The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts is getting ready to roll out the red carpet for the 2026 AACTA Awards, and this year’s celebration promises to be something special.
Leading the night is one of Australia’s most loved entertainers, Celeste Barber, who will host the AACTA Awards with her trademark wit, warmth and unmistakable Aussie humour. With a star-studded lineup of presenters and guests set to attend – including Sarah Snook, Brian Cox, Dacre Montgomery, Baz Luhrmann and Phoebe Tonkin – Australia’s biggest night in film and television is shaping up to be unforgettable.
Barber said she couldn’t be more excited to take the reins; “This is going to be so fun. 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.”
AACTA Festival 2026 will once again bring Australian storytelling to the world stage, welcoming an extraordinary mix of international heavyweights, local icons, breakout stars and beloved favourites.
Among those attending as presenters and guests are Sam Neill, Asher Keddie, Danielle Cormack, Joseph Zada, David Wenham, Guy Montgomery, Brenton Thwaites, Tuuli Narkle, Phoebe Tonkin, Bryan Brown, Margaret Pomeranz, Shane Jacobson, Marta Dusseldorp, Steph Tisdell, Pia Miranda, Shabana Azeez, Yerin Ha, Fred Schepisi, Kat Stewart, Thomas Cocquerel, and Catherine Martin, alongside many more.
Together, they represent the depth, diversity and global reach of Australian screen culture — from comedy to drama, blockbusters to bold new voices.
The 2026 AACTA Awards Ceremony will be broadcast nationally on Channel 10 at 7.30pm AEDT on Friday, 6th February, with a special extended broadcast – including all awards – available from 7.30pm on Saturday, 7th February on BINGE and Foxtel. International broadcast details will be announced soon.
Running from 4th – 8th February, AACTA Festival offers five packed days of screenings, conversations, panels and masterclasses, bringing audiences closer than ever to the creatives shaping film, television and digital storytelling.
Highlights include:
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Dacre Montgomery In Conversation, reflecting on his career and creative journey
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Baz Luhrmann: A Curated Double Screening, celebrating the visionary director’s iconic work
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Sarah Snook: AACTA Trailblazer In Conversation, an intimate discussion with one of Australia’s most acclaimed actors
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Yerin Ha: Bridgerton’s New Leading Lady, exploring her breakout global role
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Phoebe Tonkin and Brenton Thwaites at the world premiere of Paramount+’s Two Years Later
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Hour by Hour: Shabana Azeez in The Pitt, diving deep into her acclaimed performance
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Anna Torv in Conversation with Anna Torv & Emma Freeman, sharing rare insights into craft and collaboration
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Behind the Lens with Mandy Walker AM ASC ACS, celebrating a career that has shaped contemporary cinema
Whether you’re a passionate screen fan, an emerging creative, or an industry professional, AACTA Festival offers rare access to bold conversations, hands-on workshops, live talks and unforgettable moments. The full program is available at aactafestival.com.
Audiences are also invited to join the celebration in person at AACTA Awards Live! by the Lake on Friday, 6th February, with tickets on sale now. Earlier in the week, Ed Kavalee will host the AACTA Awards Industry Gala on Wednesday, 4th February, honouring the craft and talent behind the year’s most outstanding screen work.
This year, AACTA will also pay tribute to one of Australian cinema’s most influential figures, awarding Bruce Beresford the 2026 AACTA Longford Lyell Award.
With a career spanning more than five decades, Beresford’s work has left an indelible mark on Australian and international cinema. His films – including Breaker Morant, Tender Mercies, Driving Miss Daisy, Black Robe and Don’s Party – are celebrated for their humanity, wit and lasting cultural impact, earning critical acclaim and Academy Award recognition.
The Longford Lyell Award will be presented live on stage at the AACTA Awards Ceremony on Friday, 6th February, with the honour bestowed by long-time collaborator and screen icon Bryan Brown – a fitting tribute to a filmmaker whose work continues to inspire generations.
Tickets for the AACTA Awards and all AACTA Festival events are on sale now at aactafestival.com.
