The 2026 Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards nominations have been unveiled, with a Netflix drama about a notorious wellness influencer leading the charge. The miniseries 'Apple Cider Vinegar', which chronicles the story of Australian scammer Belle Gibson, has secured a staggering 20 nominations.
Miniseries and Film Frontrunners Dominate
Netflix's Apple Cider Vinegar has proven to be a critical darling, landing nods across major categories. The show stars American actress Kaitlyn Dever as Belle Gibson, who built a lucrative wellness empire on fabricated claims of curing her own terminal brain cancer through diet and alternative medicine. Dever is nominated for Best Lead Actress, alongside her co-star Alycia Debnam-Carey.
The production's dominance extends to the supporting acting categories, with Essie Davis, Aisha Dee, Susie Porter, Mark Coles Smith, Matt Nable, and Ashley Zukerman all receiving nominations. The show is also in the running for Best Miniseries, writing, directing, and multiple craft awards. Its 20 nominations place it close to the all-time record of 22, set last year by Boy Swallows Universe.
In the film categories, the Adelaide-made horror Bring Her Back leads with 16 nominations. Directed by brothers Danny and Michael Philippou, whose debut Talk to Me swept the 2024 awards, the film tells the chilling story of two children who suspect their new foster mother is not what she seems. Its nominations include Best Film, Best Direction, and Best Lead Actress for Sally Hawkins.
Television Titans and Comedy Contenders
The television field is commanded by two established powerhouses. The final season of the acclaimed drama The Newsreader has earned 12 nominations, while the second season of Mystery Road: Origin follows closely with 11. Jacob Elordi is nominated for Best Actor for his role in The Narrow Road to the Deep North, a miniseries adaptation which garnered 12 nominations in total.
Several actors received dual nominations this year, highlighting their standout years. Aisha Dee is nominated for both Apple Cider Vinegar and Watching You, Mark Coles Smith for Mystery Road: Origin and Apple Cider Vinegar, and Daniel Henshall for The Family Next Door and The Newsreader.
The best comedy category features shows like Austin, Bump, and Strife. A dedicated award for Best Acting in a Comedy will see the likes of Claudia Karvan, Asher Keddie, and Miranda Tapsell vie for the honour.
Ceremony Details and Full Contender List
The 2026 AACTA Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on 6 February on the Gold Coast. The event will be broadcast on Channel 10 and the streaming service Binge, allowing audiences across Australia to tune in.
The awards, which celebrate excellence across film, television, and factual programming, have highlighted a strong year for Australian content, with notable performances from both local and international stars attached to domestic productions. The full list of nominees is available for those looking to see all the contenders in every category.
