Irwin in line for TV award

The posthumous accolades could continue for the late wildlife crusader Steve Irwin after he was nominated in two categories of the 2007 ASTRA Awards today.

Irwin was named as a contender for favourite male personality for Australia's highest honours in pay TV while his show, Croc Hunter: Big Croc Diaries which airs on Animal Planet, is a chance in the favourite program category.

In its fifth year, the ASTRA (Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association) Awards honour excellence in pay TV and include categories for marketing, performing, programming and production.

The nominations were announced by Australian Idol host and Channel (V) personality James Mathieson and the host of the up-coming gossip show Confidential, Sophie Falkiner, at Bondi Icebergs in Sydney.

Foxtel's flagship drama Love My Way again led the field with five nominations, including back-to-back mentions for last year's most outstanding male and female performer winners Dan Wyllie and Claudia Karvan.

TV1's new comedy Stupid, Stupid Man also received five nominations.

After winning the favourite male personality award last year, Mathieson said he didn't expect back-to-back wins after the nominations were revealed.

"That's right, put me up against an Australian legend, cultural icon and a guy who's dead," he said.

"Who isn't going to vote for Steve Irwin? I'm going to vote for Steve Irwin."

The awards will be decided by viewers of Austar and Foxtel on a specially dedicated channel over a three-week period, running from today.

Winners will be announced at a gala event at the Hordern Pavilion, Sydney, on Monday, April 23.

Other programs to receive multiple nominations include UK TV'S Supernova, who scored four, and Antonia Kidman's From Here to Maternity with two.

Astra nominations list

Most outstanding performance by a female actor: Claudia Karvan (Love My Way), Asher Keddie (Love My Way), Leah Vandenberg (Stupid Stupid Man), Kat Stewart (Supernova).

Most outstanding performance by a male actor: Ben Mendelsohn (Love My Way), Dan Wyllie (Love My Way), Wayne Hope (Stupid Stupid Man), Rob Brydon (Supernova).

Favourite female personality: Shannon Fricke (Lifestyle Channel), Antonia Kidman (W Channel), Brooke Forster (Sky News), Yumi Stynes (Channel V).

Favourite male personality: Brendan Moar (Lifestyle Channel), Jabba (Lifestyle Food), Steve Irwin (Animal Planet), James Mathison (Channel V).

Favourite International personality or actor: Tyra Banks (America's Next Top Model), Jon Stewart (The Daily Show), Paul Snr and Paul Jnr Teutul (American Chopper), Jeremy Piven (Entourage).

Favourite program: Australia's Next Top Model (Fox8), Stupid Stupid Man (TV1), Croc Hunter: Big Croc Diaries (Animal Planet), MTV AVMAs (MTV).

Most outstanding drama program: Love My Way (W Channel), Stupid Stupid Man (TV1), Supernova (UKTV).

Most outstanding lifestyle, reality or light entertainment program: Australia's Next Top Model (Fox8), An Aussie Goes Barmy (Fox8), Bill's Food (Lifestyle Channel), From Here To Maternity with Antonia Kidman (W Channel).

Most outstanding sport coverage: Mundine vs Green (Main Event), Wallabies coverage (Fox Sports), NRL on Fox (Fox Sports).



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