Total Control Triumphs: Deborah Mailman Wins Best Actress at the Logies
Deborah Mailman took home the coveted award for Best Actress in a Drama at the 2024 Logie Awards for her powerful performance in the final season of ABC TV's *Total Control*. This win marks a significant moment for the actress, who missed out on the award in 2022 but triumphed at the AACTA Awards in 2019 for the same role.
Mailman's victory stands out amidst the dominance of *Boy Swallows Universe*, which swept the remaining drama categories, making *Total Control
ABC's sole drama win so far. This recognition undoubtedly reflects the profound affection Australians hold for Mailman, a beloved figure on the small screen since her breakout role in *The Secret Life of Us*, for which she won two Logies in the early 2000s.
Mailman's trophy cabinet already boasts a collection of Logie wins, including Most Popular Actress in 2013 for *Mabo*, 2019 for *Mystery Road*, and Most Outstanding Actress for *Redfern Now
in 2016. This latest accolade underscores the enduring appeal of Mailman's work, lauded by both the public and her peers within the industry.
The award holds particular significance for its timing, following the nation's failed Voice referendum. *Total Control*, a drama focused on Indigenous issues, provides a platform for vital conversations and resonates deeply with audiences, making its Logie win a powerful statement.
Speaking to ABC Entertainment, Mailman expressed her gratitude, stating, "In that time, over the four years [of making Total Control], we had a new prime minister, throw a pandemic in the middle of it, and then the country voted no."
She continued, "To be part of this production that kept us [Indigenous peoples] in that focus, that kept our narrative strong, that meant everything to me, that meant everything to all of us who are part of it."
Mailman's poignant words highlight the importance of *Total Control
in amplifying Indigenous voices and narratives in a year marked by crucial conversations about reconciliation. Her Logie win serves as a testament to the impact of the show and the actress's enduring talent, reminding the nation of the power of storytelling to ignite dialogue and foster understanding.
