TV WEEK ANNOUNCES HOLLYWOOD INFLUENCE ON 57TH TV WEEK LOGIE AWARDS
Two Australian actors making a mark in Hollywood were among the judges for the Graham Kennedy Award for Most Outstanding Newcomer for the 2015 TV WEEK Logie Awards.
Joining a panel of local industry experts, Jesse Spencer (Chicago Fire) and Claire Holt (The Originals) were selected because of their experience in both Australia and in the international arena.
“Judging the TV WEEK Logies was great,” says Jesse, 36. “I loved watching such a diverse range of choices and creativity that, living in the US, I normally wouldn’t get to see.”
Claire was also impressed with the calibre of the performances.
“It was awesome to be able to sit in LA and watch excellent Australian television,” says Claire, 26. “I loved every minute of it!”
“I saw some really terrific actors and entertainers from variety shows,” Claire enthuses. “Australia is full of creative people and it was nice to have that validated and watch some exciting new faces.
“As an actor, you’re constantly judged and you face rejection. There are people who are going to like or dislike your work. I tried to keep that in mind when watching the entries.
“It was nice not to have any pressure on me and just to be able to enjoy it.”
The Silver Logie for Most Outstanding Newcomer was created in honour of iconic Australian funnyman Graham Kennedy, who died in 2005.
It has been awarded annually since 2006. Previous recipients include Shari Sebbens, Firass Dirani, Matt Preston, Jessica Marais, Emma Lung and Chris Lilley.
Last year’s winner of the Graham Kennedy Award for Most Outstanding Newcomer was Remy Hii, for his leading role in Better Man. Remy is currently starring as Prince Jingim in Netflix drama Marco Polo.
In 2015, the nominees in this category are Brandon McClelland (ANZAC Girls, ABC), Harriet Dyer (Love Child, Nine Network), Miranda Tapsell (Love Child, Nine Network), Silvia Colloca (Made In Italy With Silvia Colloca, SBS ONE) and Troy Kinne (Kinne, 7mate).

The deserving winner will not only walk away with a prestigious TV WEEK Silver Logie Award, but will also receive a trip to Hollywood through Australians In Film, the Los Angeles-based industry organisation.
Their prize includes a round-trip ticket to Los Angeles flying Virgin Australia, a one-year scholarship at Stella Adler Acting School in LA, and mentoring with prominent industry contacts.
The 2015 TV Week Logie Awards will take place at Crown Entertainment Complex’s Palladium Room in Melbourne and will air on the Nine Network on Sunday, May 3.
