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Outrageous Fortune has cemented its place as the nation's leading television series, winning six categories at the Air New Zealand Screen Awards at SkyCity last night.
The Westie show, in its third season on TV3 (Tuesday, 9.30pm), was named best drama programme for the second year in a row.
James Griffin scooped the award for a drama script for his Outrageous Fortune Xmas Special.
Director Simon Bennett was awarded the Screen Directors Guild of New Zealand achievement in directing for a drama/comedy programme. Robyn Malcolm won the best actress prize for her role as Cheryl West, Antony Starr won best actor for his dual role as Jethro and Van West and Frank Whitten, who plays Grandfather Ted West, was best supporting actor. Accepting his award, the veteran actor said: "This one is for the geriatrics."
Fantasy series Maddigan's Quest also celebrated a successful night, claiming four awards, including best children's programme.
Animated series bro'Town won the best comedy category for the third year in a row.
Less jubilant were the cast and crew of Shortland Street, who won only one award - Anna Jullienne for best supporting actress.
Stefan Lewis' story The Waimate Conspiracy took the award for best images and sound digital feature.
The Last Magic Show, the story of an out-of-work escape artist who believes he possesses magical powers, earned Duncan Cole the award for best images and sound technical contribution to a digital film.
Three short films were honoured. Run, about the growth of a brother and sister relationship, provided director Mark Albiston with the best short film award, and scriptwriter Louis Sutherland with best script for a short film. Chelsie Preston Crayford, 20, took the prize for best performance in a short film for her role in Fog, a coming-of-age tale.
The technical contribution to a short film award went to John Harding for his work on The King Boys, a wrestling film set in 1946.
- additional reporting NZPA
