Overview
- AACTA confirmed renewed partnerships with the Queensland Government and Experience Gold Coast to keep its awards and festival on the Gold Coast until 2028.
- The 2026 program at HOTA runs February 4–7, featuring the Industry Gala (Feb 4), Industry Conference Day (Feb 5), Awards Ceremony presented by Foxtel Group (Feb 6) and Screen Careers Expo (Feb 7).
- Baz Luhrmann will present the Australian premiere of EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert, with he and Catherine Martin newly named as AACTA ambassadors alongside leaders such as Russell Crowe and Nicole Kidman.
- Highlights include the world premiere of the Paramount+/Hoodlum series Two Years Later, anniversary events for Shine and The Devil’s Playground, and appearances from figures including Anna Torv, Bruce Beresford, Thomas Keneally, John Seale and Mandy Walker.
- Organisers cite more than 40 industry sessions involving Foxtel, Paramount+, Universal, Sony, Netflix, HBO Max and Stan, while Queensland officials promote a projected $4.85 million economic benefit in 2026.