The 2026 Aacta Awards are set to be a thrilling event, with a diverse range of nominees across film and television categories. But let's start with a bang: the Netflix miniseries Apple Cider Vinegar, a gripping tale of deception, has dominated the nominations, with a whopping 20 nods!
Apple Cider Vinegar, based on the real-life story of Belle Gibson, a notorious wellness scammer, has captivated audiences and critics alike. Kaitlyn Dever, in the role of Gibson, delivers a powerful performance, earning her a nomination for Best Lead Actress. Her co-star, Alycia Debnam-Carey, also shines as fellow influencer Milla Blake, showcasing the depth of talent in this miniseries.
But here's where it gets controversial... Apple Cider Vinegar's success extends beyond its lead actors. The supporting cast, including Essie Davis, Aisha Dee, and Matt Nable, have all been recognized for their outstanding performances. The miniseries has also been nominated for Best Miniseries, Writing, Directing, and more, solidifying its place as a standout production.
And this is the part most people miss... Apple Cider Vinegar's 20 nominations put it in close contention with last year's record-holder, Boy Swallows Universe, which received 22 nominations. With such a strong showing, Apple Cider Vinegar is poised to make a significant impact at the awards ceremony.
In the film categories, Bring Her Back leads the pack with 16 nominations. This horror film, directed by the talented Adelaide brothers Danny and Michael Philippou, explores the eerie dynamics between two children and their foster mother. The Philippou brothers have a proven track record, having previously swept the Aactas with their debut film, Talk to Me.
Bring Her Back's nominations include Best Film, Best Direction, and Best Lead Actress for the talented Sally Hawkins. The film also boasts supporting acting nominations for young stars Jonah Wren Phillips and Sora Wong, alongside Sally-Anne Upton.
Other notable film nominees include Together, a co-dependent couple horror, with Alison Brie and Damon Herriman earning nods for their performances. The Best Film category is a diverse mix, featuring dramas, comedies, and animated films, including The Correspondent, Kangaroo, and The Travellers.
In the television categories, The Newsreader and Mystery Road: Origin dominate with 12 and 11 nominations, respectively. These acclaimed series have consistently impressed critics and audiences, with The Newsreader wrapping up its final season and Mystery Road: Origin continuing its successful run.
The miniseries The Narrow Road to the Deep North, based on Richard Flanagan's novel, has also made a strong showing with 12 nominations, including Best Actor for Jacob Elordi and Best Supporting Actress for Heather Mitchell. Other highly nominated miniseries include Mix Tape and The Survivors.
The Aactas, formerly known as the AFI awards, celebrate the best in film and television, spanning entertainment, lifestyle, and factual programming. The ceremony will take place on the Gold Coast on February 6th and will be broadcast on Channel 10 and Binge.
So, who will take home the top prizes? Will Apple Cider Vinegar make history? And will Bring Her Back continue the Philippou brothers' winning streak? Tune in to find out!
For a full list of nominees, visit the Aacta website.
Television Nominees:
- Best Miniseries: Apple Cider Vinegar, Invisible Boys, Mix Tape, The Last Anniversary, The Narrow Road to the Deep North, The Survivors
- Best Drama Series: Bay of Fires, Black Snow Jack of Clubs, Mystery Road: Origin, The Family Next Door, The Newsreader, The Twelve: Cape Rock Killer
- Best Narrative Comedy Series: Austin, Bump, Ghosts, Mother and Son, Strife, Top End Bub
- Best Lead Actress in a Drama: Alycia Debnam-Carey, Aisha Dee, Kaitlyn Dever, Tuuli Narkle, Teresa Palmer, Anna Torv
- Best Lead Actor in a Drama: Mark Coles Smith, Jacob Elordi, Travis Fimmel, Sam Neill, Hunter Page-Lochard, Sam Reid
Film Nominees:
- Best Film: Bring Her Back, Kangaroo, Lesbian Space Princess, The Correspondent, The Surfer, The Travellers
- Best Lead Actress in Film: Alison Brie, Emily Browning, Sally Hawkins, Susie Porter, Daisy Ridley, Lily Whiteley
- Best Lead Actor in Film: Bryan Brown, Ryan Corr, Jai Courtney, Guy Pearce, Richard Roxburgh, David Wenham
- Best Supporting Actor in Film: Damon Herriman, Cosmo Jarvis, Julian Maroun, Julian McMahon, Rahel Romahn, Jonah Wren Phillips
- Best Supporting Actress in Film: Marta Dusseldorp, Deborah Mailman, Brooke Satchwell, Yael Stone, Sally-Anne Upton, Sora Wong
And there you have it! A sneak peek at the 2026 Aacta Awards. Who do you think will win? Let's discuss in the comments!
