NIDA Alumni at the AACTA Awards – The National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA)

The 2026 Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards celebrated the depth of Australian screen talent, spotlighting National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) alumni across television, film, short‑form and documentary categories.

Red‑carpet moments and special recognitions

NIDA graduates Amy Joyce (Acting, 2021) and Harrison Quast (Acting, 2021) joined the glittering crowd and conversed with industry icons including Baz Luhrmann (Acting, 1985), Catherine Martin (Acting, 1988), Sarah Snook (Acting, 2008), Yerin Ha (Acting, 2018) and Mark Paguio (Acting, 2018). Their interviews are available on the NIDA Community Instagram page here.

Among the night’s honours, Sarah Snook received the 2026 AACTA Trailblazer Award, while Clare Hughes (Acting, 2022) was presented with the 2026 AACTA Brian Walsh Award.

The ceremony was hosted by comedian Celeste Barber, adding a light‑hearted tone to the industry’s most prestigious celebration.

Television awards

Best Miniseries: Justin Kurzel (Design, 1995) – The Narrow Road to the Deep North (shared with Jo Porter, Rachel Gardner, Shaun Grant and Alexandra Taussig)
Best Narrative Comedy Series: Miranda Tapsell (Acting, 2008) – Top End Bub (shared with Rosemary Blight and Joshua Tyler)
Best Lead Actress in a Drama (presented by BINGE): Anna Torv (Acting, 2001) – The Newsreader
Nominee: Tuuli Narkle (Acting, 2018) – Mystery Road: Origin
Best Acting in a Comedy: Miranda Tapsell – Top End Bub
Best Supporting Actress in a Drama: Heather Mitchel (Acting, 1980) – The Narrow Road to the Deep North
Nominees: Essie Davis (Acting, 1992) and Susie Porter (Acting, 1995) – Apple Cider Vinegar
Best Direction in Drama or Comedy: Justin Kurzel (Design, 1995) – The Narrow Road to the Deep North, Episode 1
Best Costume Design in Television: Alice Babidge (Design, 2004) – The Narrow Road to the Deep North, Episode 1
Nominee: Gypsy Taylor (Design, 2003) – The Newsreader, Episode 3
Best Production Design in Television: Alice Babidge (Design, 2004) – The Narrow Road to the Deep North, Episode 1 (shared with Bev Dunn & Paul Sarpi)

Film awards

Best Lead Actor in Film: Richard Roxburgh (Acting, 1986) – The Correspondent
Nominee: Ryan Corr (Acting, 2009) – Kangaroo
Best Lead Actress in Film: Susie Porter (Acting, 1995) – The Travellers
Best Supporting Actress in Film: Yael Stone (Acting, 2006) – The Correspondent
Best Production Design in Film: Fiona Donovan (Design, 1992) – The Correspondent
Nominee: Nicholas Dare (Design, 2001) – Together

Short film and documentary

Best Short Film: Sarah Giles (Directing, 2008) & Grace Malouf (Writing for Performance, 2023) – Writers in Love (shared with Jacqueline Kerwick)
Best Documentary: Justin Kurzel (Design, 1995) – Ellis Park (shared with Nick Batzias & Charlotte Wheaton)

Did You Know? The 2026 AACTA Trailblazer Award was presented to Sarah Snook, highlighting her impact on Australian screen arts.

Expert Insight: The strong showing of NIDA alumni across categories underscores the institute’s role as a talent pipeline for the national industry. Their visibility on the red carpet and in award wins may encourage further investment in formal acting training and could inspire emerging artists to pursue similar pathways.

For the complete list of winners, visit the AACTA website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which NIDA alumni were highlighted on the red carpet?

Amy Joyce (Acting, 2021) and Harrison Quast (Acting, 2021) joined the ceremony’s stars and spoke with notable Australian artists.

Who received the 2026 AACTA Trailblazer and Brian Walsh Awards?

Sarah Snook (Acting, 2008) received the Trailblazer Award and Clare Hughes (Acting, 2022) received the Brian Walsh Award.

What television series won Best Miniseries?

Justin Kurzel (Design, 1995) won for The Narrow Road to the Deep North, shared with its production team.

Which moments from this year’s AACTA Awards do you think will shape the next season of Australian screen productions?