The Australian Film Institute Television Awards are annual awards presented for excellence in Australian television annually as part of the AFI Awards by the Australian Film Institute. The AFI Awards cover non-feature films, films, television, and special awards. The AFI Television Awards are made in various categories and this page serves as an index of the various TV awards.
The Australian Film Institute Award for Best Telefeature, Mini Series or Short Run Series is an award that has been handed out to producers annually since 1986 by the Australian Film Institute. The Award was originally presented in two separate categories for Best Telefeature and Best Mini Series but in 1990 both categories were merged to form Best Television Mini Series or Telefeature. By 2008 the award name was changed again with the addition of Short Run Series to the title.
The Australian Film Institute Award for Best Drama Series is awarded annually by the Australian Film Institute for excellence in drama series. The award which was originally named Best Episode in a Television Drama, Series or Serial was originally awarded only for the best episode in a television series. The award eventually was split into two categories for best episode in a Drama Serial and Drama Series. The Best Episode in a Drama Serial category eventually was renamed to Best Episode in a Television Drama Series to award long series such as soap operas but was discontinued in 2001. The Best Episode in a Television Drama Series category was eventually renamed in 2002 as Best Drama Series awarding the series as a whole.
The Australian Film Institute Award for Best Lead Actor in Television Drama is awarded annually by the Australian Film Institute for excellence in acting in television drama by an actor. Prior to 1990, two awards existed and were called Best Performance by an Actor in a Mini Series and Best Lead Actor in a Telefeature. The awards were merged in 1990 to become Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Telefeature or Mini Series which in 1991 was renamed Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Television Drama. In 2000, the Awards were again awarded in two categories, called Best Performance by an Actor in a Telefeature or Mini Series and Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Television Drama. In 2002, the Awards were again combined under the title Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Television Drama and two years later, in 2004, the Award was named Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Television Drama or Comedy. A separate comedy Award was established in 2006, and this Award became Best Lead Actor in Television Drama.
Best Lead Actress in Television Drama
The Australian Film Institute Award for Best Lead Actress in Television Drama is awarded annually by the Australian Film Institute for excellence in acting in television drama by an actress. Prior to 1990, two awards existed and were called Best Performance by an Actress in a Mini Series and Best Lead Actress in a Telefeature. The awards were merged in 1990 to become Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Telefeature or Mini Series which in 1991 was renamed Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Television Drama. In 2000, the Awards were again awarded in two categories, called Best Performance by an Actress in a Telefeature or Mini Series and Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Television Drama. In 2002, the Awards were again combined under the title Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Television Drama and two years later, in 2004, the Award was named Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Television Drama or Comedy. A separate comedy Award was established in 2006, and this Award became Best Lead Actress in Television Drama.
Best Guest or Supporting Actor in Television Drama
The Australian Film Institute Award for Best Guest or Supporting Actor in Television Drama is awarded annually by the Australian Film Institute for excellence in acting in television drama by a guest or supporting actor. Prior to 2002, the Award was called Best Performance by an Actor in a Guest Role in a Television Drama Series. In 2002, the Award name was changed to Best Guest or Supporting Actor in Television Drama and two years later, in 2004, the Award was named Best Actor in a Supporting or Guest Role in a Television Drama or Comedy. A separate comedy Award was established in 2006, and this Award became Best Guest or Supporting Actor in Television Drama.
The Australian Film Institute Award for Best Guest or Supporting Actress in Television Drama is awarded annually by the Australian Film Institute for excellence in acting in television drama by a guest or supporting actress. Prior to 2002, the Award was called Best Performance by an Actress in a Guest Role in a Television Drama Series. In 2002, the Award name was changed to Best Guest or Supporting Actress in Television Drama and two years later, in 2004, the Award was named Best Actress in a Supporting or Guest Role in a Television Drama or Comedy. A separate comedy Award was established in 2006, and this Award became Best Guest or Supporting Actress in Television Drama.
The Australian Film Institute Award for Best Direction in Television is awarded annually by the Australian Film Institute for excellence in direction of television drama. Prior to 1990, two awards existed and were called Best Direction in a Mini Series and Best Direction in a Telefeature. The awards were merged in 1990 to become Best Direction in a Telefeature or Mini Series which in 1991 was renamed Best Achievement in Direction in a Television Drama. In 2004, this award became Best Direction in Television.
Best Screenplay in Television
The Australian Film Institute Award for Best Screenplay in Television is awarded annually by the Australian Film Institute for excellence in screenplay of television drama. Prior to 1990, two awards existed and were called Best Mini Series Screenplay and Best Screenplay in a Telefeature. The awards were merged in 1990 to become Best Screenplay in a Mini Series or Telefeature which in 1991 was renamed Best Screenplay in a Television Drama. In 2004, this award became Best Screenplay in Television.
