Two Music Categories Added to the Awards Ceremonies

AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST CELEBRATION OF SCREEN EVENTS RETURNS TO THE GOLD COAST WITH THE 2025 AACTA FESTIVAL  

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This morning on the Gold Coast the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) launched its exciting AACTA Festival program which returns to HOTA, Home of the Arts, from February 5 - 9 2025. Underpinned by the prestigious AACTA Award ceremonies —which brings the entire Australian screen industry together with a star-studded red carpet and celebration of film, TV, online content and documentary, AACTA Festival also features a dynamic line-up of premieres, exclusive screenings, industry networking events, music, and informative and collaborative experiences for fans, emerging filmmakers and seasoned industry professionals alike.

With over 100 events—including a rare In-Conversation event with the Working Dog team (The Castle, Utopia, Have You Been Paying Attention), outdoor screenings, masterclasses with Oscar® winners, best-selling authors in conversation, workshops, music performances, comedy, karaoke and the AACTA Screen Careers Expo, AACTA Festival offers unparalleled insights and exclusive access into the industry, providing invaluable opportunities for budding creatives, professionals, movie-lovers and everyone in between. Recognising the growing significance of music in shaping unforgettable screen experiences, AACTA Festival is also diving deeper into the world of soundtracks and songs with an expanded music program. It’s never been a better time to be a creator.

2025 marks an incredible year for music in film and television, with titles like How to Make Gravy, Better Man, Christmess, Heartbreak High, The Artful Dodger, Last Days of the Space Age, RFDS, and The Musical Mind, just to name a few, each making innovative use of music to deepen narrative impact and connect with audiences. Australia’s rich legacy of music in film has cemented its reputation as a global leader in using soundtracks and songs to elevate storytelling on screen. From the groundbreaking scores and soundtracks of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Moulin Rouge!, Crocodile Dundee, and Muriel’s Wedding to the punk anthems of Dogs in Space, Australian films and television series have long showcased the country’s unique voice and talent in blending music with visual storytelling. 

Experience the sounds of How To Make Gravy, a BINGE Original film based on the iconic song by Paul Kelly, with original music performed live by Meg Washington and others. Dive into the globally captivating soundtrack of Heartbreak High with its music supervisor Jemma Burns, while multi-Oscar-nominated filmmaker Scott Hicks (Shine) shares his considerable expertise adding depth to the festival’s music strand. Learn about movement and dance from one of the world's best choreographers, Kate Wormald, and explore Dami Im’s remarkable Eurovision journey. Conclude each night at the vibrant Karaoke Bar, where music transforms into a shared, interactive celebration. And don’t miss the fabulous Drag Bingo night hosted by Ivyy Monroe and Kathy Pacific for an unforgettable evening of fun and games. 

AACTA is also thrilled to announce two new award categories for the 2025 AACTA Awards: Best Original Song and Best Soundtrack. The AACTA Award for Best Original Song will honour the talented songwriters and performers who create songs that enrich a production’s impact, while the AACTA Award for Best Soundtrack will celebrate the vital role of music supervisors in shaping unforgettable moments on screen. An expert jury will select nominees for these awards, with the winners determined by AACTA members in Round 2 voting.

AACTA Festival 2025 promises a unique, immersive celebration of the power of music in screen storytelling. Don’t miss this celebration of music, creativity, and culture in the heart of the Australian screen industry.

AACTA Festival will run for 5 days from February 5 - 9th 2025 kicking off with the AACTA Awards Industry Gala presented by Foxtel Group and Official After Party presented by Screen Queensland on Wednesday 5th February. This will be followed by an incredible day of screen events at the AACTA Industry Day, including meet the nominees, meet the creators, networking events and an industry Top Golf night on Thursday 6th February. The AACTA Awards Ceremony presented by Foxtel Group and Official After Party will be held on Friday February 7th. 

AACTA Festival will continue through the weekend of February 8 - 9, 2025, offering a vast range of activities celebrating film, television, and pop culture. Festival goers can enjoy in-depth movie deconstructions, interactive workshops, meet-and-greets, music showcases, masterclasses with renowned filmmakers, outdoor screenings, and a variety of family-friendly activities – and for those looking to break into the industry, an expanded Screen Careers Expo presented by Essential Screen Skills will also make its return on Saturday the 8th of February.

Whether you are a film fan, a budding creative, a pop culture enthusiast, or a dedicated industry professional, AACTA Festival offers a unique opportunity to network, learn, and revel in the magic of film and television. 

AACTA have teamed up with a number of local businesses to help you plan your trip to Queensland. Take advantage of discount accommodation offers and deals on exciting Gold Coast experiences available via aacta.org. 

Upcoming Key Dates:

Location: Home of the Arts (HOTA), Gold Coast 

2025 AACTA Awards Industry Gala & After Party: Wednesday 5 February

2025 AACTA Awards Ceremony & Official After Party: Friday 7 February

AACTA Festival: Wednesday 5 February – Sunday 9 February