For the first time, AACTA is officially recognising and celebrating emerging, student creatives with the introduction of the Best Student Film Award. In its inaugural year, nominees are drawn from institutions participating at the 2026 AACTA Netflix Screen Careers Expo in partnership with Essential Screen Skills. 

 

Our nominees represent the strongest work from their respective graduating cohorts and highlights the exceptional calibre of work from AFTRS, APAC, Bond University, Griffith Film School, QUT, University of Southern Queensland, University of Sunshine Coast, SAE, and TAFE Queensland. These films, judged by a panel of leading industry figures, will screen in a special showcase with one film and university to be awarded the AACTA SCE26 Best Student Film Award on the day.

 

This is a great opportunity to see firsthand the innovation and skill of the next generation of filmmakers. If you are a secondary student exploring your tertiary options, this is your chance to see what can be achieved through ongoing screen studies and to speak directly with AACTA nominated graduating students about their experience at their respective universities.

 

At the end of the screening and presentation of the AACTA SCE26 Best Student Film Award, all of our nominees will have the opportunity to meet, mingle, and network with the judges, industry guests and fellow students.

Whether you’re on screen, behind the camera, or about to take your first steps into the industry, this event is about recognising bold new voices, celebrating student craft, and opening doors to what comes next.