Bruce Beresford will be honoured at the 2026 AACTA Awards.
The legendary director, best known for films such as “Driving Miss Daisy,” “Black Robe” and “Breaker Morant,” will receive the Longford Lyell Award at next month’s ceremony.
“A director whose work has resonated both locally and internationally, Beresford’s films are celebrated for their humanity, wit and enduring cultural impact,” a press release states. “His contribution has helped define Australia’s voice on the global stage, inspiring generations of filmmakers and creatives.”
Beresford will be presented with the award by long-time collaborator and screen icon Bryan Brown.
The host for the 2026 AACTA Awards has also been confirmed, with actor and comedian Celeste Barber set to take on hosting duties at HOTA on the Gold Cast as part of AACTA Festival.
“This is going to be so fun. As I won’t be winning, because I’m not nominated for an AACTA Award this year, I may as well host the show. I’m so bloody excited to celebrate the biggest Australian TV and films of the year,” Barber said.
The ceremony can be watched on Channel Ten on Friday, February 6 at 7:30pm AEDT. A special extended broadcast, including all awards from the ceremony, will be available from 7:30pm the following day on BINGE and Foxtel (Showcase and available On-Demand).
A star-studded collection of special guests are heading to the 2026 AACTA Awards.
“Succession” star Brian Cox will make the trip to Australia to support his former castmate Sarah Snook, who’s hosting an In Conversation at the AACTA Festival.
Also set to appear at the festival are Dacre Montgomery, Baz Luhrmann, Sam Neill, Joseph Zada, David Wenham, Guy Montgomery, Rove McManus, Delta Goodrem, Steph Tisdell, Pia Miranda and many, many more.
This year’s AACTA Festival will run from February 4-8, bringing fans closer than ever to the people and stories shaping film, television and digital culture.
As well as Snook’s In Conversation event, other highlights of the festival include a double screening event with Luhrmann; a deep dive into the career of breakout “Bridgerton” star Yerin Ha; the world premiere of Paramount+’s “Two Years Later”; and an in insightful session exploring the craft behind Shabana Azeez’s breakout role in “The Pitt.”
Check out the full program here.
The 2026 AACTA Awards nominees were revealed in December, with Nicole Kidman, Jacob Elordi, Sam Neill, Teresa Palmer, Sally Hawkins, and Alison Brie amongst the names.