History made as first photographer joins ranks of Lifetime Achievers at ASC Media Awards
Phil Hillyard, whose images have chronicled the iconic moments in Australian sport for decades, has made history by becoming the first photographer to be named a recipient of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the 24th Australian Sports Commission (ASC) Media Awards.
Phil Hillyard, whose images have chronicled the iconic moments in Australian sport for decades, has made history by becoming the first photographer to be named a recipient of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the 24th Australian Sports Commission (ASC) Media Awards.
Hillyard was announced as the 2025 inductee by ASC Chair Kate Jenkins AO at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Monday night, a venue where he has taken some of his most memorable photographs.
More than 200 guests and award finalists, along with many of his Lifetime Achievement Award alumni, were on hand for the announcement, while Hillyard was congratulated in a special video tribute by some of his favourite subjects including Steve Waugh, Adam Goodes, Cate Campbell and James Tedesco.
“I have been incredibly lucky, lucky to have found something that I love, lucky to have people who backed me,” Hillyard said.
“I’ve never kicked a goal, I’ve never made a century. But I’ve had the best seat in the house and for that, I’m forever grateful.”
Hillyard began as a copy boy with the Adelaide News in 1988 before climbing through the ranks to become one of the most decorated sports photographers in Australia.
His career has seen him travel the world, covering the Australian cricket team, multiple Olympic and Commonwealth Games and more than 30 NRL and AFL Grand Finals.
This accolade is the latest in a long list that has included nine Walkey Awards and twice being named Australian Press Photographer of the Year.
“Phil blends an incredible news sense with artistry, anticipation and the ability to find the human story amid the chaos and unpredictability of elite sport,” Jenkins said.
“Whether it be a perfectly lit portrait or scampering down the sidelines to ensure he is in the right place at the right time to always get the shot, his images have transcended the moment to become touchstones on our collective sporting journey.”
Hillyard’s award capped off a remarkable evening that brought together the cream of Australia’s sports journalists, broadcasters, content creators and storytellers.
It was a milestone night for Jessica Halloran, who took home two awards; one for her co-directorial debut for Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story, and another in collaboration with Stephen Rice in The Australian for Best Reporting of an Issue in Sport, which shone a light on the abuse of athletes, including Olympic gold medallist Nina Kennedy, by pole vault coach Alex Parnov.
Peter Badel from The Courier-Mail claimed one of the major awards after being named the winner of Best Sport Coverage by an Individual – Written, with 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award winner Bruce McAvaney OAM winning the equivalent in the broadcast category for his work across Seven and SBS.
The ABC, Nine, Geelong Advertiser and Newcastle Herald were amongst other outlets to take out awards throughout the night.
Full list of winners at the 2025 ASC Media Awards
Best sports documentary Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story - In Films / Nine Network
Best sport coverage by an individual – written Peter Badel – The Courier Mail
Best coverage of sport for people with disability Elizabeth Wright – ABC Highly Commended - The Periscope Crew, Everywhere
Best coverage of a sporting event Seven Network - Bathurst 1000
Best coverage of sport by a club or organisation Box Hill Hawks - 2025 VFL season
Best depiction of inclusive sport Vicki Schwarz - Nine News Adelaide
Best sport podcast In The Beginning - Liam Flanagan and Courtney Atkinson Highly Commended - The Back Court, Netball Australia
Best sport coverage by an individual – broadcast Bruce McAvaney - Seven Network / SBS
Best reporting of an issue in sport Jessica Halloran and Stephen Rice - The Australian
Best sport profile - written Andrew Webster - The Australian
Best coverage of local and community sport James Gardiner - Newcastle Herald
Best sports photography Martin Keep, AFP - All eyes on Gout Gout
Rising Star Award Dan Batten - Geelong Advertiser
Lifetime Achievement Award Phil Hillyard