Robbie Williams thanks drugs, ADHD, depression in show stealing speech

The ‘Robbie effect’ was in full force at the ACCTA Awards, with the pop superstar sharing a raw insight into his personal battles.

Robbie Williams has thanked “drugs, ADHD, depression, anxiety, dyslexia” and a raft of conditions and personal afflictions for making his celebrated film Better Man possible.

The ‘Robbie effect’ was fully visible at Friday’s Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards, where among a quality line up of Australian film and TV talent, Williams was the dominant figure.

Be it on the red carpet, on stage or in the media room, Williams’ presence was magnetic with the AACTAs all but becoming The Robbie Williams Show thanks to the force of his personality.

Industry crowds are notoriously hard to get a rise from – Williams however elicited a standing ovation for his performance of his classic song, Angels.

And when collecting the gong for Best Film, his raw insight into his personal battles was the moment of the night.

Robbie Williams was a magnetic presence at the AACTA Awards. Picture: Dan Peled

“I’d like to thank drugs, ADHD, depression, anxiety, dyslexia, dyscalculia, insomnia, dyspraxia, a lack of self-awareness, a lack of self-worth, a fear of social interaction, body dysmorphia, addiction, alcoholism, and a lower than average sized-penis – without which, none of this film would be possible,” Williams said.

Backstage after the win he elaborated on his “superpowers” on the list he read out.

“When you start off with all that, it is not fun,” he said.

“You spend the second twenty years of your life sorting out the first twenty years, but if you accept who you are and work with your – disabilities is not the right word – they do become superpowers.

“I have all of those things listed and I still do on a day-to-day basis and because of those things I have been able to do great things.

“If it wasn’t for how messy I am and how messy my internal dialogue is and how complicated it is existing between these two ears, I would not be where I am today, so I thank everything that has hindered me and I am truly grateful.”

Robbie Williams performs at the 2025 AACTA Awards. Picture: Mackenzie Sweetnam

A recent convert to AFL and a supporter of the Carlton Football Club, Williams found time for a quick chat side of stage with fellow Blues fan, Sam Pang.

Held on the Gold Coast, the AACTAs was a peculiar blend of film and TV stars and creatives mixed in with TikTokers, attention seekers, pretty fashion types looking for someone to snap them on media wall B (the one for non-celebrities), Qld-elebrities and Gold Coast celebrity royalty.

There was even a Donald Trump impersonator, complete with wig, red tie and horrendous orange fake tan making his way into the event with a ticket.

It was like the Australian entertainment industry had been scooped up and chucked in a Nutribullet to produce a weird yet oddly satisfying blend.