The horror film Bring Her Back dominated this year’s AACTA Awards, taking ten prizes from sixteen nominations, including Best Film and Best Direction. The ceremony, held on the Gold Coast and hosted by comedian Celeste Barber, celebrated the year’s achievements across Australian film and television.
The Narrow Road to the Deep North followed with the second-highest tally, winning nine awards from twelve nominations. The two titles led a field that spanned features, series, documentaries, and short-form work.
The evening also recognized notable individual honors, with Bruce Beresford receiving the Longford Lyell Award for his contribution to the industry. Actress Sarah Snook was named the 2026 AACTA Trailblazer, a nod to her rising international profile.
The AACTA Awards serve as Australia’s leading screen honors, comparable in stature to major ceremonies elsewhere. They offer a yearly snapshot of a national industry that has produced a steady stream of internationally recognized talent.
For the winners, the recognition carries weight beyond Australia, often lifting a film’s profile in overseas markets. Bring Her Back’s strong showing capped a night that highlighted the range and ambition of the country’s screen output.
