Australia’s TikTok Awards took hold of Sydney last night, with the best of the best in short-form content descending on the newly renamed TikTok Entertainment Centre. Attendees were dressed to the nines, selfies were snapped, and winners were crowned, with a few surprises unveiled, including People’s ‘Sexiest Man Alive’.
Ilai Matangi was named TikTok Creator of the Year. Matangi, also known as @havea_676, is the Gold Coast-based family man, proud Tongan, and last year’s Comedy Creator of the Year.
Matangi rose above fellow creators Latisha Clark, Tammy Hembrow, Jiny Maeng, and Ben Stubbs, thanking his dedicated community of more than 2.7 million followers.
“Recognition at events like this is massive because it shines a light on the work creators put in and the impact we have on our communities. For me, it’s not just about the award – it’s about showing that voices like mine belong in these spaces. It inspires others to see that their creativity matters and can be celebrated on a big stage,” Matangi told B&T.
Asked how it felt to win TikTok Creator of the Year, Matangi told B&T: “Honestly, it was surreal. When my name was called, I couldn’t believe it. The first people I thought of were my wife and kids, because everything I do is for them. But it also felt like a win for my community back home. Seeing the pride from Tongan people online makes me feel like I’m carrying them with me every step of the way”.
“I’m so grateful for TikTok – it lets me showcase my family, comedy, and culture. I started making videos with my kids for fun, and I never imagined it would turn into such a fulfilling career. To be here, winning this award voted by my TikTok fans is truly humbling. This recognition isn’t just for me, it’s for my family, and the community that’s supported me from day one,” Matangi said.
Over 5,000 people filled the TikTok Entertainment Centre, with millions more tuning in live on TikTok and Stan. A record-breaking 6.4 million votes were cast for the 2025 TikTok Awards, 3 million more than last year.
Keli Holiday performed his hit single Dancing2, with his other half, Abbie Chatfield, on stage, bopping along to the song.
The crowd went wild when the star of Wicked: For Good and People’s Sexiest Man Alive, Jonathan Bailey, made a surprise appearance, presenting the TikTok For Good award to Australian wildlife conservationist Josh Neille.
“Standing here tonight, I’m reminded that you don’t need magic to make a real difference. TikTok is known for creativity, humour, and entertainment but it’s also become a space where people take action, raise their voices, and lift up their communities. One video, one message, one spark of humanity can ripple outward and change lives,” Jonathan Bailey said.
Viral sensation Jude York performed his cover of ABBA’s Slipping Through My Fingers with his mother, which amassed over 47 million views, producing many sniffles from the crowd.
The atmosphere was boosted by the creators, musicians, sportstars, and celebrities who descended on the star-studded event, including Cody Simpson, Karl Stefanovic, Sarah Abo, Dylan Alcott, Nagi Maehashi, Courtney Act, Harry Garside, Midnight Til Morning, The Inspired Unemployed, Kat Clark, and Indy Clinton.
“What an incredible, sold-out celebration at the TikTok Entertainment Centre, broadcast live on Stan, and officially the biggest TikTok Awards in the world! This year’s winners have more than 38 million followers on TikTok combined and it’s a privilege to showcase our local creators to Australia and the world,” TikTok Australia and New Zealand’s head of content Simon Bates said.
Kiwi creators shone with Louis Davis named New Zealand Creator of the Year, Kiwi actor and filmmaker Theo Shakes winning the inaugural Entertainment Creator of the Year award, chef Andy Hearnden taking home Food Creator of the Year, and the multi-talented Lance Savali winning Music Artist of the Year.
Leah Halton (aka @looooooooch) took out Video of the Year for the second year running for her behind-the-scenes video boasting more than 150 million views, Business of the Year went to local fashion brand All for Mimi, owned by TikTok powerhouse Sophia Begg (aka @sophadophaa), and Sydney-based women’s health physiotherapist Heidi Barlow won the Learn on TikTok award. Fans can relive the action of the 2025 TikTok Awards via @tiktok_australia, on demand on Stan, or on 9Go! on December 4th.
The 2025 TikTok Award winners were:
Creator of the Year, presented by NESCAFÉ: Ilai Matangi (@havea_676)
Video of the Year, presented by Tinder: Leah Halton (@looooooooch)
TikTok for Good, presented by Wicked: For Good: Josh Neille (@josh_neille)
New Zealand Creator of the Year: Louis Davis (@louisdavis_)
Food Creator of the Year: Andy Hearnden (@andy_cooks)
Business of the Year, presented by HP: All For Mimi (@allformimi)
Sports and Fitness Creator of the Year, presented by EHP Labs: Hannah Pearson (@hannahhpearson)
Beauty and Fashion Creator of the Year, presented by Rimmel: Ellen Malone (@askellenbeauty)
Music Artist of the Year, presented by Uber Eats: Lance Savali (@lancesavali)
Entertainment Creator of the Year Award: Theo Shakes (@theoshakes)
Learn on TikTok: Heidi Barlow (@womenshealthwithheidi)
Comedy Creator of the Year: Liam Dowling and Ben Christopher (@nansfavourites)
LIVE Creator of the Year: Ūla (@ulaulaula)
High Quality Content Creator: Anthony Randello-Jahn (@thedonutdaddy)
