Top 50 finalists selected for AACTA Young Stars: National Youth Casting Call

AACTA YOUNG STARS ANNOUNCES TOP 50 FINALISTS IN NATIONAL YOUTH CASTING SEARCH

AACTA today announced the Top 50 finalists selected for the third annual AACTA Young Stars: National Youth Casting Call, marking a major milestone in the nationwide search for Australia’s next generation of acting talent. Presented in collaboration with Casting Networks®, Casting Guild of Australia (CGA) and Screenwise, AACTA Young Stars continues to uncover emerging performers from across the country, offering unparalleled access to industry decision-makers and career-defining opportunities.

Following an overwhelming number of high-quality submissions, the finalists were selected by an esteemed judging panel led by internationally renowned casting director Sarah Finn, best known for casting the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Oscar-winning films including Black Panther and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. She is joined by returning judges Thea McLeod (Neighbours), Anousha Zarkesh (Kangaroo, Territory) and Nikki Barrett (Elvis), with guest judges Dacre Montgomery (Stranger Things) and Kartanya Maynard (Heartbreak High) offering additional insight drawn from their own breakout careers.

AACTA Young Stars Top 50 Finalists (alphabetical)

The Top 50 finalists will be invited to attend AACTA Festival on the Gold Coast, where they will participate in exclusive workshops, mentoring sessions and networking opportunities with leading Australian and international casting directors. Each finalist will also receive a complimentary six-month Casting Networks Premium membership, along with professional headshots taken at the Casting Networks pop-up studio during the Festival.

AACTA Awards & Industry Development Manager, Ivan Vukusic said, “We were so impressed by the extraordinary calibre and diversity of talent in this year's AACTA Young Stars submissions. Selecting the Top 50 finalists from thousands of entries was incredibly challenging, but each one demonstrates remarkable potential and passion. Congratulations and good luck to these stars on the rise! We look forward to welcoming them to the AACTA Festival for workshops, mentorship, and transformative industry opportunities as we showcase Australia's next generation of screen stars. My thanks to our partners at the CGA and Casting Networks who do so much to support this initiative and Australia's acting talent.”

Thea McLeod, President of the Casting Guild of Australia added, “The level of talent this year was once again outstanding. We were blown away by how many submissions came in, and choosing the Top 50 was not easy, as there were so many amazing actors. Making it this far is an incredible achievement and something every finalist should be very proud of.

It’s been such a pleasure watching so many talented young actors from all over the country share their work. The individuality, confidence and commitment was remarkable, and it’s really exciting to see this next generation stepping forward with so much heart.

And to everyone who put themselves forward this year, whether you made the Top 50 or not, well done. Putting your work out there takes courage, and this platform is about being seen by casting directors and us discovering the next generation of Talent all across Australia. We love watching these journeys unfold and can’t wait to see what comes next for you all.”

The overall winner will receive an extraordinary career-launching package, including:

• A $10,000 Flight Centre voucher 

• $2,500 in travel support to the United States, where they’ll meet with a renowned international Casting Director and network with industry leaders.

• The opportunity to participate in an acting course at the American Arts Film & Television Academy (AAFTA) in Los Angeles. 

• The chance to connect with top Australian Casting Directors.

• One year-long access to The Studio by Casting Networks in Sydney.

• Each finalist will also receive a complimentary six-month Casting Networks Premium membership, as well as new headshots at the Casting Networks pop up studio as part of AACTA Festival at HOTA on the Gold Coast. 

"Casting Networks is thrilled to continue our partnership with AACTA and the CGA on this exciting initiative, dedicated to nurturing Australia's aspiring actors. Our commitment is to provide artists across Australia with a platform connecting them to impactful opportunities. This competition offers every entrant a unique opportunity to showcase their talent to the most influential Casting Directors and industry professionals working today.

Thank you to everyone who entered, and all the parents and friends who helped submit.

The talent this year has been truly outstanding. The judges had a monumental task in getting it down to the top 50! Congratulations to all who made it, we can't wait to see you on the Gold Coast" said Ryan Hicks of Casting Networks.

Previous winners of the initiative have gone on to secure major professional opportunities, with last year’s recipient Joe Bird preparing to travel to the United States to further develop his craft, and inaugural winner Mia Foran landing a recurring role on Neighbours.

Key Dates

Location: HOTA, Home of the Arts - Gold Coast, Queensland

• AACTA Festival: Wednesday 4 February – Sunday 8 February 2026

• AACTA Awards Industry Gala: Wednesday 4 February 2026

• AACTA Festival Industry Conference Day: Thursday 5 February 2026

• AACTA Awards Ceremony & Official After Party: Friday 6 February 2026

• AACTA Screen Careers Expo: Saturday 7 February 2026

• For information on the AACTA Festival, click here.

Tickets & Information

Tickets to AACTA Festival events and the AACTA Awards, including Live! by the Lake, are available now at aactafestival.com.