Waleed Aly Wins The Gold Logie Because Network Television Can’t Be All Bad

He did it! Waleed Aly has been crowned the 2016 Gold Logie winner at tonight’s awards.

After already winning the ‘Best Presenter’ Award, Aly took the moment to thank his wife Susan and said:

If she had my job, she’d be better at it than me –

She’s sharper, wittier, funnier and infinitely more charming and likeable and I’m really glad she doesn’t have my job because otherwise I’d definitely wouldn’t have it.

Despite the original response by certain prominent publications being less than thrilled with Aly’s nom – leading to the hashtag #IStandWithWaleed trending – the award-winning journalist was our sure bet.

Aly kicked things off with a nod to the debate surrounding his inclusion, saying:

There’s nothing wrong with the picture – If you are in the room I’m sure there’s an Instagram filter to return things to normal. It will be fine. This is happening.

Waleed Aly accepts his Logie (via Nine Network)

The Project host acknowledged the prevalence of racism in Australia’s entertainment industry, highlighting the story of an actor who admitted to Aly that he had Westernised his name from Mustafa in an attempt to fit in because he otherwise wouldn’t land jobs. Aly said,

“He’s here tonight. And it matters to people like that that I am here.”

Aly is most known for his work hosting Big Ideas on the ABC and The Project on Channel Ten, which segments ‘Something we should talk about‘ became viral sensations at home and abroad, with topics explored ranging from ISIL to climate change and domestic violence.

The Project host was odds on favourite to win the gold – tied with his colleague Carrie Bickmore – according to online bookmaker sportsbet.com.au.

“Something we should talk about, or rather will be talking about come Monday morning, is that Waleed Aly has won the Gold Logie judging from the punter support,’’ said sportsbet.com.au’s Will Byrne before the ceremony this evening. With the betting odds by Sportsbet sitting at:

$1.87 Waleed Aly
$1.87 Carrie Bickmore
$13 Grant Denyer
$21 Lee Lin Chin
$34 Essie Davis
$34 Scott Cam

Congrats Waleed!!!

Header via Channel Ten.