Thrills and spills at DIVA

Thrills and spills at DIVA

There were sequins, spills, and more sequins at the drag industry’s night of nights on Monday.

The 2012 DIVA Awards opened with a scorching  hot all-male dance performance by some of Sydney’s well known showboats, lead by dancer Rhys Bobridge, before Candy Box took to the stage as the event’s MC.

She was assisted by interstate drag sensations Polly Filla and Philma Bochs, from Melbourne, who handed out the eagerly anticipated top titles.

This year’s awards were held at the Entertainment Quarter inside Hoyts Cinemas, in what was billed as a tribute to Hollywood glamour. Box did not disappoint with her cat-eyed quips, keeping the audience entertained throughout the two-hour show.

Big winners on the night included Candy Box as Queen of Hearts, Minnie Cooper for Entertainer of the Year and Miss Congeniality in a tie with Christina Dior, while Vanessa Wagner was inducted into the DIVA Hall of Fame.

SEE MORE: Images from the night here.

“The amazing talent on stage performing was the highlight; to showcase five elements of different varieties of drag highlights the immense talent pool,” DIVA chair Greg Steele told the Star Observer.

Just before the first intermission, a sparkling Penny Clifford performed a moving tribute to those big names in the drag community who had passed away.

The Rising Star Award then went to Carmen Geddit; Kitty Glitter took Sydney’s Favourite DJ and the Midnight Shift won the Sydney’s Favourite Venue award. Aquatica won for Best Costumed Show of the Year.

The highlight of the event arguably went to the literally show-stopping moment when an elaborately dressed Mille Poppins took an on stage tumble and had to be assisted back to her feet.

This year’s Variety Award went to Trevor Ashley for Fat Swan, Most Popular Male Dancer went to Ripley Waters, Show of the Year to Aquatica at the Midnight Shift and Bitch of the year to Tora Hymen.

All up 17 awards were handed out in three categories, while four performances kept the crowd entertained.

Steele said next year’s venue was yet to be confirmed.

“No idea at this stage. All we know is we want DIVA to continue as a celebration of all that is amazing about drag In all of its forms,” he said.

“[I’d like to thank] all of our fabulous sponsors, performers, winners and supporters, the team at Bloodline production and our fabulous host Candy Box.”

Full list of winners:

Queen Of Hearts – Candy Box
Best Costumed Show – Aquatica
Miss Congeniality – Minnie Cooper & Christina Dior (tied)
Variety Award – Trevor Ashley, Fat Swan
Most Popular Male Performer – Ripley Waters
Most Popular Venue – The Midnight Shift
Sydney’s Favourite Drag Personality – Charisma Belle
Sydney’s Favourite DJ thanks to Red Bull – Kitty Glitter
Most Popular Show – The Priscilla Experience
Bitch Of The Year – Tora Hymen
Rising Star – Carmen Geddit
Hall Of Fame – Vanessa Wagner
Show of the Year – Aquatica
Technical Achievement – Nick Craven – Lighting
Entertainer of the Year – Minnie Cooper
DIVA Moment – Rhuma, Sooki, Ivy – I Look To Love at Marquee
Belle of the Ball – Millie Poppins

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