Limericks, sandwiches and a trip to Antarctica: Sam Neill’s friends pay tribute at moving Logies Sam Neill, the beloved New Zealand-born Australian actor who died from pneumonia at the age of 78 last month, was honored at this year’s Logies ceremony with a heartfelt tribute that reflected both his legacy and the deep connections he forged throughout his career. His win in the best actor category for his portrayal of barrister Brett Colby in The Twelve provided a fitting platform for colleagues and friends to celebrate his life and work. The event, held on August 17, 2026, featured a mix of nostalgia, humor, and genuine emotion, capturing the essence of a man whose presence left an indelible mark on television and film. The Logies ceremony began with the traditional In Memoriam segment, which was particularly poignant given the recent passing of several notable figures in the industry. While Johnny Young’s death could have complicated the planning of the segment, the focus remained firmly on Neill, whose influence extended far beyond the screen. A highlight of the evening was Katie Noonan’s performance of Crowded House’s Don’t Dream It’s Over, a song that resonated deeply with Neill, who had long been a fan of the band. Despite the allure of performing the Beatles’ All My Loving, a staple of Young Talent Time, Noonan chose to honor Neill’s favorite, ensuring that his musical tastes were acknowledged in a touching way. On the red carpet, Heather Mitchell, who was nominated for best supporting actress for The Narrow Road to the Deep North, spoke candidly about her friendship with Neill. A longtime collaborator and close friend, Mitchell described how Neill was already “greatly, greatly, greatly missed” in the days following his death. She recounted a memorable trip they took together to the sub-Antarctic, where they followed the albatross, a journey she called “very, very fond.” Mitchell also shared a humorous yet revealing anecdote about working with Neill on a scene that required her to “bark like a dog while I was having sex.” She recreated the moment on stage with exaggerated enthusiasm, drawing laughter and applause from the audience. Mitchell’s tribute continued during the awards ceremony, where she accepted Neill’s acting award. She expressed her regret at not being able to accept it in person, saying, “I’m so sorry I’m not Sam. I know how much this would mean to Sam... this is an indication of his connection, the connection he has with people, with his audience.” Her words underscored the depth of respect and affection that Neill commanded among his peers. Other collaborators and friends also paid their respects. Danielle Cormack, who worked with Neill on The Twelve: Cape Rock Killer, revealed that they had engaged in a limerick competition during filming. She discovered some of the verses Neill had written for her, highlighting the playful side of a man known for his serious dedication to his craft. Simon Baker, who won best supporting actor for The Narrow Road to the Deep North, praised Neill’s dignity, warmth, and kindness, calling him “dignified and beautiful” and noting his generosity toward others. Claudia Karvan, who won best supporting actor for Homebodies, shared a final memory of Neill just a month before his death. She recalled how eager he was to return to work, despite his declining health. Karvan described working with Neill on The House of Hancock, a show she produced, and remembered the simplicity of their shared experiences, like making sandwiches from bread and butter rather than relying on elaborate catering. Neill’s humility and camaraderie shone through in these moments, reinforcing the image of a man who was as approachable as he was accomplished. As the evening drew to a close, Leigh Sales, host of the ABC’s The Assembly, which won the Logie for best factual or documentary program, remarked on the “poignant” nature of honoring Neill’s contributions to television. His legacy, marked by both artistic excellence and personal warmth, continues to inspire those who knew him and those who admired his work.
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