Why Australian's Love Eurovision

It's that time of the year again. And Eurovision 2013 has been and gone. 

Naturally I watched. 

I was shocked (and super psyched) when the host mentioned Australia (twice!) I think it was the first time Australia has gotten a shout out. 
If you didn't watch it the host made a comment that the show is watched all around the world, including Australia. I swear, I heard the audience gasp. I couldn't understand why it was such a big deal. 

I'm Australian and I've been watching it for years. I also know that most of my followers are from overseas and live in countries that do compete. 
So, for you guys here's my breakdown on why Australian's LOVE Eurovision.

#1 
Heritage and Roots. 
Australia is a diverse, multicultural society. I think (personally) Australia is the country with the most cultural diverseness. People who live here have ancestors, and relatives that come from all over the world - including Europe. A lot of people watch it as a cultural connection for ancestral purposes. As Australia is not apart of Eurovision, it's a chance for people to go for a country that usually they might not go for if Australia was involved. I have Maltese heritage and I definitely go for Malta during Eurovision. 

#2
Two Different Worlds. 
Sometime's when watching Eurovision I'm astounded at some of the acts - 'that's entertainment for you guys' I think. The performances, the show itself, the costumes, the atmosphere - it can be completely different from Australian shows and lifestyles. For three days we get swept away in the Eurovision world, and while sometime's we may laugh at your oddness, we totally love it. 

#3 
Pure Entertainment. 
This doesn't need explanation - you guys know how to put on a show. Every year you know how to make us laugh, cringe, cry, cheer and jeer - all in the name of entertainment. Wherever it may be held, Eurovision keeps Australian's on the edge of their seats. 

#4
It Keeps us Cultured.
I like to think that watching Eurovision makes me cultured. I know that you vote for your neighbours (don't deny it) and watching the voting the other night,  I felt intelligent that I could "guess" who would receive the major votes from particular countries because of who their neighbours/allies were and who they needed to kiss-arse. Saying you watch Eurovision here is different from European countries. In Europe, you're just expected to watch. While in Australia it makes you look cultured, worldly, smart and aware. 

Congratulations Denmark - I loved the song. 
Even though I'll be on the other side of the world, I will be tuning in next year and I can't wait. 

Australia's Answer to the Oscars - The AACTA Awards

Last night the AACTA awards were on television. And me being a bit of a film and tellie buff I was keen to watch.
It was nice to watch awards where Australian talent was showcased and the amazing work the Aussie TV and film industry does is recognised. 
So we're clear AACTA stands for:

Australian 
Academy 
Cinema 
Television 
Arts

This is AACTA's second year of awards. It's joined with AFI (Australian Film Industry) Awards, which has been running since 1958. 
Hosted in Sydney (cause it's not like there aren't any other gorgeous places in Australia to do it) and was planned to be hosted by Hugh Sheridan. But for reasons unbeknown to me, Russell Crowe took his place instead. 

Sorry Hugh, but I'd rather see Russell up there; sorry mate. 

Some big names in Australian film and TV (AKA the rest of the world has never heard of them) were nominated.
Movies and shows like The Sapphires (a big winner), Puberty Blues (another big winner), Wish You were Here and Howzat! Kerry Packer's War (another big winner) were out in force with actor's, writer's and gorgeous gowns and suits. Not to mentions some pretty statues at the end of the night as well. 

The thing that I noticed about the AACTA's is, only prestigious movies and TV shows are nominated (this has to do mainly with TV shows). There were no Home and Away's, Neighbours, The Wiggles or Bindi's Wildlife Adventures (though that one is a blessing really). 
It seems only higher classed TV shows were nominated. After all, you don't want to take all the shows...save some for the Loggies right? 

So here's my top 7 on how you know you're watching the AACTA's and not the Oscars. 

1 - Speeches are improvised (I only saw one person take out notes)

2 - the show only went for an hour

3 - When someone won, there was real shock on their face; not made up gasps of shock

4 - speeches included phrases like "I'd like to thank you mob", "holy crap", and "geez, thanks I guess"

5 - them speeches went for 2 minutes; no need for an orchestra 

6 - There were no Modern Family cast mates 

7 - Half the awards weren't even shown on air - hence the 1 hour time slot. 

So there you have it. A little taste in what goes on in an Australian award ceremony for our brightest stars on an average wage. 
As a viewer I would have liked a longer time slot and given air time to other awards. I don't even know what half the awards are I think - they didn't give them the time of day, unfortunately. 
The gowns were beautiful, if not some were a little revealing (I'm looking at you Cate!) and the men in suits were pretty attractive too - even if Hugh Jackman wasn't there. * sad face*