Get ready for an absolutely stellar five days of screen culture, because the AACTA Festival is officially returning to the Gold Coast in February 2026, and the program launch is bursting with incredible talent and must-see events! Running from Wednesday 4 February through Sunday 8 February 2026, the festival transforms HOTA, Home of the Arts, into a vibrant hub for screen lovers, emerging creatives, and industry leaders.
We’re talking about a true powerhouse program that will feature internationally acclaimed filmmakers and storytellers—over 300 on-stage participants across more than 100 events, to be exact. Look forward to appearances and discussions with icons like Anna Torv, Baz Luhrmann, Bruce Beresford, Chloe Hayden, Thomas Keneally, David Williamson, Fred Schepisi, and Oscar-winning cinematographer John Seale, among many others.
Adding to the excitement, Aussie screen royalty Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin were announced as official ambassadors for the Australian Academy, joining an already incredible lineup that includes Russell Crowe (President), Nicole Kidman (Vice President), Cate Blanchett (Ambassador), and Dr. George Miller (Patron). Baz Luhrmann noted the significance of being celebrated by peers at home, praising AACTA for elevating Australian stories globally and supporting new talent.
It’s fitting that the Gold Coast, which has served as a creative home for Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin, is hosting the festival, especially since the partnership with the Queensland Government and Experience Gold Coast was extended through to 2028! This huge development means Australia’s premier screen celebration will return bigger and better each year, shining a global spotlight on our nation’s talent and creativity. Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate even called the festival’s return a “hat-trick” for the city.
The program itself is an unmissable blend of in-depth movie deconstructions, global premieres, interactive workshops, talent meet-and-greets, and the vital AACTA Screen Careers Expo.
Just a few of the 2026 Festival Highlights we can’t wait to see:
1. Australian Premiere of EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert – Walk the red carpet at the premiere of Baz Luhrmann’s latest epic, which was actually made right here on the Gold Coast. It’s described as neither a documentary nor a concert film—it’s EPiC!
2. The AACTA Awards Ceremonies – The festival naturally includes the main event: the AACTA Awards Ceremony presented by Foxtel Group and the AACTA Awards Industry Gala. These two ceremonies will celebrate Australia’s best screen talent and practitioners by presenting over 50 awards.
3. 30th Anniversary of Shine – Join Margaret Pomeranz hosting an unforgettable evening featuring director Scott Hicks, producer Jane Scott, and pianist David Helfgott. Plus, pianist Simon Tedeschi will perform live.
4. John Seale: Life in Pictures – The Oscar-winning cinematographer will deconstruct his iconic work on screen, including classics like The English Patient, Dead Poets Society, Harry Potter, and Mad Max: Fury Road.
Other program highlights include the World Premiere of the Queensland-made series Two Years Later(starring Brenton Thwaites and Phoebe Tonkin), a Dance Academy reunion, a Big Brother reunion, and a conversation with acclaimed actor Anna Torv and director Emma Freeman.
Whether you’re looking to explore career pathways, celebrate iconic Australian films, or see the next generation of storytellers, the AACTA Festival has something for everyone.
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Want the full scoop? Tickets for AACTA Festival events and the AACTA Awards Ceremonies are available now.
For full program details and more information, head over to aactafestival.com. We’ll see you there for what’s shaping up to be the biggest festival yet!
