Deadly Awards 2004^[1] the awards were an annual celebration of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander achievement in music, sport, entertainment and community.

Music

• Most Promising New Talent in Music: Casey Donovan
• Single Release of the Year: Talk about love – Christine Anu
• Album Release of the Year: Djarridjarri (blue flag) – Saltwater Band
• Band of the Year: The Donovans
• Music Artist of the Year: Troy Cassar-Daley
• Jimmy Little Award for Lifetime Achievement in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Music: Mandawuy Yunupingu
• Excellence in Film & Theatrical Score: Archie Roach, Ruby Hunter and Paul Grabowsky – Ruby’s Story

Sport

• Most Promising New Talent in Sport: Brett Lee
• Outstanding Achievement in AFL: Gavin Wanganeen
• Outstanding Achievement in Rugby League: Amos Roberts
• Male Sportsperson of the Year: Joshua Ross
• Ella Award for Lifetime Achievement in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sport: Tony Mundine
• Female Sportsperson of the Year: Michelle Musselwhite

The arts

• Dancer of the Year: Jason Pitt
• Outstanding Achievement in Film and Television: Ernie Dingo
• Outstanding Achievement in Literature: Dr Larissa Behrendt
• Actor of the Year: David Gulpilil
• Visual Artist of the Year: Michael Riley

Community

• DEST Award for Outstanding Achievement in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education: Chris Sarra
• Outstanding Achievement in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health: Dr Ngaire Brown
• Broadcaster of the Year: Bevan Rankins, WAAMA 100.9fm