Tributes and tears flow for Charlotte Dawson at ASTRA Awards
CHARLOTTE Dawson's wicked sense of humour was missed at tonight's ASTRA Awards.
There were plenty of tears as the subscription TV industry paid tribute to the Australia's Next Top Model judge, who committed suicide last month.
Former Top Model host Sarah Murdoch talked of Dawson's generosity and spirit.
"At work she made sure everyone was okay," Murdoch said.
"Her heart was always in the right place… making us all laugh until our bellies hurt. "
Dawson's sisters accepted her honorary ASTRA Award and her Top Model co-stars Jennifer Hawkins and Didier Cohen dedicated the show's Most Outstanding Reality Program win to the former model.
"It has been a difficult three weeks," Hawkins said.
"We all loved Charlotte and I think tonight is a celebration. We want to dedicate this to Charlotte."
Prison drama Wentworth trumped Top of the Lake, winning Most Outstanding Australian Drama and Most Outstanding Performance by an Actor Female.
Winner Nicole da Silva spoke of the "handshake deal" with Foxtel's head of TV Brian Walsh which "made Wentworth a reality".
Top of the Lake's Peter Mullan won Most Outstanding Performance by an Actor Male.
Showcase, which airs acclaimed international series including Game of Thrones and House of Cards, was named Channel of the Year.
Selling Houses Australia continued its domination of the annual pay-TV awards' fan-voted categories, again winning Favourite Program and Favourite Male and Female personalities for Andrew Winter and the awards' co-host Shaynna Blaze.
An emotional Blaze also dedicated her award to Dawson, despite never having met her.
"I never met her, but I looked up to her. Charlotte this one's for you," she said.
2014 ASTRA Awards winners
Most Outstanding General Entertainment Program - SLIMEFEST 2013
Most Outstanding Australian Drama - Wentworth
Favourite Program Australia - Selling Houses Australia
Most Outstanding Reality Program - Australia's Next Top Model
Most Outstanding Performance by an Actor, Female - Nicole da Silva, Wentworth
Most Outstanding Lifestyle Program - Paddock to Plate
Most Outstanding Sports Program - The DHL Australia 2013 Lions Tour, FOX Sports
Most Outstanding News Program - Election 2013 Coverage, SKY News
Most Outstanding Sports Entertainment Program - Open Mike, FOX Footy
Most Outstanding Children's Content - Disney Channel FanFest TV Special Event
Favourite Personality Male - Andrew Winter, Selling Houses Australia
Most Outstanding Factual Program - The People Speak, History Channel
Most Outstanding Use of Innovation - Rugby on FOX Sports
Favourite Program International Drama - The Walking Dead
Favourite Program International - Grand Designs UK
Most Outstanding Performance by a Broadcast Journalist - David Speers, SKY News Australia
Channel Achievement Award - History Channel
Most Outstanding Performance by an Actor, Male - Peter Mullan, Top of the Lake
Favourite Personality Female - Shaynna Blaze, Selling Houses Australia
Most Outstanding Music Program - The Riff, Channel V
Most Outstanding New Talent - Kelli Underwood, FOX Sports
Channel of the Year - showcase
