Applauding Working Dog’s montage, and speech, for the Longford Lyell Award. Very deserving.
They should have shown Best Miniseries Boy Swallows World and Best Children’s Bluey.
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ROBBIE WILLIAMS, HENRY CAVILL, PHOEBE TONKIN, TERESA PALMER & KITTY FLANAGAN WALK THE STAR-STUDDED CARPET FOR THE 2025 AACTA AWARDS HOSTED BY RUSSELL CROWE
Australia’s best screen talent flocked to the Gold Coast for the 2025 AACTA Awards presented by Foxtel Group and hosted by AACTA President Russell Crowe. The night featured performances by British music icon Robbie Williams, who took to the AACTA stage to perform his chart-topping hit, Angels as well as Australian music legend Paul Kelly who performed his iconic song How to Make Gravy.
The star-studded ceremony featured an impressive lineup of presenters, including Henry Cavill, Kitty Flanagan, Dr. George Miller, Sam Pang, Kate Mulvany, Guy Pearce, Anne Edmonds, Aisha Dee, Alycia Debnam-Carey, David Wenham, Asher Keddie, Teresa Palmer, Stephen Curry, Ed Kavalee, Aaron Chen, Lisa McCune, Tom Gleeson, Shane Jacobson, Catherine Martin, Guy Montgomery, Mel Tracina, Tim McDonald, Richard Wilkins, Leah Purcell, Sophie Monk and Catherine Laga’aia.
Boy Swallows Universe was the big winner of the night,picking up an additional six awards, bringing them to a total of 12 AACTA Award wins following Wednesday nights AACTA Industry Awards Gala. The Netflix miniseries captivated audiences with its poignant storytelling, earning Best Miniseries, Best Screenplay in Television for John Collee, and the suite of all four television acting honours, including Best Lead Actor in a Drama Presented by Binge for Felix Cameron, Best Lead Actress in a Drama Presented by Binge for Phoebe Tonkin, and supporting actor and actress wins for Lee Tiger Halley and Deborah Mailman respectively.
Heartbreak High was awarded Best Drama Series, Fisk shone with Kitty Flanagan winning Best Acting in a Comedy and the series also taking home Best Narrative Comedy Series. Hard Quiz maintained its beloved status in Australian entertainment, winning Best Comedy Entertainment Program. Bluey , the global sensation, once again took home Best Children’s Program.
Robbie Williams biopic, Better Man, picked up four AACTA Awards including Best Film, Best Direction in Film for Michael Gracey bringing their total to nine AACTA Awards. This year marks a historic first for AACTA, with motion-capture performances and voice acting included in the Acting categories. Jonno Davies earnt recognition for his compelling portrayal of the motion-capture monkey in Better Man . Damon Herriman added to his AACTA Awards collection winning his 4th trophy for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Better Man.
Meanwhile, Jacki Weaver and Sarah Snook took home Best Supporting Actress and Best Lead Actress respectively for their work in Memoir of a Snail , celebrating the artistry of voice acting. In the documentary space, Gracie Otto’s Otto by Otto earned the award for Best Documentary, with its intimate storytelling and cultural resonance marking another achievement for Australian non-fiction cinema.
The 2025 AACTA Audience Choice Award winners were also announced with Netflix’s Outer Banks crowned Australia’s Favourite TV Show with Wicked winning Favourite Film. Margot Robbie claimed the title of Favourite Australian Actress for the second year in a row, and Chris Hemsworth won Favourite Actor. Robert Irwin was recognised as Australia’s Favourite Media Personality, and social media star Bridey Drake took to the stage to receive the award for Favourite Digital Creator.
For a full list of AACTA Awards winners, click here.
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It actually ended up being a good telecast. Most awards were shown. Speeches appeared to be short and well received. And many deserving winners - in both television and film categories.
Russell Crowe as host was great. Short appearances from him - opener, mid show and the end. Nice and simple.
Sam Neil and Bryan Brown worked well together to announce Best Actor and Best Actress in a film.
Only major downer was Felicity Ward’s so call sketches throughout the show. Was not needed. And it wasn’t funny.
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I’m assuming Postcards from the Gold Coast was product placement for Gold Coast tourism. It wasn’t specified but if it wasn’t, it was certainly a waste of time.
Apart from the awards I mentioned earlier, that should have been shown, they did show all the important ones in the edit.
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Boy Swallows Universe 
Thoroughly deserved once again! Can’t not love Felix Cameron, and Lee Tiger Halley too.
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ABC recognised for screen excellence with 13 AACTA Awards
The ABC shone brightly among the biggest names in Australian film and television last night winning 13 AACTA Awards, including two each to standout performers Fisk, Bluey, Hard Quiz and Muster Dogs.
Fisk took home Best Narrative Comedy Series, while its star and creator Kitty Flanagan claimed Best Acting in a Comedy. This marks her second AACTA win for Best Comedy Performer, following her 2021 triumph. The recognition caps off an outstanding past year for Fisk, which set a new benchmark on ABC iview for the most-watched non-kids episode of all time (Season 3, Episode 1).
Tom Gleeson and Hard Quiz continued their golden run with Tom winning Best Comedy Performer and Hard Quiz securing Best Comedy Entertainment Program.
Bluey , recently crowned the most-streamed program in the US in 2024, was named Best Children’s Program. The category featured almost all ABC programs, with Hard Quiz Kids, Little J & Big Cuz, Play School: Big Ted’s Time Machine, Spooky Files all nominated. Bluey also secured the Best Original Score in Television award.
Muster Dogs won Best Factual Entertainment Program and Best Direction in Nonfiction Television (Episode 3 – Sally Browning, Monica O’Brien).
Other ABC winners were Miriam Margolyes Impossibly Australian (best documentary or factual program), Spicks and Specks won the best Entertainment program, Grand Designs Australia was recognised as best Lifestyle program, Ladies in Black – Episode 2 won Best Costume Design in Television (Marion Boyce) and Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line took out Best Editing in a Documentary (Gretchen Peterson).
ABC Acting Director, Content Jennifer Collins said: "Congratulations to all ABC winners and our production partners for their outstanding work. These awards reflect the range of world-class content the ABC delivers across so many genres, setting the creative bar high and making programs that truly matter. We’re incredibly proud to bring these award-winning programs to Australian audiences.”
ABC 2025 AACTA Award Winners
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Best Narrative Comedy Series: Fisk – Nicole Minchin, Kitty Flanagan, Vincent Sheehan, Tom Peterson – Origma 45 (ABC)
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Best Acting in a Comedy: Kitty Flanagan – Fisk
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Best Children’s Program: Bluey – Joe Brumm, Charlie Aspinwall, Daley Pearson, Sam Moor – Ludo Studio (ABC)
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Best Comedy Entertainment Program: Hard Quiz – Chris Walker, Kevin Whyte, Tom Gleeson, John Tabbagh – Thinkative Television and ABC (ABC)
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Best Factual Entertainment Program: Muster Dogs – Monica O’Brien, Michael Boughen, John Unwin, Matthew Street, Jo Chichester, Rachel Robinson – Ambience Entertainment Pty Ltd (ABC)
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Best Comedy Performer:: Tom Gleeson – Hard Quiz
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Best Lifestyle Program: Grand Designs Australia – Brooke Bayvel, Michael Collett – Fremantle Australia (ABC)
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Best Costume Design in Television: Ladies in Black – Episode 2 – Marion Boyce
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Best Direction in Nonfiction Television: Muster Dogs – Episode 3 – Sally Browning, Monica O’Brien
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Best Documentary or Factual Program: Miriam Margolyes Impossibly Australian – Jo Siddiqui, Helen Barrow, Paulo Vivan, Laurie Critchley, Julie HannaJo Siddiqui – Southern Pictures Pty Ltd (ABC)
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Best Entertainment Program: Spicks and Specks – Rowdie Walden, Michiko Smith, Anthony Watt – ABC (ABC)
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Best Original Score in Television: Bluey – Episode 2 – Joff Bush, Daniel O’Brien, Jazz Darcy, Joseph Twist
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Best Editing in a Documentary - Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line – Gretchen Peterson
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Agreed. I really enjoyed it.
I recorded the awards last night and watched it this afternoon (so I would not miss the encores of Australian Idol). It was a great event.
It was a shame that some of the category winners were not at the awards.
Robbie Williams’ speech for Better Man named best film was funny.
For the categories which were not shown on 10 last night, you can see them now on AACTA’s YouTube channel.
EDIT: also notice that there was no presentation of AACTA International Awards last night. Last year the awards were given out during the main awards ceremony, with Margot Robbie in attendance.
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Good. They are unnecessary and nobody cares about them.
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Winners Announced for the 14th International AACTA Awards
ZOE SALDAÑA, NICOLE KIDMAN AND GUY PEARCE AMONG WINNERS FOR THE 2025 AACTA INTERNATIONAL AWARDS
The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) gave top awards to Oscar® frontrunners Zoe Saldaña, Guy Pearce and “A Real Pain” during the 14th AACTA International Awards, celebrating the best in global film and television.
Nicole Kidman won Best Lead Actress for her role in the global sensation “Babygirl” taking her to a total of four AACTA International Award wins. Zoe Saldaña continued her awards momentum, earning Best Supporting Actress for her captivating role in “Emilia Pérez”—a performance that has already garnered her a Golden Globe.
Guy Pearce added another accolade to his celebrated career, winning Best Supporting Actor for his compelling performance in “The Brutalist . ”His recognition at AACTA adds a boost to his Academy Award® campaign for his striking performance. In the Best Lead Actor category, legendary British performer Ralph Fiennes took home the award for his commanding role in “Conclave,” for which he is also competing for an Oscar
“Better Man,” the biopic inspired by the life of Robbie Williams , secured two wins from its six nominations, demonstrating the film’s international appeal. The film claimed Best Film, while Australian director Michael Gracey (“The Greatest Showman”) was honoured with the AACTA International Award for Best Direction in Film. These international accolades add to “Better Man’s” remarkable sweep at the AACTA Awards Ceremony and Industry Gala, where it took home nine prestigious awards, including Best Film and Best Direction in a Film.
Rounding out the film awards, Jesse Eisenberg picked up the AACTA International Award for Best Screenplay for “A Real Pain,” adding to the Oscar momentum for the film in the “Best Original Screenplay” category.
Television Triumphs
In television*, “Shōgun”* continued its dominance, winning Best Drama Series, while “The Bear” cemented its place as a standout program, taking home Best Comedy Series.
Comedy legend Larry David earned the AACTA International Award for Best Actor in a Series for his final season of “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” proving his enduring impact on television.
Elizabeth Debicki secured the AACTA International Award for Best Actress in a Series for her acclaimed portrayal of Princess Diana in “The Crown.” Following her Golden Globe and Emmy wins last year, Debicki’s performance continues to earn international recognition, solidifying her as a powerhouse in the industry.
This year’s AACTA International Awards highlight the strength and diversity of storytelling across the globe, while reaffirming Australia’s place as a powerhouse in the entertainment industry.
14th AACTA INTERNATIONAL AWARDS - FILM
- AACTA International Award for Best Film: Better Man
- AACTA International Award for Best Direction in Film: Michael Gracey (Better Man)
- AACTA International Award for Best Screenplay in Film: Jesse Eisenberg (A Real Pain)
- AACTA International Award for Best Lead Actor in Film: Ralph Fiennes (Conclave)
- AACTA International Award for Best Lead Actress in Film: Nicole Kidman (Babygirl)
- AACTA International Award for Best Supporting Actor in Film: Guy Pearce (The Brutalist)
- AACTA International Award for Best Supporting Actress in Film: Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez)
14th AACTA INTERNATIONAL AWARDS - TELEVISION
- AACTA International Award for Best Drama Series: Shōgun
- AACTA International Award for Best Comedy Series: The Bear
- AACTA International Award for Best Actor in a Series: Larry David (Curb Your Enthusiasm)
- AACTA International Award for Best Actress in a Series: Elizabeth Debicki (The Crown)
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AACTA Festival Returns to the Gold Coast in February 2026
AACTA Festival, Australia’s largest celebration of screen culture, and the AACTA Awards presented by Foxtel Group will return to the HOTA, Home of the Arts, Gold Coast from 4–8 February 2026.
Now in its third year, AACTA Festival 2026 will celebrate the talent and diversity of the Australian screen industry and its practitioners. AACTA Festival presents five days of programming spotlighting the very best of Australia’s screen talent, productions, and industry voices. With over 100 events to be announced later this year, AACTA Festival 2026 will once again bring together screen fans, creators, professionals, and emerging talent from across the country.
AACTA Festival opens on Wednesday 4 February with the AACTA Awards Industry Gala , followed by the AACTA Industry Conference Day on Thursday 5 February - a dedicated program for professionals to connect, collaborate, network and hear from major stakeholders shaping the future of the Australian screen industry.
The AACTA Awards Ceremony presented by Foxtel Group will be held on Friday 6 February, celebrating the year’s outstanding achievements in film, television, and online storytelling. Across the weekend (7 - 8 February), AACTA Festival continues with screenings, premieres, outdoor events, masterclasses, and the return of the popular AACTA Screen Careers Expo on Saturday 7 February, empowering the next generation of screen professionals.
Expressions of interest are now open for the 2026 Festival, with AACTA welcoming submissions for event ideas, ambassador nominations, expo exhibitors, moderators, partners, and more. To register your interest or find out more, head to aactafestival.com.
The 2026 AACTA Awards Season is also underway, with viewing now open for the AACTA Award for Best Short Film – celebrating some of the most innovative voices in Australian storytelling and recognising the artistry and craft of short-form filmmaking. AACTA Members are encouraged to begin watching the entries ahead of voting.
AFI Chair Jack Christian said, “We’re thrilled to return to the Gold Coast for the 2026 AACTA Festival. The Festival has become a cornerstone of the national screen calendar, creating meaningful opportunities for industry connection and collaboration. It’s a rare and valuable moment to bring people together from across the country to engage in focused conversations and celebrate our collective achievements, while continuing to lead the way in building audiences for Australian screen content.
Alongside the Festival, the AACTA Awards remain an iconic platform for recognising excellence in film, television and online production. Each year, we see the standard of storytelling and craft rise, and the Awards continue to play a pivotal role in showcasing the impact and reach of Australian screen culture both nationally and internationally. We’re proud to continue that tradition on the Gold Coast in 2026.”
Queensland Minister for Tourism, Andrew Powell said “The AACTA Awards will once again bring glitz and glamour to the Gold Coast in 2026, shining an international spotlight on Queensland destinations and visitor experiences. This dazzling event never fails to attract a star-studded line up of the screen industry’s best talent, and is expected to generate an estimated $4.85 million for the local economy across the five-day festival.”
“We’re proud to welcome the AACTA Awards and Festival back to the Gold Coast in 2026, and celebrate Australia’s best in film, television and digital storytelling,” said Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate.
“We can’t wait to host industry leaders, creators and fans for another inspiring week at HOTA, Home of the Arts, where art, culture, entertainment and lifestyle meet.”
Queensland Minister for the Arts, John-Paul Langbroek said that “The Crisafulli Government is committed to building a thriving screen sector in Queensland and the AACTA Awards and Festival is an absolute highlight of our state’s screen culture calendar.
“We are proud to back the ongoing growth of the AACTAs and I encourage filmmakers and fans to soak up everything on offer at the Gold Coast in February—from celebrating the best in local and Australian screen production to exploring new career paths at the expo.”
Foxtel Group CEO, Patrick Delany, said: “As we proudly enter our eleventh year as presenting partner of the AACTA Awards, Foxtel Group is delighted to return to the Gold Coast’s Home of the Arts to celebrate another year of outstanding Australian storytelling.
“For nearly three decades, Foxtel Group has delivered bold, culturally significant, and world-class original productions. Our commitment to sharing stories that matter and supporting Australia’s vibrant screen industry remains as strong as ever.”
Whether you are a film fan, a budding creative, a pop culture enthusiast, or a dedicated industry professional, AACTA Festival offers a unique opportunity to network, learn, and revel in the magic of film and television.
Upcoming Key Dates:
Location: HOTA, Home of the Arts - Gold Coast
AACTA Festival: Wednesday 4 February – Sunday 8 February
AACTA Awards Industry Gala: Wednesday 4 February 2026
AACTA Festival Industry Conference Day: Thursday 5 February 2026
AACTA Awards Ceremony presented by Foxtel Group & Official After Party: Friday 6 February 2026
AACTA Screen Careers Expo: Saturday 7 February 2026
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Nominees Announced for the 2026 AACTA Award for Best Short Film
The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) today announced the nominees for the 2026 AACTA Award for Best Short Film, with the announcement taking place at the Port Shorts Film Festival in Port Douglas, Queensland.
The AACTA Award for Best Short Film celebrates Australia’s most compelling, self-contained fictional live action or animated films under 40 minutes. With a record breaking field of over 130 short films considered, and in a first for the category, there are 8 nominees vying for the coveted accolade this year. The nominees reflect a diverse and powerful cross-section of stories and styles from across the country.
AACTA’s Awards and Industry Development Manager Ivan Vukusic said: “This year we saw a renewed interest and energy in the short film category and our screen agencies should be applauded for reinvigorating their support for this important format. With the record breaking size of the field in mind and the wealth of diverse styles recognised by our members in what was a closely fought contest, we’ve extended our nominees to 8 this year. It’s an incredible mix of form and perspectives, and we’ve been encouraged to see ambitious films from bold new voices resonating with our members. Our thanks to the Port Shorts Film Festival for providing a unique and beautiful setting for this year’s announcement”.
The 2026 nominees for the AACTA Award for Best Short Film are:
- Beyond Measure (David Ferrier)
- Dependent (Julian Maroun, Marcus Fredrick Khoudair, Joseph Chebatte, Emma Elias)
- DIY (Tony Gardiner, Lachlan Marks)
- Don’t Ignore Me (Raymond Mendez, Charli Fletcher, Rosangela Fasano, Bianca Kean)
- I’m The Most Racist Person I Know (Leela Varghese, Suriyna Sivashanker, Leigh Marsh, Shabana Azeez)
- Red River Cowboy (Grace Wriggles)
- The Shirt Off Your Back (Julia Corcoran, Ari Harrison, David Robinson-Smith)
- Writers in Love (Sarah Giles, Grace Malouf, Jacqueline Kerwick)
From deeply personal explorations of grief and resilience to bold, imaginative storytelling that pushes the boundaries of form, and featuring both familiar faces and emerging filmmakers making their mark, this year’s nominees showcase the full spectrum of creativity driving Australia’s short film industry.
The nominees were selected by AACTA Members, Australia’s largest community of screen professionals. The full list of 2026 AACTA Award nominees will be revealed later this year. Round 2 voting will begin December 6 and will determine the winners of the 2026 AACTA Awards.
The winner of the AACTA Award for Best Short Film will be announced at AACTA Festival, Australia’s largest celebration of screen culture, which returns to HOTA, Home of the Arts, Gold Coast from 4 - 8 February.
Now in its third year, AACTA Festival 2026 will celebrate the talent and diversity of the Australian screen industry and its practitioners. AACTA Festival presents five days of programming spotlighting the very best of Australia’s screen talent, productions, and industry voices. With over 100 events to be announced later this year, AACTA Festival 2026 will once again bring together screen fans, creators, professionals, and emerging talent from across the country.
AACTA Festival Line Up Revealed
AACTA Announce Blockbuster Line-Up for 2026 AACTA Festival & Awards as Gold Coast Secures Hosting Rights Through 2028
The Gold Coast is set to shine even brighter in February 2026 as AACTA Festival, including the AACTA Awards presented by Foxtel Group, return to HOTA with a powerhouse program featuring internationally acclaimed filmmakers and storytellers including: Anna Torv, Baz Luhrmann, Bruce Beresford, Chloe Hayden, Thomas Keneally, David Michôd, David Williamson, Emma Freeman, Fred Schepisi, John Seale, Josh Heuston, Mandy Walker, Michael Robotham, Phoebe Tonkin, Shabana Azeez, Tony McNamara - joining over 300 other on-stage participants across 100+ events.
Today’s announcement honoured Australian screen icons, Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin , who were announced as official ambassadors for the Australian Academy, supporting Russell Crowe (President), Nicole Kidman (Vice President), Cate Blanchett (Ambassador) and Dr. George Miller (Patron).
Baz Luhrmann added “Catherine Martin and I have been connected to AFI/AACTA for over 35 years, since Strictly Ballroom won multiple AFI awards, including Best Film. Many more have followed since, but no form of recognition feels as meaningful as to be celebrated by our peers at home. That’s why we are honored to be named ambassadors of AACTA, an organization that does so much to celebrate Australian storytellers and the stories we tell, elevating them on the world stage and lifting up new generations of Australian talent, not just through the Awards, but now through the brilliant AACTA Festival, returning to the Gold Coast in February, bigger than ever. It’s especially fitting, given the Gold Coast has been our inspiring creative home for the past few years, that we will be holding the Australian premiere of EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert at the AACTA festival. It’s not a documentary, it’s not a concert film, it’s EPiC. And so will be the AACTA Festival right here at HOTA on the Gold Coast! Looking forward to seeing you there.”
AACTA also announced a major partnership extension that will see the AACTA Awards and Festival continue to grow in scale and ambition, with the Queensland Government and Experience Gold Coast renewing their commitment to host the events on the Gold Coast through to 2028, coinciding with the historic 70th anniversary of AFI | AACTA.
This significant development cements the future of Australia’s premier screen celebration, ensuring the Awards and Festival returns bigger and better each year, shining a global spotlight on Australian talent, creativity, and innovation across film, television, and digital entertainment.
Queensland Minister for Education and Arts John-Paul Langbroek and Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate , represented the state and city, with Queensland Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Andrew Powell, stating that retaining the AACTA Awards on the Gold Coast through to 2028 was a coup for the state.
“The AACTA Awards and accompanying festival are pivotal in elevating Queensland’s standing within the screen industry while amplifying its global profile,” Minister Powell said.
“This celebration of Australian film and television is expected to deliver a $4.85 million boost to the state’s economy in 2026 and shine a spotlight on the Gold Coast during the internationally recognised awards season.
“We are determined to make Queensland the events capital of Australia, and this is another example of delivery from our ambitious Destination 2045 20 year tourism plan.”.
Running 4 - 8 February 2026, AACTA Festival transforms HOTA, Home of the Arts, into a five-day hub of immersive screen culture, attracting over 15,000 visitors and 300 on-stage participants across 100+ events. From in-depth movie deconstructions, global premieres, interactive workshops, talent meet-and-greets, music showcases, masterclasses with renowned filmmakers, outdoor screenings, and a variety of family-friendly activities. The Festival, including the Screen Careers Expo, offers an unmissable program for screen lovers, emerging creatives, and industry leaders alike.
Queensland’s Screen Future
The Queensland Government has reaffirmed its commitment to Australia’s screen industry, announcing a two-year extension of its partnership with AACTA to host the AACTA Awards and AACTA Festival on the Gold Coast through to 2028.
This continued investment strengthens Queensland’s position as a world-class screen destination and creative hub, supporting jobs, local businesses, and the growth of Australia’s film and television sectors. With the AACTA Awards and Festival cemented on the Gold Coast, the partnership highlights the state’s dedication to nurturing local talent, attracting major productions, and celebrating Australia’s screen excellence on a global stage.
Queensland Minister for the Arts, John-Paul Langbroek said “The AACTA Festival 2026 offers an exciting and extensive program of screen events for audiences and aspiring filmmakers, connecting them with the industry’s best and brightest.
“The Crisafulli Government is proud to support such a vast line-up of free and ticketed events, with highlights including the World Premiere of Queensland-made series Two Years Later, supported by Screen Queensland, and the ever-popular Screen Careers Expo.
“The sunshine state is a leading light in Australia’s screen industry, with thousands of people establishing enduring careers right here, and the AACTA Awards and Festival continues to be a stellar celebration of the sector at its home at HOTA on the Gold Coast.”
Lana Greenhalgh, Director of Scripted Originals, Foxtel Group, said, “We’re proud to support the AACTA Festival as part of Foxtel Group’s longstanding partnership with the AACTA Awards. The impressive 2026 Festival line-up will spotlight Australia’s extraordinary storytellers and emerging talent, and we look forward to celebrating another incredible year of local film and television.”
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The 2026 AACTA Awards will be held on Friday 6 February 2026.
Assuming that Channel 10 will be broadcasting this again?
Top 5 Finalists Announced for the AACTA Reg Grundy Award
The AACTA Reg Grundy Award is back for its sixth year, offering a $50,000 prize to the individual or team with the best pitch for a new unscripted television format. The largest prize of its kind in the world, the Reg Grundy Award is presented by the Australian Academy in partnership with Grundy Media to champion bold new ideas and fast-track the development of original screen entertainment.
This year’s AACTA Reg Grundy Award finalists reflect the heart of what Reg championed, bold originality, and formats that tap into the curiosity of audiences everywhere. Across the Top 5 concepts, the creators are tackling challenges and meaningful issues facing Australians today, while delivering engaging and original television ideas.
A Little Help , led by beloved Australian actor Pia Miranda and director Nicholas Verso, explores whether we can trust someone else with our love lives by making them our matchmaker.
Return to Sender by Lisa Rufus turns postal mysteries into real-world investigations that celebrate human connection and nostalgia. Meanwhile, filmmaker Thomas Hyland’s Elephants confront polarising social issues, using the lens of couples therapy to bridge divides.
The Quick Flip proves that beautiful spaces are achievable even during a cost-of-living crisis, with the presenter Natalie Archer drawing on her own lived experience, from life in a caravan to transforming her first rental into a true home. Bringing communities together sits at the centre of Brains on Tap! , a joyful travel meets trivia format created by a husband-and-wife producing and writing team Craig Smith and Kate Armon.
This year’s judging panel features some of the industry’s most accomplished format creators and executives. Joining our returning judges is Wes Dening, Head of Global Formats at Eureka, *(Holey Moley and Australian Idol) . Returning to the judging panel is Paul Hardy (Alone, Beauty and The Geek ), Marion Farrelly (Big Brother, X Factor), media leader and former Fremantle Regional CEO for Australia Asia Pacific Ian Hogg , and U.S-based executive Sharon Wheeler who helped develop and adapt Grundy International Series for American audiences.
“Congratulations to our Top 5 finalists. These projects represent one of the strongest fields we’ve had, with a wide range of assured formats that impressed our judges who, amongst them, bring decades of international production experience. It’s a really interesting cohort of creatives this year too, with a diverse mix of screen production background and lived experience” said AACTA Awards and Industry Development Manager, Ivan Vukusic.
This initiative honours Reg Grundy, a pioneer of television whose entrepreneurial vision reshaped the industry. His creations and adaptations include Sale of the Century, Wheel of Fortune, Family Feud, The Price is Right and Perfect Match, as well as long-running dramas Sons & Daughters, Prisoner and Neighbours, the latter becoming Australia’s longest-running drama and a launchpad for international stars including Russell Crowe, Margot Robbie and Liam Hemsworth.
The finalists include-
Return to Sender - Lisa Rufus
In this factual, unscripted television series, a team of warm and inquisitive hosts explore the fascinating world of Australia’s undelivered mail, following lost letters, mystery parcels, and forgotten packages as efforts are made to reunite them with their intended recipients. Alongside these real-world investigations, the series celebrates the history and culture of letter writing, with plans to launch school-based pen-pal programs that encourage new generations to connect through the written word. Blending history, heart, and human curiosity, it reveals how every forgotten letter carries a story waiting to be delivered.
The Quick Flip: - Natalie Archer
One woman. One room. Five days.
The Quick Flip follows designer and presenter Natalie Archer as she proves you don’t need a huge budget or big crew to create something beautiful. With around $3,000, clever up cycling, and a little help from homeowners, she transforms everyday Australian spaces, empowering people to believe that if she can do it, maybe they can too.
Elephants: Thomas Hyland
In a world of deepening culture wars, Elephants takes the format of couples counselling and applies it to conflict resolution. Each week strangers from opposite sides of today’s most polarising issues meet a counsellor for an intimate therapy session that peels back hardened positions to reveal the human stories beneath.
BRAINS ON TAP!: - Craig Smith, Kate Armon
Brains on Tap! is a travelling trivia show that hits the road to find Australia’s sharpest minds and the most interesting locals. Each week, the hosts arrive in a new town where teams face off in a battle of brains, banter, and bragging rights, all for a place in the Spectacular Grand Final. Part quiz, part travel adventure, and full of heart, Brains on Tap! is smart, feel-good entertainment for the whole family.
A Little Help: Pia Miranda, Nicholas Verso
Two people, both unlucky in love, from opposites sides of life, have to help each other find a lasting relationship.
A Little Help is a heart-warming factual-entertainment series created by Pia Miranda and Nicholas Verso that blends the emotional honesty of Love on the Spectrum with the playful structure of Married at First Sight. The series is hosted and narrated by Pia (Looking for Alibrandi, winner of Australian Survivor), whose empathy, wit, and curiosity make her the perfect guide through the chaos of modern love as we explore the question - Can you trust your heart to someone else?
The winner will be announced at the 2026 AACTA Awards Ceremony, alongside Australia’s top honours in film, television and storytelling.
Nominees Announced for the 2026 AACTA Awards
Nicole Kidman, Jacob Elordi, Sam Neill, Teresa Palmer, Alison Brie, Sally Hawkins, Alycia Debnam-Carey, Kaitlyn Dever and Anna Torv are among the major names recognised today as the nominees for the 2026 AACTA Awards presented by Foxtel Group were announced. They join a field that reflects one of the strongest years for Australian film and television, with talent and productions represented across both established screen favourites and new breakout titles. The AACTA Awards will be presented at HOTA on the Gold Coast as part of AACTA Festival from 4 – 8 February 2026.
Television
Apple Cider Vinegar secures its position as the most nominated production this year, with 20 nominations across acting, writing, directing, casting, soundtrack, score, sound, costume, and editing, including two Best Lead Actress nominations for Alycia Debnam-Carey and Kaitlyn Dever and six supporting acting nominations (Essie Davis, Aisha Dee, Susie Porter, Mark Coles Smith, Matt Nable, Ashley Zukerman).
Acclaimed dramas The Newsreader (12 nominations) and Mystery Road Origin (11 nominations) continue their dominance in the scripted landscape, earning recognition across lead and supporting acting, writing, directing, cinematography, editing and casting. Mystery Road and The Newsreader represent some of the most consistently awarded Australian dramas of the past decade with 56 and 43 total nominations respectively, maintaining their momentum with strong performances across both creative and craft categories.
The Narrow Road to the Deep North (12 nominations), Mix Tape (8 nominations), The Survivors (6 nominations) and The Twelve: Cape Rock Killer (5 nominations) all secure widespread recognition, earning nominations across a broad mix of acting, writing, directing and craft categories.
Comedy also delivers standout results, with Austin, Bump, Ghosts, Mother and Son, Strife, and Top End Bub all up for the AACTA Award for Best Narrative Comedy Series. While Guy Montgomery’s Guy-Mont Spelling Bee, Hard Quiz, Sam Pang Tonight, Spicks and Specks, Taskmaster Australia and The Weekly with Charlie Pickering compete for Best Comedy Entertainment Program.
Best Lifestyle Program nominees, Gardening Australia, Grand Designs Australia, Love it or List it Australia, Restoration Australia, Selling Houses Australia and The Cook Up with Adam Liaw highlight the continued strength of lifestyle content and their long-running popularity with both audiences and industry.
Film
Bring Her Back continues the momentum for Danny and Michael Philippou, emerging as one of the year’s dominant contenders with 16 nominations. The film features across major categories, including Best Film, Best Lead Actress for Sally Hawkins and three supporting acting nominations (Jonah Wren Phillips, Sally-Anne Upton, Sora Wong). It also collects nominations across direction, editing, cinematography, sound and casting, cementing its status as a leading force in this year’s feature competition.
The Correspondent (14 nominations), Kangaroo (8 nominations), Lesbian Space Princess (7 nominations), The Surfer (7 nominations) and The Travellers (4 nominations) complete the six-film Best Film lineup. Together, these titles demonstrate the breadth of this year’s cinematic field, earning recognition across performance, writing and craft and showcasing a mix of large-scale thrillers, character-driven drama, elevated genre storytelling and standout independent filmmaking.
Australian horror also features strongly, with Together collecting 8 nominations, including Best Lead Actress for Alison Brie and Best Supporting Actor for Damon Herriman, alongside key nods across screenplay, editing and original score.
Other Nominations
The online and documentary categories showcase a diverse range of emerging voices and established storytellers. In the AACTA Award for Best Online Drama or Comedy, nominees span a broad cross-section of independent creators and production teams, with titles including A Series of Unfortunate Dates, Long Head, Not Russian Anywhere, Ruff & Ruby, The Worst That Could Happen and ’Til You Make It highlighting the strength of Australia’s digital-first screen sector.
Documentary also delivers a particularly strong lineup, with Ellis Park, Journey Home, David Gulpilil, Not Only Fred Dagg But Also John Clarke, Songs Inside, Unbreakable – The Jelena Dokic Story and Yurlu | Country recognised for their powerful storytelling and significant cultural resonance across subjects spanning sport, identity, music, landscape and personal history.
This year’s nominations also highlight several standout individuals recognised across multiple categories. Aisha Dee earned two nominations for Lead Actress (Watching You) and Supporting Actress (Apple Cider Vinegar), while Mark Coles Smith is also acknowledged in both Lead Actor (Mystery Road Origin) and Supporting Actor (Apple Cider Vinegar). Daniel Henshall received two Supporting Actor nominations for The Family Next Door and The Newsreader.
Composer Cornel Wilczek achieves one of the year’s most significant tallies with four nominations across Original Score in both film (Bring Her Back, Together) and television (Apple Cider Vinegar, The Survivors). Rowdie Walden is recognised across entertainment and comedy for That Blackfella Show and two Melbourne International Comedy Festival programs. Kevin Whyte leads all individuals this year with five nominations spanning children’s, comedy entertainment and stand-up, while Jemma Burns secures three nominations in Best Soundtrack (Apple Cider Vinegar, Kangaroo, Mystery Road: Origin), following her dual recognition in the same category last year.
For a full list of AACTA Award nominees, click here.
AACTA CEO Damian Trewhella added “This year’s nominations showcase the remarkable creativity and craft behind Australian screen storytelling. It’s encouraging to see such a diverse mix of new voices, returning favourites and world-class productions recognised across film, television, documentary and online content. I congratulate all nominees and look forward to celebrating with the industry as we gather on the Gold Coast for AACTA Festival in February.”
The AACTA International Award nominations and VFX nominations will be announced later this month. The AACTA Audience Choice Awards will also return later this month, as AACTA call for contenders on their social media platforms for the publicly voted Awards including Favourite Australian Digital Creator, Favourite Film, TV Show, and Actors. This year, AACTA will introduce new categories, Favourite Australian Podcast and Favourite Australian Music Video. Voting for these Awards will happen in January. Follow AACTA on social media for more information.
Watch the 2026 AACTA Awards Ceremony on Channel Ten at 7.30pm AEDT, Friday 6 February. A special extended AACTA Awards broadcast, including all awards from the ceremony, will be available from 7:30pm on Saturday 7 February on BINGE and Foxtel (Showcase and available On-Demand).
Lana Greenhalgh Director of Scripted Originals, Foxtel Group said: “Congratulations to all nominees for what has been another extraordinary year of Australian film and television, pushing our local screen industry to new heights. We’re proud to support the AACTA Awards and look forward to celebrating our collective achievements in February.”
The nominees were determined by AACTA Members, Australia’s largest community of screen professionals and fans. Round 2 voting opens today, AACTA Members are invited to vote on the nominated productions to determine the 2026 AACTA Award winners. The winners of the 2026 AACTA Awards will be announced across two ceremonies - the AACTA Awards Industry Gala will be held on Wednesday 4 February and the AACTA Award Ceremony will be held on Friday 6 February.
The 2026 AACTA Awards ceremonies are part of AACTA Festival which will run for 5 days from February 4 - 8 offering a vast range of activities celebrating film, television, and pop culture. Festival goers can enjoy in-depth movie deconstructions, interactive workshops, meet-and-greets, music showcases, masterclasses with renowned filmmakers, outdoor screenings, and a variety of family-friendly activities – and for those looking to break into the industry, an expanded Screen Careers Expo presented by Essential Screen Skills will also make its return on Saturday 8 February.
Whether you are a film fan, a budding creative, a pop culture enthusiast, or a dedicated industry professional, AACTA Festival offers a unique opportunity to network, learn, and revel in the magic of film and television. For more information visit aactafestival.com.
Minister for the Arts, John-Paul Langbroek, said the Gold Coast will once again host a spectacular celebration.
“The glitz and glamour of the AACTA Awards goes beyond the film and screen industry, creating a golden opportunity for the Gold Coast,” Minister Langbroek said.
“Industry leaders and global names travel to experience the region’s iconic beaches, culture and attractions while contributing an estimated $4.85 million to the state’s economy.
“Congratulations to all the nominees who underscore Australia’s growing influence on the international film and screen industry, with Queensland at the forefront.”
“The countdown to the 2026 AACTA continues and I’m thrilled to see several local Gold-Coast affiliated nominees in the running,’’ said Mayor Tom Tate.
“Hosting AACTA since 2024 has helped our local talent thrive while, at the same time, showcasing the most talented industry professionals from across the Asia-Pacific region. It’s a great time to be involved in this vibrant industry and I can’t wait to turn on the lights for the 2026 AACTAs.’’
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