The award was presented by Martin, who said he was honoured to be recognised with the tribute, adding he had never seen journalism more under siege than it is today.
Gold Logie nominee Langdon, who hosts Nine's A Current Affair, thanked the media veteran for his service to news in Australia.
"I think for a lot of us in this industry, you are a big part of why we got into it. Thank you so much for just showing and being that guiding light," Langdon said.
Tennis star Jelena Dokic earlier delivered an emotional acceptance speech after winning the Logie for Best Factual or Documentary Program for Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story.
Based on her book of the same name, the powerful documentary traces Dokic's journey from refugee to tennis champion, while confronting the trauma of her abusive relationship with her father.
"This is not about winning. This is about a win for victims and survivors, especially of domestic violence and mental health," she said.
"To not just to have heard but for them to reclaim their life, to find their voice and not just survive but to thrive."
Travel Guides claimed its fourth Logie, taking out the award for Best Lifestyle Program and solidifying its place as a fan favourite.
Family favourite LEGO Masters was named Best Competition Reality Program.
Host and reluctant Gold Logie nominee Hamish Blake was elated by the win, joking that this one was "OK to win".
"This is fine because it is a team effort, team show," he said.
New Zealand comedian and Guy Mont Spelling Bee host Guy Montgomery won the coveted Graham Kennedy Award for Most Popular New Talent.
Comedian and actor Magda Szubanski is being inducted into the Logies Hall of Fame, recognising almost 40 years of contributions to the industry.
The announcement comes just months after the Kath & Kim star revealed her stage four blood cancer diagnosis.
Iconic rocker Jimmy Barnes earlier kicked off the night in true working-class style with a powerhouse performance.
The star-studded crowd was on its feet early, fired up by Barnes' performance of his hit Working Class Man, before settling in for opening remarks from returning host Sam Pang.
Pang, hosting for the third consecutive year, didn't miss a beat.
"It's inspiring that with the world in as much turmoil as it is right now, that we as an industry have not wavered in our commitment and bravery in coming together tonight to honour ourselves," he said.
He went on to congratulate and roast each nominee for the coveted Gold Logie and some of the commercial networks' biggest stars - from The Voice host Sonia Kruger to 20-year Today Show veteran Karl Stefanovic and former talk show queen Kerri-Anne Kennerley.
Larry Emdur, who won the Gold Logie in 2024, wasn't spared either, with Pang cheekily noting the presenter's absence from this year's nominee list.
Seven's The Voice took out the first award of the night, winning Best Entertainment Program.
Seven TV personalities are vying for the Gold Logie - 2023 winner Sonia Kruger, Ten's I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here! host Julia Morris, ABC's Lisa Millar, Lynne McGranger from Home and Away, MasterChef Australia's Poh Ling Yeow, A Current Affair host Ally Langdon and two-time Gold Logie winner Hamish Blake, host of Lego Masters.
Home and Away favourite McGranger is widely tipped to take out the top honour, as women dominated the nominations for the coveted Gold Logie.
This year marks a milestone for the actress, who stepped away from her legacy role as Irene Roberts in March.
The star glowed as she walked the carpet, hand-in-hand with her daughter Clancy.
The red carpet was graced by Bandit and Chilli, stars of the beloved children's cartoon Bluey.
The two-time Logie-winning series was an early winner, taking the Logie for the Best Children's Program.
The 65th Logie Awards are being broadcast on the Seven Network.
6°C