Australia’s major screen industry gathering is heading back to the Gold Coast. From 3 to 7 February 2027, the AACTA Awards and Festival will return to HOTA, Home of the Arts, bringing together domestic filmmakers, screen creatives, and international guests for a five-day celebration of Australian film, television, and digital storytelling.
Over the past three years, the event has established the Gold Coast as a major destination for screen culture. The festival now features more than 100 events, 350 speakers, and tens of thousands of attendees across its five days. Past editions have welcomed celebrated Australian talent including Margot Robbie, Cate Blanchett, Sarah Snook, Dacre Montgomery, Yerin Ha, Baz Luhrmann, Mandy Walker, Warwick Thornton, Michael Gracey, and Leah Purcell, alongside international guests such as Henry Cavill, Ron Howard, Brian Cox, and Robbie Williams.
Bringing Australia’s Screen Industry Together
The 2027 festival expands on this program with red-carpet premieres, reunions, exclusive conversations, screenings, and filmmaking masterclasses designed to connect industry leaders with emerging creators.
AACTA Chair Jack Christian highlighted the growth and purpose of the event on the Gold Coast:
“We’re incredibly proud of how the AACTA Awards and Festival have grown on the Gold Coast over the past three years. There is nothing else quite like it on the Australian screen calendar. It is a week that celebrates achievement, creates opportunity and puts Australian screen talent firmly in the spotlight. In 2027, we’re taking another step forward with an even more ambitious five days of celebration, conversation and connection, showcasing the very best of Australian screen and bringing our industry together.”
In addition to celebrating artistic achievement, the festival provides support for local tourism and employment. Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell noted:
“The return of AACTA is another vote of confidence in Queensland as Australia’s events capital. Major events like AACTA attract visitors, support local jobs and showcase the very best of our State. Through Destination 2045, we’re growing a world-class events calendar that keeps Queensland the home of the holiday and a destination people want to visit time and again.”
Queensland Minister for the Arts, John-Paul Langbroek, added that the event remains a key fixture for the state:
“The AACTA Awards and Festival continues to be a highlight of Queensland’s screen culture calendar. With a packed program that connects the best of the Australian industry with the next generation of filmmakers, celebrates screen excellence and highlights the creativity of the sector, the AACTA Awards and Festival is an unmissable experience. The Crisafulli Government is proud to support the 2027 event in February.”
Preparations for 2027 are under way, and expressions of interest are open for submissions regarding event ideas, speakers, moderators, volunteers, and sponsorship partnerships. Dedicated deals and offers covering accommodation, dining, and experiences are available at aactafestival.com to assist attendees planning their visit.
Breakdown of Key Events and Dates
To help attendees plan their week, here is the official schedule for the 2027 AACTA Awards and Festival at HOTA, Home of the Arts, Gold Coast:
- Wednesday 3 February 2027: AACTA Awards Industry Gala & Official After Party presented by Screen Queensland
- Thursday 4 February 2027: AACTA Festival Industry Day
- Friday 5 February 2027: AACTA Awards Ceremony presented by BINGE & Official After Party
- Saturday 6 February 2027: AACTA Screen Careers Expo
- Wednesday 3 – Sunday 7 February 2027: AACTA Festival 2027 (expanded weekend program of screenings, masterclasses, and activations)
For more information and annoucnements, visit https://www.aactafestival.com
