KEY POINTS:
Quirky drama Insiders Guide to Love was the big winner at Saturday night's Qantas Television Awards, but it was John Campbell who stole the show.
Campbell won best current affairs presenter but his live presenting skills were found wanting when he came to introduce Qantas regional general manager Grant Lilly, only to realise he didn't know his name.
However, what could have been the evening's most awkward moment became the funniest, as the ever-affable presenter confessed his embarrassing blunder.
That aside, it was a good night for Campbell, who also took home the prize for best current affairs series.
Never one to mince words, the presenter simply declared, "We're pretty bloody stoked," as he and producer Carol Hirschfeld accepted the award.
TV2's Insiders Guide to Love snapped up six of the 10 awards it was nominated for, winning both of the best actor awards, as well as best drama, script, camera and director.
On a night of few surprises, Pulp Sport scored an unexpected win, beating out stiff competition in the best comedy category from bro'Town and The Unauthorised History of New Zealand.
Jamie Linehan (aka Bill) accepted the award alongside a cardboard cut-out of fellow creator Ben Boyce, taking the opportunity to thank himself on Ben's behalf. After the show, Linehan said he was overwhelmed by the victory. "It's pretty friggin' cool."
The short-lived TV3 drama Doves of War was nominated for six awards, but won just one. New Zealand's longest-running soap, Shortland Street, failed to muster any nominations in the general categories, but proved it's still worth its salt, winning the readers' choice favourite New Zealand show.
3 News presenter Hilary Barry topped this year's readers' choice poll as New Zealand's favourite female personality, while TV One's Simon Dallow won favourite male personality.
MAJOR CATEGORY WINNERS
Best Actor in a TV Drama - Ryan O'Kane, Insiders Guide to Love, TV2
Best Actress in a TV Drama - Kate Elliott, Insiders Guide to Love, TV2
Best NZ Drama - Insiders Guide to Love, TV2
Best Director (drama) - Brendan Donovan, Insiders Guideto Love, TV2
Best NZ Comedy - Pulp Sport, TV3
Best NZ Entertainment - Dave Dobbyn, One Night in Matata, TV One
Best NZ Information/ Lifestyle - Target Special, TV3
Best NZ Reality (format) - Sensing Murder, TV2
Best News - One News, TV One
Best News or Current Affairs Presenter - John Campbell, Campbell Live, TV3
Best News Reporter - Donna-Marie Lever, One News, TV One
Best Current Affairs Reporter - Hadyn Jones, 20/20, TV2
Best Current Affairs Series - Campbell Live, TV3
TV Journalist of the Year - Mike McRoberts, 3 News, TV3
