Underbelly Cops A Beating At Crown Casino Logies, by Greg Tingle - 3rd May 2010

Australia's night of nights, The Logies, took centre stage last night at James Packer owned Crown Casino, down under in Melbourne Australia.

Ever wondered if the Logies were "rigged"? We didn't, but know it crossed the mind of some, given the strong history between Crown Casino owner Packer, Network Nine and ACP Magazines (publisher of TV Week). Last night should have answered that question without a doubt.

Beloved 'Underbelly', Network Nine darling and dear friend to the Gambling911 readership copped an absolute flogging, copping a donut... that's right 0. Belly up you might say, but the show returns to TV next Sunday night, expected to once again draw in huge audience numbers.

Underbelly had five nominations across the popular and outstanding categories and was expected to dominate!

Ray Meagher picked up the Gold Logie.

The veteran Home And Away actor triumphed over Packed To The Rafters actress Rebecca Gibney to take the coveted award.

He also beat his Home And Away co-star Esther Anderson, Talkin' 'Bout Your Generation's Shaun Micallef, Good News Week's Paul McDermott, Rove McManus and the ABC's Wil Anderson and Adam Hills.

"In 1965 at the Regatta Hotel in Brisbane I won a chook raffle," a beaming Meagher said as he took to the stage.

"It's been a long time between drinks".

Host Bert Newton could not hide his feelings about Meagher's big win.

"I have had the opportunity over the years to present many Gold Logies," he said.

"None have given me more joy than to present this to Ray Meagher."

Bert's son Matthew (Mr Asia in Underbelly: A Tale Of Two Cities) is currently in rehab.

'Underbelly' star Firass Diriani (plays John Ibrahim) was in attendance, and was very well behaved we understand. Dirani recently picked up that Cleo 'Bachelor Of The Year' award.

Sigrid Thornton who plays a hardened federal officer in Underbelly: The Golden Mile was also in attendance and also enjoyed the gala evening incident free.

Nine Network won only one Logie for the NRL Footy Show.

"Well Channel Nine is certainly cleaning up this year, aren't they?", joked host Bert Newton.

Bragging rights of the corporate variety remain in full swing...Packer's Crown Casino certainly won its "casino war" last night against Sydney's Tabcorp owned Star City Casino, but Star City is planning a counter attack, so don't change your dial!

Media Man spies advise no plastic handcuffs were needed last night for footballers, cricketers, or any other guests.

Loyal readers, we're sorry that 'Underbelly' with its strong gambling themes and all got shot down, at Crown Casino to add salt into the wound. None the less, here's the winners list to help ease the pain...

2010 LOGIE AWARD WINNERS

GOLD LOGIE - Ray Meagher, Home and Away (Seven)

SILVER LOGIE (Popular Awards)

Most Popular Actor - Hugh Sheridan, Packed to the Rafters (Seven)

Most Popular Actress - Rebecca Gibney, Packed to the Rafters (Seven)

Most Popular Drama - Packed to the Rafters (Seven)

Most Popular Presenter - Shaun Micallef, Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation (Ten)

Most Popular Reality Program - MasterChef Australia (Ten)

Most Popular Lifestyle Program - Better Homes and Gardens (Seven)

Most Popular Light Entertainment - Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation (Ten)

Most Popular Sports Program - The Footy Show NRL (Nine)

Most Popular Factual Program - Bondi Rescue (Ten)

Most Popular New Male Talent - Luke Mitchell, Home and Away (Seven)

Most Popular New Female Talent - Carrie Bickmore, The 7pm Project (Ten)

SILVER LOGIE (Outstanding Awards)

Outstanding Children’s Program - My Place (ABC)

Outstanding Factual Program - Law and Disorder (SBS)

Graham Kennedy Award for Outstanding New Talent - Matt Preston, MasterChef Australia (Ten)

Outstanding News Coverage - Victorian Bushfires (Seven)

Outstanding Public Affairs Report - Code of Silence, Four Corners (ABC)

Outstanding Sports Coverage - V8 Supercars: Supercheap Auto Bathurst (Seven)

Outstanding Light Entertainment - Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation (Ten)

Outstanding Drama Series, Mini-series or Telemovie - East West 101 (SBS)

Outstanding Actress - Claudia Karvan, Saved (SBS)

Outstanding Actor - Don Hany, East West 101 (SBS)


Network Shows By The Numbers

Seven Network - 8 awards

Network Ten - 7 awards

SBS - 4 awards

ABC - 2 awards

Nine Network - 1 award


Which shows did best?

Talkin’ ’Bout Your Generation - 3 awards

Packed to the Rafters - 3 awards

East West 101 - 2 awards

MasterChef - 2 awards

Home and Away - 2 awards


Underbelly fans, you can play catch up with 'Underbelly' on the official website:

http://channelnine.ninemsn.com.au/underbelly

Media Man also have an 'Underbelly' showcase:

http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/underbelly.html

Readers, er punters. Don't do anything we wouldn't do. Let's keep the winning attitude despite last night's "crime of the century"... maybe Crown Casino powers that be just wanted to show the world that the Logies were a fair fight, and with Australian football and sports betting under the microscope re The Melbourne Storm and Aussie cricketers in India being whispered about, maybe that's a very good thing. Good luck.

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company

*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited

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