100+ events. 300+ speakers, 2 awards shows.
World premieres, exclusive screenings, career opportunities, networking, AACTA Festival and the AACTA Awards bring together Australia's biggest names in screen. Five unforgettable days on the Gold Coast to celebrate, connect and discover the future of Australian storytelling.
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AACTA FESTIVAL OPENING
WEDNESDAY 5TH FEBRUARY
AACT Festival will kick off with the premiere of XXX, with key cast and creatives joining. Red carpet xxxxxx
INDUSTRY DAY
THURSDAY 6TH FEBRUARY
This is the space to introduce visitors to the business or brand. Briefly explain who's behind it, what it does and what makes it unique. Share its core values and what this site has to offer.
AACTA AWARDS INDUSTRY GALA
FRIDAY 5TH FEBRUARY
The AACTA Awards Industry Gala honours the exceptional artists and technicians whose creativity and talent bring stories to life. From cinematography and editing to design, sound and production, this evening celebrates the craftsmanship behind some of Australia’s best screen productions.
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AACTA AWARDS CEREMONY
SATURDAY 6TH FEBRUARY
As Australia’s most prestigious celebration of screen excellence, the ceremony honoured standout achievements across film, television and online content and showcased the talent and creativity that define our industry.
AACTA SCREEN CAREERS EXPO
SATURDAY 6TH FEBRUARY
The AACTA Netflix Screen Careers Expo offered exclusive access to a diverse range of leading employers, top educators, support networks and the latest in screen technologies, creating a unique space for attendees to learn, network and explore real career pathways in the screen industry.
AACTA FESTIVAL
SUNDAY 7TH FEBRUARY
From Wednesday to Sunday, there is a full program celebrating screen culture, uniting the industry’s most acclaimed voices for an immersive experience across film, television and storytelling.
TRENDING EVENTS
8 February 2026
EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert at IMAX
7 February 2026
Dacre Montgomery In Conversation
7 February 2026
Sarah Snook – AACTA Trailblazer In Conversation
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7 February 2026
Romeo + Juliet (1996) 30th Anniversary
2026 AACTA Festival
Five incredible days, countless epic events, plus two awards ceremonies celebrating the best in film, TV, documentary, and online content.
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Join AACTA
Our members are at the heart of everything we do. All members – from students and screen fans to emerging and established professionals – underpin our year-round Screen Culture and Industry Development Program, bringing audiences and industry together to share insider knowledge behind Australia’s top screen productions.
Click here to find out more.
FAQs
The AACTA Festival is a vibrant, five-day screen and entertainment celebration held on the Gold Coast. Events include meet-and-greets, behind-the-scenes showcases, industry panels, and screenings, there’s something for every screen enthusiast.
We have a number of ways you can get involved in the Festival from events through to volunteering. Please fill out the form on our contact page for more information or submit an application to be a volunteer.
There are a mix of paid and free events within the Festival program. You will need to register to secure your ticket and ensure you don’t miss out. Paid events will have prices listed on the event page and AACTA members can use their member number to access exclusive discounts.
AACTA Festival 2026 was held at HOTA, Home of the Arts between 4 - 8th February. AACTA Festival 2027 dates will be announced later this year.
For the full list of FAQs, please visit here.
Thanks to our generous sponsors and partners.
