Yerin Ha, Phoebe Tonkin, Danny & Michael Phillipou, Baz Luhrmann, Dichen Lachman, Shane Jacobson and Adam Liaw added to the 2026 AACTA Festival Program
AACTA today announced the next wave of programming for the 2026 AACTA Festival, revealing new headline guests, exclusive first-look screenings, milestone celebrations and the recipients of the prestigious 2026 AACTA Byron Kennedy Award: Causeway Films producers Kristina Ceyton and Samantha Jennings. The Festival runs 4th – 8th February 2026 at HOTA, Home of the Arts on the Gold Coast, with tickets on sale now at aactafestival.com.
This latest program announcement expands the Festival into one of the boldest and most culturally resonant editions to date featuring global stars, beloved homegrown talent, and trailblazing creators redefining the future of screen storytelling. AACTA has also announced the return of its $50 membership offer, giving new members discounted access to AACTA Awards and AACTA Festival tickets for a limited time.
The new Festival additions include:
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Yerin Ha – Bridgerton’s New Leading Lady
Australia’s own steps into the global spotlight and talks about her major role in the new season of the worldwide smash Bridgerton.
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Australian actress Dichen Lachman, joins the Festival from Los Angeles to talk with audiences about her breakout role in the global hit Severance.
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Exclusive Screenings and Showcases
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EPiC: Elvis Presley In Concert – Baz Luhrmann and other key creatives join the red carpet for the Australian premiere.
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Two Years Later – One of Australia’s biggest rising stars, Phoebe Tonkin, joins the world premiere of Two Years Later.
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The Beast in Me – Director Tyler Atkins (Bosch & Rockit) and producer John Schwarz take audiences on a first look of Australian shot MMA action movie The Beast in Me, starring and co-written by Russell Crowe, with Daniel MacPherson and Luke Hemsworth.
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Kenny – 20th anniversary screening. Celebrating 20 years of Australia’s beloved everyman with Shane Jacobson and director Clayton Jacobson.
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Danny and Michael Philippou return to the AACTA Festival with a session that charts their journey across past, present and future projects. From their wild, rough-edged RackaRacka beginnings to the global impact of their debut feature.
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The Festival also dives into jungle territory with a special I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! conversation, celebrating iconic challenges, fan-favourite moments and the spirit that’s made the series a national favourite. Guests to be announced.
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Feelgood TV explores shows that leave us smiling, inspired, and coming back for more.
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Featuring AACTA nominees Adam Liaw with The Cook Up with Adam Liaw and prolific producer Kylie Washington (Bake-Off, Dancing with the Stars, Return to Paradise, Ghosts).
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Sacha Horler with Susie Porter offer rare peer-to-peer insight into the discipline, pressure and joy of performance.
Four new panels have also been added to the AACTA Screen Careers Expo lineup, presented by Essential Screen Skills:
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Navigating the Screen Industry as an Actor
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Networking 101
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Life on Set
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Hands-On Futures
As well as a Live Feature Story Development Panel presented by Screenworks.
BYRON KENNEDY AWARD: CELEBRATING CAUSEWAY’S GLOBAL IMPACT
Producers, Kristina Ceyton and Samantha Jennings, ofCauseway Films have been named recipients of the 2026 AACTA Byron Kennedy Award, recognising innovation and exceptional commitment to excellence.
Causeway has become one of Australia’s most influential production voices, championing high-impact creative work from The Babadook and The Nightingale to the global phenomenon Talk to Me and the critically acclaimed Bring Her Back, which leads this year’s feature nominations with 16 nods across major categories.
Established in 1984, the AACTA Byron Kennedy Award is bestowed upon individuals or organizations in the screen industry whose work epitomises innovation, vision, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Named in honour of Dr. George Miller’s filmmaking partner and MAD MAX co-creator Byron Kennedy, the award includes a cash prize of $10,000 and is determined by an appointed jury.
Festival audiences will hear directly from the duo in Fearless Filmmaking with Kristina Ceyton & Samantha Jennings, an intimate conversation on producing instinct, risk, global reach and the creative decisions that shaped their standout projects. Saturday 7th February, 2.30 – 3.30pm at HOTA, on the Gold Coast.
AACTA MEMBERSHIP RETURNS WITH A $50 OFFER
AACTA has also relaunched its popular $50 membership offer, available for a limited time to new members. Membership unlocks discounted pricing for AACTA Awards and AACTA Festival tickets, including headline events expected to sell out.
EXPANDING THE FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE
The 2026 AACTA Awards ceremonies are part of AACTA Festival which will run for 5 days from February 4 – 8th 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 makes its return on Saturday the 7th of 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.
