The Southeast Queensland destination, famous for its film theme parks and its film studios, has extended its partnership with the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA), to host the annual AACTA Awards and the ACCTA festival for another two years.
Held in conjunction with the awards, the festival comprises film premieres, masterclasses, a careers expo and other film screenings.
The Gold Coast hosted the awards – Australia’s equivalent of the Oscars – and the festival in 2024 and 2025 and was already locked in to host the 2026 iteration next February at HOTA.
“The AACTA Awards and accompanying festival are pivotal in elevating Queensland’s standing within the screen industry while amplifying its global profile,” said the state’s tourism minister, Andrew Powell.
“This celebration of Australian film and television is expected to deliver a $4.85 million boost to the state’s economy in 2026 and shine a spotlight on the Gold Coast during the internationally recognised awards season.
“We are determined to make Queensland the events capital of Australia, and this is another example of delivery from our ambitious Destination 2045 20-year tourism plan.”
AACTA’s chair, Jack Christian, said the academy was “incredibly grateful” for the support of both the City of Gold Coast and the state government.
“Queensland has proven to be a fantastic home for major cultural events, and we couldn’t imagine a better place to celebrate Australian storytelling as we head towards our 70th anniversary,” said Christian.
“The first few years on the Gold Coast have exceeded all expectations, bringing together Australia’s creative community and industry leadership in one remarkable celebration of screen culture.
“The 2026 festival is shaping up to be our biggest yet, uniting every corner of the industry for a program that showcases the strength, creativity and global impact of Australia’s screen community.”
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said hosting the AACTA Festival and Awards was helping to grow the destination’s reputation in the screen industry across the Asia Pacific.
“Let’s roll out the gold carpet next February and welcome the biggest, brightest and most talented industry professionals. It’ll be lights, camera, Gold Coast.”
