The AACTA Festival and AACTA Awards, presented by the Foxtel Group, will return to the Gold Coast in 2026, running from 4–8 February at HOTA, Home of the Arts.
It will be the third consecutive year the national screen industry’s largest event is held on the Gold Coast.
Organised by the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts, the 2026 program will include more than 100 events across five days, aimed at screen professionals, creatives, emerging talent, and fans.
The schedule includes the AACTA Industry Gala (4 February), a full-day industry conference (5 February), the AACTA Awards Ceremony (6 February), and a weekend of screenings, premieres, and career-focused events including the AACTA Screen Careers Expo.
Submissions for events, partnerships, and other expressions of interest are now open. Viewing has also commenced for this year’s AACTA Award for Best Short Film, with members encouraged to watch and vote.
Organisers highlight national significance
AFI Chair Jack Christian said the return to the Gold Coast highlights the festival’s growing national footprint.
“The Festival has become a cornerstone of the national screen calendar, creating meaningful opportunities for industry connection and collaboration,” he said.
“Alongside the Festival, the AACTA Awards remain an iconic platform for recognising excellence in film, television and online production… We’re proud to continue that tradition on the Gold Coast in 2026.”
Economic impact and government backing
Queensland Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell said the event is expected to generate around $4.85 million for the local economy.
“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.”
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the city was well placed to host the country’s largest screen industry gathering.
“We’re proud to welcome the AACTA Awards and Festival back to the Gold Coast in 2026… We can’t wait to host industry leaders, creators and fans for another inspiring week at HOTA.”
Queensland’s Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the event supports long-term investment in the screen industry.
“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 reaffirms long-term support
Foxtel Group returns as presenting partner of the AACTA Awards for the eleventh consecutive year.
“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,” said CEO Patrick Delany.
“Our commitment to sharing stories that matter and supporting Australia’s vibrant screen industry remains as strong as ever.”
More information, including programming updates and registration, is available via aactafestival.com