be very fortunate.'
It was a big night for Woodbridge too, who finally nabbed his first Logie—the Bert Newton Award for Most Popular Presenter—after years of entertaining Aussies with his work on Tipping Point, the Australian Open, and coverage of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The 2025 Logies were a celebration of talent, resilience, and the enduring power of Australian television to bring us together. But above all, it was Magda Szubanski’s courage, humour, and gratitude that left the deepest impression.
Read more: Magda Szubanski reveals stage 4 cancer diagnosis, begins treatment for rare lymphoma
So, members, what did you think of this year’s Logies? Did Magda’s speech move you as much as it did us? Do you have a favourite Magda moment from her incredible career? And who would you like to see inducted into the Hall of Fame next? Share your thoughts and memories in the comments below!
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