AACTA Festival celebrates Queensland's screen industry success

• The 2026 AACTA awards and festival on the Gold Coast shines a spotlight on Queensland’s screen talent and career pathways.
• 14 nominations across 10 categories at this year’s AACTA Awards were supported by Screen Queensland.
• The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland’s future through a thriving creative scene and a 10-year strategy to boost productions. 

Queensland’s thriving screen sector and the Crisafulli Government’s major investment in local productions will take centre stage, as the best of Australian film and television is celebrated at the 2026 AACTA Awards and Festival on the Gold Coast. 
 
The AACTA Festival is major coup for Queensland and offers a five-day program of industry discussions, workshops and events that support industry development before the awards ceremony at Home of the Arts (HOTA) on Friday 6th February.  
 
The Screen Careers Expo - Australia’s largest event dedicated to careers in film - television, games and online will be held on Saturday 7th February and will showcase a wide range of opportunities for the next generation of Queenslanders who want to pursue a career in the industry. 

The Crisafulli Government is delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy and a plan for Queensland’s future through a thriving creative scene and a 10-year strategy to boost productions. 

Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the Crisafulli Government’s investment in Screen Queensland has unlocked new opportunities and more jobs for Queenslanders. 

“Queensland is the nation-leading powerhouse for film and television production,” Minister Langbroek said. 
 
“The industry is booming and our reputation is going from strength to strength. 
 
“We are internationally recognised for our depth of talent, incredible screen infrastructure and stunning locations. 

“Screen Queensland supported seven projects that secured 14 nominations across 10 categories in this year’s AACTA Awards.  

“These productions received assistance from Screen Queensland’s various funding programs including Production Attraction Strategy, Screen Finance Fund and Post, Digital and Visual Effects Incentive.  

“In 2024-25, Screen Queensland supported 108 films, series and digital games made in Queensland, created more than 5,000 employment opportunities and generated more than $610 million for the state’s economy.  

“The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland’s future with our 10-year arts and cultural strategy Queensland’s Time to Shine, which will boost the creative economy, attract more productions and create local jobs.” 

CEO of Screen Queensland Jacqui Feeney said the agency was proud to promote the full breadth of the state’s screen sector including practitioners, production companies and businesses, who each bring their talents to create stories for audiences here and internationally.  

“Not only does a thriving screen sector deliver significant employment and economic benefits for local communities, our incredibly talented writers, directors, producers, cast and crews also breathe life into what it means to be a Queenslander,” Ms Feeney said.  

“It's a delight to see the Sunshine State's heart, humour, heroes and breathtaking landscapes on screen, from Bluey to Boy Swallows Universe and this year’s AACTA nominated productions like Black Snow and Spit." 

The AACTA Awards is proudly presented by Foxtel Group and supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland, Screen Queensland, and Experience Gold Coast.  

ENDS 

MEDIA CONTACT: Greg Thomson, 0447 221 816