The 2026 AACTA Awards Just Proved Australian Film and TV Are Forces to Be Reckoned With
The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards 2026 delivered a night of surprises, triumphs, and a few eyebrow-raising moments. But here's where it gets controversial: while some celebrated the dominance of horror film Bring Her Back, others questioned whether its sweeping victories overshadowed other deserving contenders. Let’s dive into the highlights—and the debates—that made this year’s ceremony unforgettable.
Bring Her Back, the chilling horror-thriller from Adelaide brothers Danny and Michael Philippou, emerged as the undisputed champion of the night, snagging 10 out of 16 nominations. This marks a significant leap for the duo, who previously won eight awards for their 2024 breakout hit, Talk to Me. The film’s wins spanned nearly every major category, including Best Film, Best Direction, and Best Leading Actress for Sally Hawkins. It also swept technical categories like cinematography, editing, and sound design, cementing its status as a masterpiece of craftsmanship. But is it too much of a good thing? Some critics argue that its near-monopoly on awards may have left other worthy films in the shadows. What do you think? Did Bring Her Back deserve its landslide victory, or did the AACTA jury miss an opportunity to celebrate diversity?
And this is the part most people miss: While Bring Her Back stole the spotlight, Jacob Elordi quietly continued his meteoric rise. Fresh off his Critics’ Choice win for Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, Elordi took home Best Lead Actor in a Drama for his role as army surgeon Dorrigo Evans in The Narrow Road to the Deep North. This adaptation of Richard Flanagan’s Booker Prize-winning novel also dominated the television categories, winning nine awards out of 12 nominations. Elordi’s acceptance speech, delivered via pre-recorded video (he’s currently on a global tour for Wuthering Heights), was both humble and heartfelt. But with Oscar, BAFTA, and SAG nominations already under his belt, is Elordi becoming the face of Australian talent abroad—or is he overshadowing homegrown stars like Margot Robbie, who won Favourite Australian Actress?
Speaking of television, Netflix’s Apple Cider Vinegar, a miniseries about wellness fraudster Belle Gibson, initially led with 20 nominations—the most for any TV show this year. Yet, it walked away with just two awards: Best Miniseries and Best Casting. Was it a case of over-hype, or did the jury simply not buy into its buzz? Meanwhile, The Newsreader wrapped its final season with four wins, including Best Drama Series, bringing its total AACTA haul to 15. Bump took home Best Narrative Comedy Series, and Miranda Tapsell charmed audiences with her Best Acting in a Comedy win for Top End Bub.
Here’s a thought-provoking question: In an era of streaming giants, are traditional TV productions still holding their ground, or are they being outshined by glossy, big-budget series? The success of The Narrow Road to the Deep North suggests the former, but the underperformance of Apple Cider Vinegar complicates the narrative.
On the documentary front, SBS’s The People vs Robodebt—a hard-hitting docudrama featuring Guardian reporter Christopher Knaus—won Best Documentary or Factual Program and Best Direction in Nonfiction Television. Its victory feels particularly timely, given ongoing debates about government accountability. Meanwhile, Journey Home, David Gulpilil won Best Documentary Film, honoring the legacy of the iconic Australian actor.
The ceremony, hosted by comedian Celeste Barber on the Gold Coast, featured a star-studded lineup of presenters, including Succession’s Sarah Snook and Brian Cox. Snook, who’s been dominating stages in the West End and Broadway, received AACTA’s Trailblazer Award and Best International Actress in a Series for All Her Fault. Cox’s introduction was effusive: “She’s the real deal.” But is Snook’s success abroad a win for Australian talent, or does it highlight the challenges of thriving in the local industry?
Finally, veteran filmmaker Bruce Beresford received the Longford Lyell Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Bryan Brown with tributes from Morgan Freeman, Kyle MacLachlan, and others. Beresford’s career, spanning classics like Breaker Morant and Driving Miss Daisy, is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling. But as we celebrate the past, what does the future hold for Australian cinema? With Bring Her Back and The Narrow Road to the Deep North leading the charge, it’s clear that Australian film and TV are more vibrant than ever. But are they evolving fast enough to compete on the global stage?
What’s your take? Did the 2026 AACTA Awards get it right, or did they miss the mark? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going!
