The cream of New Zealand's film and television industries were celebrated tonight at a glittering gala event in the Civic Theatre, Auckland.

More than 750 guests, including Prime Minister Hon John Key, witnessed 39 Qantas Film and Television Awards being presented across news and current affairs, general television, documentary, and film categories.

A further 22 category winners were presented with awards during yesterday's Qantas Film and Television Craft Awards lunch-time function.

Guests at tonight's gala event included film directors Niki Caro and Gaylene Preston, actors Karl Urban and Lucy Lawless, and other luminaries from the New Zealand film and television community, with entertainment provided by The Topp Twins.

New Zealand Television Broadcasters' Council chief executive and awards organising committee co-chair Rick Friesen paid tribute to the fantastic support the film and television industries have given to the awards.

"Tonight was a wonderful celebration of the achievements of the very best in our industries, and we're extremely grateful for the broad endorsement the Awards have received from throughout the film and television communities," Mr Friesen says.

"The creative industries represented here can be justly proud of their collective efforts - the standard of the winning entrants is up there with the very best in the world."

Screen Directors Guild of New Zealand executive director Anna Cahill congratulated all the winners of the awards, and praised the efforts of the judges.

"We received 639 entries across 61 categories for this year's awards and our panels of expert judges dedicated nearly 1000 hours to determining the winners," Ms Cahill says.

"The overwhelming feedback from them was that the standard of film and television being produced in New Zealand continues to rise."

Qantas regional general manager New Zealand and Pacific Grant Lilly also applauded the winners at this year's awards.

"Qantas is very proud to join with the New Zealand Television Broadcasters' Council and the Screen Directors Guild of New Zealand in recognising the best and brightest of New Zealand's creative industries. I congratulate not only the winners, but all the finalists, for their contribution to ensuring New Zealand continues to have thriving film and television industries."