[1][2] The event was hosted by Australian actor–comedian Paul McDermott, with presenters Elle McFeast, Kylie Minogue, Ben Folds, Colin Buchanan, the Presidents of the United States of America and others.
[1][4] The event included musical performances by Ben Folds Five, the Presidents of the United States of America and Kylie Minogue.
[5] Crowded House, who won Highest Selling Album for their greatest hits compilation, Recurring Dream, reunited the year after breaking up.
They commemorated Paul Kelly's induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame by performing his song "Leaps and Bounds".
Various international and Australian entertainers presented awards to the winners including Australian Elle McFeast (who was nominated for Best Comedy Release), Ben Folds, Kylie Minogue and Chris Ballew, Dave Dederer and Jason Finn of the Presidents of the United States of America.