The First NZ Entertainment Awards

7 December 2003

The Lord of The Rings was honoured, Mike King was presented with his first ever NZ Comedy Award and the late Possum Bourne was remembered at the Inaugural 2003 NZ Entertainment Awards on Saturday.

A number of celebrities turned out for the inaugural event including Mike King, Elemeno P, The Feelers, Goldenhorse, Tadpole, Shortland Street actors, the late Possum Bourne’s sister Kristine Game, Sky Sports & TVNZ presenters, Whale Rider actors and many more.

Elemeno P blitzed the music categories winning an award for Best NZ Band and Music Video, flowing over to the Best Restaurant category with the winner Verona Cafe in Auckland. PlayStation dominated the games category with 4 out of 5 top 5 nominees winning Best Game for The Sims.

The ceremony was a huge step forward in the recognition of NZ Entertainers across NZ and a great success on the day with live music performances from Augustino, Opshop, Stylus, The WBC & best newcomer Catch; comic laughter from Mike Loder and up and coming performer, Vaughan King; and hot dance acts thrilling the crowd from Kiwimana and Covergirls.

Next year’s event is earmarked for even bigger success with the Awards helping aim the focus on NZ talent instead of concentrating on overseas acts which organisers feel NZ currently favours.

Photos of the event are online: www.xlr8online.co.nz/awards/awards_photos/

Look out for the chance to perform at next years event and how to vote for your favourite entertainment provider with voting starting next year for the 2004 NZ Entertainment Awards. For more information contact: [email protected]

RESULTS:

Best NZ Band/Artist – Covers: Catch 22

Best NZ Band/Artist – Originals/Signed Or New: Elemeno P

Best NZ Comedian: Mike King

Best NZ Family Entertainment Venue: Auckland Zoo

Best Game: The Sims

Best NZ Music Event: Big Day Out

Best NZ Nightclub: Fu Bar

Best NZ Actor: Anna Paquin

Best NZ Album Of The Year: ‘Polysaturated’ – Nesian Mystik

Best NZ Book: Whale Rider

Best NZ Clubbing DJ: P-Money