Pictures of Sarah Murdoch, Rove McManus, Charlotte Dawson, Erin McNaught at 2011 Astra Awards

Small Screen Stars Celebrate TV Success at the Astra Awards

July 22, 2011

Last night many Aussie celebrities tweeted about the need for a water taxi as they tried to make their way to the 9th annual Astra Awards through rainy Sydney streets. Held at Sydney Theatre and hosted by Lee Furlong, Tara Moss and Helen Dalley, the night celebrated the best of Australian subscription television. Sarah Murdoch emerged as one of the big winners, taking home the viewer-voted trophy for favourite female personality — the way she handled last year’s Australia’s Next Top Model debacle worked in her favour! ANTM also won most outstanding reality program, which was cause for judges Alex Perry and Charlotte Dawson to join in Sarah’s celebrations. Rove McManus returned with wife Tasma Walton to present an award, and there were musical performances from Jessica Mauboy, Katie Noonan’s Elixir Trio and Guineafowl. The night’s biggest award for channel of the year went to The LifeStyle Channel for the second year in a row.

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Keep reading to see a full list of the winners . . .

CHANNEL OF THE YEAR
The LifeStyle Channel

FAVOURITE PROGRAM — AUSTRALIAN
Selling Houses Australia Series 3, The LifeStyle Channel

FAVOURITE PROGRAM — INTERNATIONAL
Grand Designs Season 8, The LifeStyle Channel

FAVOURITE PERSONALITY — FEMALE
Sarah Murdoch, FOX8

FAVOURITE PERSONALITY — MALE
Andrew Winter, The LifeStyle Channel

MOST OUTSTANDING CHILDREN'S PROGRAM OR EVENT
Penelope K, By The Way, CBeebies

MOST OUTSTANDING MUSIC PROGRAM OR COVERAGE
Big Day Out Li[V]e 2010, Channel [V]

MOST OUTSTANDING SPORTS PROGRAM OR COVERAGE
Vancouver Winter Olympic Games, FOXTEL

MOST OUTSTANDING DOCUMENTARY
Who We Are, Bio

MOST OUTSTANDING NEWS PROGRAM OR COVERAGE
Election 2010, SKY NEWS