Australia’s prestigious AACTA Awards are returning to the Gold Coast in 2026, with an incredible line-up of nominees.
In previous years, a number of Australian actors turned Hollywood heavyweights have returned home to partake in the AACTA Awards.
These stars include Margot Robbie, Cate Blanchett, Mel Gibson, and Russell Crowe. Even Superman’s Henry Cavill made an appearance for the 2025 ceremony.
Attending the AACTA Awards in 2026 will be Bridgerton’s Yerin Ha, Boy Swallows Universe’s Phoebe Tonkin, Dichen Lachman, Baz Luhrmann, Danny and Michael Philippou, Shane Jacobson and Adam Liaw.
So, with the 2026 event taking place in under two months, The Weekly is hoping a few more well-known faces will attend. Below is everything you need to know about the AACTA Awards 2026.
When are the AACTA Awards 2026?
The 2026 AACTA Awards will take place from February 4 to February 7, 2026.
Yes, the upcoming event is a four-day ceremony!
The event will kick off with an Industry Gala on February 4, followed by the Industry Conference Day on February 5. The main event, including the Ceremony and the Official After Party, will take place on February 6.
Lastly, there will be the Screen Careers Expo on February 7.
Where are the AACTA Awards being held?
The AACTA Awards are returning to HOTA’s Theatre in Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast in 2026.
Where to watch the AACTA Awards?
The 2026 AACTA Awards ceremony will be broadcast on Network 10 at 7:30 PM AEDT on Friday, February 6, with a full encore on Binge and Foxtel.
The main ceremony can also be streamed on AACTA TV and 10 Play.
Who’s hosting the AACTAs this year?
The host of the 2026 AACTA Awards is none other than comedian Celeste Barber.
“This is going to be so fun,” said Celeste in a statement. “As I won’t be winning, because I’m not nominated for an AACTA Award this year, I may as well host the show. I’m so bloody excited to celebrate the biggest Australian TV and films of the year.”
Our December 2024 cover star is taking over from last year’s host, Oscar-winning actor and AACTA President, Russell Crowe.
Furthermore, it has been revealed that award-winning Succession actor, Sarah Snook, will be presenting an exclusive ‘In Conversation’ on February 7 with fellow Kenny’s Shane Jacobson. For the panel, she will offer audience insights and reflect on her career.
This comes after confirming Sarah would also be receiving the esteemed Trailblazer Award at the 2026 ceremony on February 6. The Trailblazer Award recognises Sarah’s incredible impact on the Australian entertainment industry.
Who are the 2026 AACTA Awards nominees?
The nominees for the 2026 AACTA Awards have been revealed!
Netflix’s limited series, Apple Cider Vinegar, starring Alycia Debnam-Carey and Kaitlyn Dever, has claimed most of the nominations this year with an incredible 20 nods across acting, writing, directing, soundtrack and more.
Other nominations include Jacob Elordi for The Narrow Road to the Deep North. The Prime Video series has been nominated for 12 awards.
See the full list of nominees here and the Audience Choice Awards nominees here.
Who votes for the AACTA Awards?
Voting is exclusive to AACTA members.
An AACTA General membership is open to anyone and everyone.
An AACTA Professional membership is only available to those who successfully apply for accreditation in their field/s of expertise.
What do the AACTA Awards stand for?
AACTA stands for Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts, a professional not-for-profit organisation of film and television practitioners in Australia. The organisation annually recognises and rewards achievements in Australian film and television with an awards ceremony.
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