Held at the newly minted TikTok Entertainment Centre in Sydney last night (November 26th), the 2025 TikTok Awards were a solid hit, made even bigger when “Wicked” star and People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive, Jonathan Bailey, made a surprise appearance.
Making it the biggest TikTok Awards event in the world, over 5,000 people filled the TikTok Entertainment Centre (ICC Sydney Theatre) with millions more tuning in live on TikTok and Stan. The electric atmosphere was boosted by the creators, musicians, sport stars, 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,” said Simon Bates, head of content for TikTok Australia and New Zealand.
Jonathan Bailey made his guest appearance to present the TikTok For Good award to Australian wildlife conservationist Josh Neille, alongside host Sophie Monk.
“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,” Bailey said on stage.
@universalpicsanz surprise @TikTok Australia #JonathanBailey presents #ForGood award to @josh_neille #WickedForGood @Sophie Monk ♬ original sound – Universal Pics ANZ
Elsewhere, Ilai Matangi (known as Havea676) won Creator of the Year, Louis David won NZ Creator of the Year, Kiwi actor and filmmaker Theo Shakes took home the inaugural Entertainment Creator of the Year award, chef Andy Hearnden was named Food Creator of the Year, and the multi-talented Lance Savali won Music Artist of the Year.
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Leah Halton 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 (known as sophadophaa), and Sydney-based women’s health physiotherapist Heidi Barlow won the Learn on TikTok award.
The night’s performances saw Keli Holiday perform his hit “Dancing2”, while Jude York was joined by his mum for his heart-wrenching rendition of ABBA’s “Slipping Through My Fingers”.