The Australian film industry is abuzz with excitement as the AACTA Awards for 2026 have just been announced! With a thrilling mix of international and local talent, the awards ceremony celebrated the best in cinema and television. But here's where it gets interesting: the big winner for the international awards was 'One Battle After Another', a film that truly captivated audiences and critics alike. However, when it came to the Australia-only AACTA Awards, a different story unfolded.
'Bring Her Back', a horror masterpiece, dominated the Aussie-specific categories, showcasing the incredible talent and creativity within the Australian film industry. This film carved its way to the top, winning an impressive 10 awards out of the 15 categories it was nominated for, including Best Film and Best Lead Actress for Sally Hawkins.
But let's not forget the other winners! Timothée Chalamet and Rose Byrne continued their successful awards season, taking home Best Actor and Actress for their respective films. Jacob Elordi also had a stellar night, winning Best Supporting Actor at the International Awards and Best Actor in a Drama for 'The Narrow Road to the Deep North'.
On the television front, Netflix's 'Adolescence' took home the Best Drama Series award, while HBO Max's 'The Studio' won for Best Comedy Series. Prime Video's 'The Narrow Road to the Deep North' dominated the TV field with an impressive nine wins, showcasing its exceptional craftsmanship.
The AACTA Awards also recognized individual achievements, with Sarah Snook, Bruce Beresford, Kristina Ceyton, Samantha Jennings, Kate Armon, Craig Smith, and Clare Hughes receiving special honors.
And this is the part most people miss: the Audience Choice Awards! These awards give a voice to the fans, and the winners for 2026 include 'Stranger Things' for Favorite TV Show, 'Wicked: For Good' for Favorite Film, and Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi for Favorite Australian Actress and Actor, respectively.
So, what do you think? Are you surprised by the winners? Do you agree with the choices made by the AACTA Awards? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below! We'd love to hear your take on these exciting awards and the future of Australian cinema and television.
