The countdown to one of Australia’s biggest celebrations of screen excellence is officially on, with the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts unveiling the nominees for the 2026 AACTA Awards presented by Foxtel Group. The announcement signals a standout year for Australian film, television, documentary, and online content, as industry heavyweights and rising stars are recognised ahead of February’s AACTA Festival on the Gold Coast.
Nicole Kidman, Jacob Elordi, Sam Neill, Aisha Dee, Teresa Palmer and Alison Brie lead a star-studded field spanning drama, comedy, feature film, and digital-first storytelling. AACTA CEO Damian Trewhella said the breadth of talent highlights “the remarkable creativity and craft behind Australian screen storytelling”, noting the mix of new voices and established favourites shaping the nation’s screen culture.
This year, Apple Cider Vinegar dominates television categories with a massive 20 nominations, including dual Best Lead Actress nods for Alycia Debnam-Carey and Kaitlyn Dever. Other top performers include The Newsreader (12 nominations), Mystery Road Origin (11), and The Narrow Road to the Deep North (12), cementing their status as some of the most celebrated dramas of the decade. Comedy contenders such as Austin, Bump, Strife, Ghosts, Mother and Son, and Top End Bub also feature strongly across narrative and entertainment categories.
In film, Bring Her Back emerges as a major force with 16 nominations, including Best Film and Best Lead Actress for Sally Hawkins. It is joined by The Correspondent, Kangaroo, Lesbian Space Princess, The Surfer and The Travellers, reflecting a robust year of Australian cinema across genres from elevated horror to character-driven drama. Alison Brie also shines with a Best Lead Actress nomination for Together, one of several productions contributing to a strong slate for Australian horror and thriller storytelling.
Documentary and online categories highlight the depth and diversity of Australian storytelling, with nominees covering everything from sport and personal history to landscape, identity and social commentary. Titles such as Ellis Park, Journey Home, David Gulpilil, Songs Inside and Unbreakable – The Jelena Dokic Story demonstrate the cultural power and emotional resonance of factual work. Digital creators also feature prominently across the Best Online Drama or Comedy category, reinforcing Australia’s growing footprint in global digital-first content.
Queensland Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the Gold Coast is ready to once again roll out the red carpet, with the event contributing an estimated $4.85 million to the state’s economy. Mayor Tom Tate added that hosting AACTA since 2024 has “helped local talent thrive” while showcasing the region to the Asia-Pacific entertainment community.
The 2026 AACTA Awards will unfold as part of AACTA Festival, running 4–8 February at HOTA, Home of the Arts. The five-day program delivers screenings, workshops, premieres, masterclasses, meet-and-greets and the expanded Screen Careers Expo, providing unparalleled access for fans, emerging creatives and industry professionals.
The AACTA Awards Industry Gala will be held on Wednesday 4 February, followed by the major AACTA Awards Ceremony on Friday 6 February, broadcast nationally on Channel Ten. An extended version will screen on BINGE and Foxtel the following night. For those unable to attend in person, AACTA will also roll out its Audience Choice Awards in January, giving fans the chance to vote across film, TV, digital creators, podcasts, and music videos.
With more than 15,000 visitors expected to descend on the Gold Coast, anticipation is building for one of the most significant celebrations of Australian screen storytelling. As Minister Langbroek said, “The glitz and glamour of the AACTA Awards goes beyond the film and screen industry, creating a golden opportunity for the Gold Coast.”
Tickets are available now at aactafestival.com.
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