The 2025 AACTA Awards ceremony shone brightly on the Gold Coast, where Australia's finest screen talents converged for a night of celebration and recognition of excellence in film and television. Hosted by AACTA President Russell Crowe, the event featured unforgettable performances from music icons Robbie Williams and Paul Kelly, captivating the audience with their classic hits.
Held at the stunning Home of the Arts (HOTA), this year's ceremony was marked by its vibrant atmosphere, with prominent celebrities like Henry Cavill, Phoebe Tonkin, and Teresa Palmer walking the red carpet amid flashing lights and eager fans. The AACTA Awards has consistently showcased the remarkable contributions of Australian storytellers, and this year was no exception.
Among the highlights of the evening was the announcement of key award winners. "Boy Swallows Universe," the Netflix miniseries, received the prestigious title of Best Miniseries, along with additional honors, bringing its total to twelve AACTA Award wins after the industry awards gala held previously. Notably, the series earned top accolades for Best Screenplay, with award-winning performances by Felix Cameron and Phoebe Tonkin recognized as Best Lead Actor and Actress, respectively.
The cinematic sensation "Better Man," inspired by the life of Robbie Williams, also had its share of glory, securing four awards, including Best Film and Best Direction for Michael Gracey. This film's multiple achievements reinforced its standing as a powerful narrative within the Australian film industry.
Television series also showcased their talents, with "Heartbreak High" taking home the award for Best Drama Series. Meanwhile, "Fisk" brought recognition to Kitty Flanagan, who won Best Acting in Comedy, highlighting the diversity of talent celebrated during the ceremony. Not to be outdone, the animated series "Bluey" continued to charm audiences, winning Best Children’s Program once again.
The Audience Choice Awards brought excitement to the proceedings, celebrating favorites among fans. Margot Robbie was honored as Australia’s Favourite Actress for the second consecutive year, alongside Chris Hemsworth as Favourite Actor. The popular Netflix show "Outer Banks" was named Australia’s Favourite TV Show, and "Wicked" triumphed as Favourite Film, demonstrating the impactful stories connecting with audiences.
During the ceremony, several discretionary awards were presented, showcasing contributions from both new and established creatives. Greig Fraser received the AACTA Byron Kennedy Award, recognizing his groundbreaking work on films like "Dune" and "The Mandalorian." The Brian Walsh Award for Emerging Talent went to Kartanya Maynard, who received financial support and mentorship to aid her creative development.
A special tribute, the AACTA Longford Lyell Award, was presented to the renowned working dog team of Santo Cilauro, Tom Gleisner, and Jane Kennedy, celebrating their inspiring contributions to the Australian screen culture.
Jack Christian, AACTA Chair, expressed the essence of the evening, stating, "The winners of the 2025 AACTA Awards remind us why Australian storytelling stands among the best in the world. From bold new voices to industry icons, this year’s recipients have delivered work that's powerful, original, and deserving of global recognition."
Alison Hurbert-Burns, Commissioner and Executive Director of Entertainment Content for Foxtel Group, echoed these sentiments, adding, "It’s been another strong year for Australian storytelling... congratulations to all the winners, nominees, and everyone recognized at the 2025 AACTA Awards for your creative endeavors and contributions to Australian film and television.”
Queensland Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Andrew Powell MP, highlighted the event's significance for the state, noting the economic benefits of hosting such a prestigious ceremony. “Queensland knows how to put on a show... with our immense natural beauty and buzzing culture,” said Powell, underscoring the value of the Gold Coast as a premier location for film and television production.
The festivities didn’t stop there; Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate remarked on the event's impact, stating, “This year’s awards celebrations have set a new benchmark for screen and film industry excellence.”
The 2025 AACTA Awards ceremony was not just about recognizing talent but also celebrating the community's shared vision and future. With the ceremony broadcast on Channel Ten at 7:30 PM AEDT, viewers across Australia were able to partake in the exclusive event. A special extended broadcast is set for the following day on BINGE and Foxtel, allowing fans to experience every moment of the celebration.
This remarkable gathering solidified the AACTA Awards' position as not only a highlight of the Australian entertainment calendar but also as a celebration of cultural significance, showcasing the immense talent found within the Australian film and television industry.