AACTA Festival Returns to the Gold Coast in February 2026!

AACTA FESTIVAL RETURNS TO THE GOLD COAST IN FEBRUARY 2026

AACTA Festival, Australia’s largest celebration of screen culture, and the AACTA Awards presented by Foxtel Group will return to the HOTA, Home of the Arts, Gold Coast from 4–8 February 2026.

Now in its third year, AACTA Festival 2026 will celebrate the talent and diversity of the Australian screen industry and its practitioners. AACTA Festival presents five days of programming spotlighting the very best of Australia’s screen talent, productions, and industry voices. With over 100 events to be announced later this year, AACTA Festival 2026 will once again bring together screen fans, creators, professionals, and emerging talent from across the country.

AACTA Festival opens on Wednesday 4 February with the AACTA Awards Industry Gala, followed by the AACTA Industry Conference Day on Thursday 5 February - a dedicated program for professionals to connect, collaborate, network and hear from major stakeholders shaping the future of the Australian screen industry.

The AACTA Awards Ceremony presented by Foxtel Group will be held on Friday 6 February, celebrating the year’s outstanding achievements in film, television, and online storytelling. Across the weekend (7 - 8 February), AACTA Festival continues with screenings, premieres, outdoor events, masterclasses, and the return of the popular AACTA Screen Careers Expo on Saturday 7 February, empowering the next generation of screen professionals.

Expressions of interest are now open for the 2026 Festival, with AACTA welcoming submissions for event ideas, ambassador nominations, expo exhibitors, moderators, partners, and more. To register your interest or find out more, head to aactafestival.com.

The 2026 AACTA Awards Season is also underway, with viewing now open for the AACTA Award for Best Short Film – celebrating some of the most innovative voices in Australian storytelling and recognising the artistry and craft of short-form filmmaking. AACTA Members are encouraged to begin watching the entries ahead of voting.

AFI Chair Jack Christian said, “We’re thrilled to return to the Gold Coast for the 2026 AACTA Festival. The Festival has become a cornerstone of the national screen calendar, creating meaningful opportunities for industry connection and collaboration. It’s a rare and valuable moment to bring people together from across the country to engage in focused conversations and celebrate our collective achievements, while continuing to lead the way in building audiences for Australian screen content. 

Alongside the Festival, the AACTA Awards remain an iconic platform for recognising excellence in film, television and online production. Each year, we see the standard of storytelling and craft rise, and the Awards continue to play a pivotal role in showcasing the impact and reach of Australian screen culture both nationally and internationally. We’re proud to continue that tradition on the Gold Coast in 2026.”

Queensland Minister for Tourism, Andrew Powell said “The AACTA Awards will once again bring glitz and glamour to the Gold Coast in 2026, shining an international spotlight on Queensland destinations and visitor experiences. This dazzling event never fails to attract a star-studded line up of the screen industry’s best talent, and is expected to generate an estimated $4.85 million for the local economy across the five-day festival.”

“We’re proud to welcome the AACTA Awards and Festival back to the Gold Coast in 2026, and celebrate Australia’s best in film, television and digital storytelling,” said Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate.

“We can’t wait to host industry leaders, creators and fans for another inspiring week at HOTA, Home of the Arts, where art, culture, entertainment and lifestyle meet.”

Queensland Minister for the Arts, John-Paul Langbroek said that “The Crisafulli Government is committed to building a thriving screen sector in Queensland and the AACTA Awards and Festival is an absolute highlight of our state’s screen culture calendar.

“We are proud to back the ongoing growth of the AACTAs and I encourage filmmakers and fans to soak up everything on offer at the Gold Coast in February—from celebrating the best in local and Australian screen production to exploring new career paths at the expo.”

Foxtel Group CEO, Patrick Delany, said: “As we proudly enter our eleventh year as presenting partner of the AACTA Awards, Foxtel Group is delighted to return to the Gold Coast’s Home of the Arts to celebrate another year of outstanding Australian storytelling.

“For nearly three decades, Foxtel Group has delivered bold, culturally significant, and world-class original productions. Our commitment to sharing stories that matter and supporting Australia’s vibrant screen industry remains as strong as ever.”

Whether you are a film fan, a budding creative, a pop culture enthusiast, or a dedicated industry professional, AACTA Festival offers a unique opportunity to network, learn, and revel in the magic of film and television. 

Upcoming Key Dates:

Location: HOTA, Home of the Arts - Gold Coast

AACTA Festival: Wednesday 4 February – Sunday 8 February 

AACTA Awards Industry Gala: Wednesday 4 February 2026

AACTA Festival Industry Conference Day: Thursday 5 February 2026

AACTA Awards Ceremony presented by Foxtel Group & Official After Party: Friday 6 February 2026

AACTA Screen Careers Expo: Saturday 7 February 2026