In a nation-defining event, Twisties Chicken has emerged victorious as Australia’s Official Twistie.
Following a nation-wide vote that left officials, onlookers, and long-time Twisties Cheese enthusiasts are stunned. This unexpected result capped off a month of vigorous campaigning by both Twisties Chicken and Twisties Cheese, each vying for the ultimate supremacy. The heated battle culminated in a celebratory gathering on Thursday, 27th June, where a monumental portrait by renowned artist Matt Adnate was unveiled. The Official Portrait features Twisties Chicken against Adnate’s signature abstract backdrop, a piece crafted under significant pressure not to look “too cheesy,” as Adnate quipped.
Marketing Manager Sam O’Donnell expressed relief at the conclusion of the long-standing debate: “The Chicken vs Cheese debate is one Australians know well; we’re relieved to have settled it once and for all. The most appropriate way to celebrate this iconic win was through an Official Portrait, and having one of Australia’s most famous portrait artists commemorate Twisties Chicken’s win is a suitably twisted way to end this campaign.” While the future home of the portrait is still undecided, O’Donnell hinted at a potential donation to the National Portrait Gallery, should they show interest.
The campaign was brought to life by high-profile endorsements from Robert Irwin and G Flip, with Robert championing Team Chicken and G Flip rallying support for Team Cheese. Throughout the campaign, familiar faces like Tanya Hennessy for Team Chicken and Matt Preston for Team Cheese played key roles, especially during the Democracy Twistie stand event at Bondi Beach. The nation responded with nearly 25,000 votes, decisively crowning Twisties Chicken with 55% of the vote over Twisties Cheese’s 45%, thus confirming Chicken as Australia’s Official Twistie.
The Archibald Prize is one of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious art awards, established in 1921 following a bequest from J.F. Archibald, the founding editor of The Bulletin magazine. This annual prize is awarded to the best portrait painting, “preferably of some man or woman distinguished in art, letters, science or politics,” and is administered by the Art Gallery of New South Wales. The Archibald Prize has showcased a diverse range of artistic styles and subjects over the years, becoming a significant highlight in the Australian cultural calendar. Renowned for both its artistic excellence and engaging controversy, it continually attracts submissions from both emerging and established artists, making it a noteworthy benchmark for contemporary Australian portraiture.
The Packing Room Prize is a special award associated with the Archibald Prize, bestowed by the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Unlike the main Archibald Prize, which is judged by an official panel, the Packing Room Prize is decided by the gallery’s staff who receive, unpack, and hang the entries. This unique perspective allows the staff, often considered the unsung heroes of the process, to have their say in the competition. Established in 1991, the award gives recognition to a standout portrait that maybe wouldn’t necessarily catch the judges’ eyes but has significant appeal to those who handle the artworks directly.