Director, show creator, playwright and actor Oscar Kightley, received the 2023 Television Legend award at the New Zealand Television Awards held in Auckland last night.
The Samoan-born actor has been instrumental in creating critically acclaimed, award-winning work and has been a key player in bringing Pasifika stories into New Zealand’s mainstream for over three decades.
New Zealand Television Awards committee member Adrian Stevanon says, “Oscar has pierced the glass ceiling for Pasifika storytellers working in the mainstream. In front of the camera, from comedy, sport, to drama and factual – his contribution has been massive.
He’s been a positive Pasifika presence on TV and has always represented the pacific community with pride. The massive impact that he has had in the television industry makes him truly worthy of receiving this award.”
The prestigious TV Legend Award is presented to a television professional, programme or organisation who has made a significant contribution to the television industry in New Zealand over the span of their career.
Also big winners on the night for the NZ On Air Best Pasifika Programme, Brutal Lives-Mo’ui Faingta’a: Season 2 by Kingston Productions Ltd/ The Coconet TV, and Best Supporting Actress went to Sesilia Pusiaki for Inky Pinky Ponky by Tikilounge Productions/The Coconet TV/Whakaata Māori.
