The AACTA Festival has announced its latest wave of additions to the 2026 program, coming to Brisbane’s HOTA (Home of The Arts) in early February, as well as news that Kristina Ceyton and Samantha Jennings of Causeway Films will receive the AACTA Byron Kennedy Award in recognition of their innovations and commitment to excellence.
Established in 1984, the AACTA Byron Kennedy Award (named for George Miller’s late filmmaking partner) is bestowed upon individuals or organisations in the screen industry whose work epitomises innovation, vision, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Ceyton and Jennings will also lead a panel discussion for the festival in Fearless Filmmaking with Kristina Ceyton & Samantha Jennings — an intimate discussion on the risks, reach and instincts that helped shape the modern classics they helped to produce on Saturday, February 7.
Causeway Films has been involved in some of the most well-received films to come out of Australia in recent years, including “The Babadook,” “The Nightingale,” “Talk to Me” and “Bring Her Back”. The latter of which is leading the feature nominations for the 2026 festival with an impressive 16 nominations in major award categories.
These awards make up just a small part of the five-day programming of the AACTA Festival, which celebrates Australian film, television and pop culture with movie deconstructions, interactive workshops, meet-and-greets, music showcases, masterclasses with renowned filmmakers, outdoor screenings, family-friendly activities and a careers expo.
Alongside the award announcements, the AACTA Festival has revealed some new additions to the wider program. Australian stars Yerin Ha and Dichen Lachman will be in attendance to discuss their roles in “Bridgerton” and “Severance,” respectively. And joining their producers in celebrating Australian horror, Danny and Michael Philippou will attend to discuss their breakout career from YouTube stunts to Hollywood horror stardom.
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On the screenings front, attendees will be able to see Australian, Queensland and global premieres of “EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert,” “Two Years Later” and “Jimpa”. Other industry talents will lead discussions and panels, including author Andy Weir, comedy trio Aunty Donna, writer Tony McNamara, actor Chloe Hayden, Sony Pictures Television President of International Production Wayne Garvie and screenwriter Tony Ayres.
The 2026 AACTA Festival will run from February 1–8, 2026. Discounted tickets are available for AACTA Members, with new members invited to join for $50. To browse the full program and get your tickets, visit the AACTA website.