Drag performer Hannah Conda was crowned Entertainer of the Year at Sydney’s 2024 Drag Industry Variety Awards (DIVAs) on Monday night.
The DIVA Awards are an annual celebration of the local drag industry and were held at the UNSW Roundhouse in Kensington, where venue staff, DJs, drag artists and more gathered to honour each other’s work.
In a heartfelt acceptance speech, Conda – a beloved figure in Sydney’s drag community – reflected on her drag journey, highlighting the challenges and triumphs that have shaped her career.
“Well, I couldn’t win RuPaul’s Drag Race, but winning a DIVA is like…,” she began, before delving into her experiences on the international stage.
Conda emphasised the significance of celebrating Australia’s First Nations people, saying, “Without our First Nations folks, this country doesn’t exist. It always was and always will be Aboriginal land.”
Conda also candidly spoke about the personal struggles she faced, including a dark period. “The online space really took a number on me and, honestly, it nearly took my life,” she shared.
However, she found strength in the love of those around her, particularly her partner Jack.
Conda closed with a powerful message of unity: “Put aside your differences, be fabulous, shine your light so bright, and don’t let anybody ever tell you that you are not worth it.”
Awards including Entertainer of the Year, DIVA Rising Star and DIVA Show of the Year were decided by those within the industry. The public had a chance to vote in categories with the word “favourite” in them.
You can read the winners list below.
Entertainer of the Year:
Hannah Conda
DIVA Show of the Year:
Strip Tease – Universal (Darlinghurst) featuring Sia Tequila and Eli Crawford
DIVA Rising Star:
Space Horse
Sydney’s Favourite Venue:
The Imperial Erskineville (owned by Universal Group)
Sydney’s Favourite Drag Artist
Cassandra The Queen
Hall of Fame:
Minnie Cooper (the most awarded performer in the history of the DIVAs, with 25 of the awards)
Outstanding Technical Achievement in Costume or Wigs:
Wigged Out – Mynx Moscato (who was joined on stage by their business partner and actual partner KevinInTheCity).
Sydney’s Favourite Drag Show
Witches of Oz – Oxford Hotel (Darlinghurst) featuring Keira Billie, Champagne
Outstanding Technical Achievement in Artwork, Choreography, Lighting, or Sound Production:
Bettie Blackheart (for artwork, marketing and public relations)
Best DIVA Moment:
Ivy Leaguee – Never Enough, Club Broadway, Sydney Town Hall
Sydney’s Favourite Male Performer
Eli Crawford
Sydney’s Favourite Drag Hostess
Keira Billie
Sydney’s Favourite Pub Event:
Jackie Daniels Trivia!, The General Gordon (Sydenham), The Redfern Hotel (Redfern), Kinselas (Darlinghurst) – Jackie Daniels
Sydney’s Favourite DJ:
Shanie D
DIVA Community Award
Sarah Topaz (this award was described by DIVA host Candy Box as being for “someone in our community who’s done wonderful things, who’s entertained us, who we’ve seen all over town”)
Belle and Beau of the Ball:
Vanity and Adrian
Correction: there was once instance in this article where we misspelt Hannah Conda’s last name as Condra.
Ben Grubb is the founder and editor of Gay Sydney News, an independent publication covering LGBTQIA+ news. A journalist with more than 15 years' experience, he has reported and edited for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, WAToday, Brisbane Times, The Australian Financial Review, News.com.au, ZDNet, TelecomTimes and iTnews, primarily on the topic of technology. He previously hosted The Informer, a queer current affairs program on Melbourne’s JOY 94.9 radio station, and contributes to LGBTQIA+ media including Stun Magazine. Ben has also appeared as a technology commentator on Channel Ten's The Project, ABC RN’s Download This Show and commercial radio stations 2UE, 2GB and 6PR. Contact Ben: ben.grubb@gaysydneynews.com.au
