The Helpmann Awards recognize distinguished artistic achievement and excellence in Australia's live performing arts sectors. The recognized disciplines include musical and physical theatre, contemporary and classical music, opera, and dance, with a comedy category introduced in 2006. The Helpmann Awards also incorporates the JC Williamson award (formerly the James Cassius Award) for outstanding contribution to the Australian entertainment industry.
The award, named after Sir Robert Helpmann, was established by the Australian Entertainment Industry Association (AEIA). It is similar to Broadway's Tony Awards and London's Laurence Olivier Awards. The awards inaugurated in 2001 and are presented annually in Sydney Australia.
The official website lists the objectives of the awards 'to nationally and internationally serve and promote Australian live performing arts industry by recognising distinguished artistic achievement and excellence, ensuring the Awards are administered and made with integrity, ensuring the Awards are celebrated by the industry and the Australian community; and ensuring the Awards are the most prestigious awards in the industry and the highlight of each Season'.
The full name of the Awards is the Helpmann Awards for Performing Arts in Australia. The trophy was designed by silversmith Hendrik Forster.
The Helpmann Awards were hosted by Simon Burke from 2001-2006.
Since 2010, the awards have been broadcast live on arts channel STVDIO.
For the first time, in 2006, the awards were telecast live to viewers around Australia, via FOX8.
In a landslide victory, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee won the most coveted award of the night, up against Fiddler on the Roof and Dusty - The Original Pop Diva. Tamsan Caroll won the Best Female Actor in a Musical for her portrayal of legend Dusty Springfield, and David Campbell won Best Male Actor in a Musical for his role in Sunset Boulevard. Of the seven musical awards presented, Dusty won only two, while the big winner was The 25th Annual ... with five wins.
The 2011 Helpmann Awards were held at the Sydney Opera House on Monday 1 August. Hosted by Jonathan Biggins.
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