Awards

ONZM Citation

"Mr. Michael Eric Hurst of Grey Lynn for services to film and the theatre.

Since beginning his theatrical career thirty years ago, Mr. Hurst has been an actor, director, producer, singer, writer, voice actor, fight choreographer, celebrity debater, and master of ceremonies. He has appeared on film, television, radio, theatre, and live performance with over 100 roles to his credit. He has also directed some forty plays, including Macbeth, Hamlet, Othello, and Jesus Christ Superstar. He is especially well known for his work on Hercules and Xena where his contribution was recognized by a Best Supporting Television Actor Award in 1997. He has taught at Performing Arts School, the Public Works Performing Arts Centre, New Zealand Drama School, University of Auckland, and School of Performing and Screen Arts. Mr. Hurst contributes greatly to New Zealand charities and causes including libraries, cerebral palsy, child cancer, and Youthline."

  
2008 Best Director, Metro Best of Auckland 2008
   
2007

Named a New Zealand Entertainer of the Year, New Zealand Herald

   
2005

Best New Zealand Actor, 2005 Metro Readers' Poll

Appointment as Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit "for services to film and the theatre"
   
2003 Laureate Award, Arts Foundation of New Zealand
   
1999

Best Director, Comedy, Television, New Zealand TV Guide Awards, for Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, " . . . And Fancy Free"
   
1997

Best Supporting Actor, Television, New Zealand Film and Television Awards, for Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, ‘Iolaus’

Earphone Award, AudioFile Magazine, for Enchanted Tales, Volume 3: Hercules
   
1995 Finalist, Best Actor in a Dramatic Role, New Zealand Film and Television Awards, for Typhon's People
   
1975

Best Film, New Zealand Amateur Filmmakers Association, A Silent Welcome (co-director, writer, solo actor), 8mm film

Winner, BBC Animated Films Competition, New Zealand division, The Imaginary Zoo (co-worker), 8mm film