The 2025 winners of the Time Out Sydney Arts & Culture Awards, in partnership with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, have been revealed.
Now in their second year, the Time Out Arts & Culture Awards recognise the incredible creative talent working across Australia’s cultural landscape – from powerhouse performers and unforgettable exhibitions to bold new theatre – and encourage audiences to get out and experience the best of our cities.
A total of 16 Sydney Critics’ Choice and People’s Choice winners were crowned at an awards event at The International in Martin Place tonight (Monday, August 11), together with presenting partner the Sydney Symphony Orchestra (SSO), who treated guests to a special live performance.
The Melbourne iteration of the Awards were also held tonight, at Curious bar in the W Melbourne, with presenting partner the Australian Cultural Fund.
“Our cities have thriving performing and visual arts scenes that deserve to be spotlighted, and these awards are about celebrating the extraordinary people who keep them vibrant,” said Kaylie Smith, Managing Director of Time Out APAC.
Alexandra Barlow, SSO’s Head of Communications & Content, spoke about their involvement. “At the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, we are proud to support the Time Out Arts & Culture Awards, an initiative that champions the creativity, passion and diversity of Australia’s vibrant cultural scene.
“These awards celebrate not only excellence in performance, but also the communities that bring the arts to life. We believe in the power of music and the arts to inspire, connect and elevate, and we’re thrilled to be part of this celebration of artistic achievement in Sydney and beyond,” she added.
This year, awards for Favourite Dance Production, Live Music Venue and Classical Music Show were added in the mix.
Read on for the Sydney list of Critics’ Choice winners (decided by Time Out editors along with our stable of reviewers) and People’s Choice winners (as voted by the public).
SYDNEY WINNERS
CRITICS’ CHOICE CATEGORIES
Best Musical: Hadestown
Best Performance in a Musical: Vidya Makan in Hamilton
Best Play: Sistren
Best Performance in a Play: Zahra Newman in Dracula
Best Art Exhibition: Cao Fei: My City is Yours, AGNSW
Best Museum Exhibition: Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru, Australian Museum
Impact Award: Hayes Theatre Co
PEOPLE’S CHOICE CATEGORIES
Favourite Musical: Hadestown
Favourite Performance in a Musical: Debora Krizak in Annie
Favourite Play: RBG: Of Many, One
Favourite Performance in a Play: Heather Mitchell in RBG: Of Many, One
Favourite Dance Production: Illume, Bangarra Dance Theatre
Favourite Classical Music Show: Abel Selaocoe, ACO at Sydney Opera House
Favourite Live Music Venue: Enmore Theatre
Favourite Art Exhibition: Archibald Prize, AGNSW
Favourite Museum Exhibition: Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru, Australian Museum
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