Winners Announced at the 2025 AACTA Awards Ceremony

ROBBIE WILLIAMS, HENRY CAVILL, PHOEBE TONKIN, TERESA PALMER & KITTY FLANAGAN WALK THE STAR-STUDDED CARPET FOR THE 2025 AACTA AWARDS HOSTED BY RUSSELL CROWE  

Australia’s best screen talent flocked to the Gold Coast for the 2025 AACTA Awards presented by Foxtel Group and hosted by AACTA President Russell Crowe. The night featured performances by British music icon Robbie Williams, who took to the AACTA stage to perform his chart-topping hit, Angels as well as Australian music legend Paul Kelly who performed his iconic song How to Make Gravy.

The star-studded ceremony featured an impressive lineup of presenters, including Henry Cavill, Kitty Flanagan, Dr. George Miller, Sam Pang, Kate Mulvany, Guy Pearce, Anne Edmonds, Aisha Dee, Alycia Debnam-Carey, David Wenham, Asher Keddie, Teresa Palmer, Stephen Curry, Ed Kavalee,  Aaron Chen, Lisa McCune, Tom Gleeson, Shane Jacobson, Catherine Martin, Guy Montgomery, Mel Tracina, Tim McDonald, Richard Wilkins, Leah Purcell, Sophie Monk and Catherine Laga'aia.

Boy Swallows Universe was the big winner of the night,picking up an additional six awards, bringing them to a total of 12 AACTA Award wins following Wednesday nights AACTA Industry Awards Gala. The Netflix miniseries captivated audiences with its poignant storytelling, earning Best Miniseries, Best Screenplay in Television for John Collee, and the suite of all four television acting honours, including Best Lead Actor in a Drama Presented by Binge for Felix Cameron, Best Lead Actress in a Drama Presented by Binge for Phoebe Tonkin, and supporting actor and actress wins for Lee Tiger Halley and Deborah Mailman respectively.

Heartbreak High was awarded Best Drama Series, Fisk shone with Kitty Flanagan winning Best Acting in a Comedy and the series also taking home Best Narrative Comedy Series. Hard Quiz maintained its beloved status in Australian entertainment, winning Best Comedy Entertainment Program. Bluey, the global sensation, once again took home Best Children’s Program.

Robbie Williams biopic, Better Man, picked up four AACTA Awards including Best Film, Best Direction in Film for Michael Gracey bringing their total to nine AACTA Awards. This year marks a historic first for AACTA, with motion-capture performances and voice acting included in the Acting categories. Jonno Davies earnt recognition for his compelling portrayal of the motion-capture monkey in Better Man. Damon Herriman added to his AACTA Awards collection winning his 4th trophy for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Better Man. 

Meanwhile, Jacki Weaver and Sarah Snook took home Best Supporting Actress and Best Lead Actress respectively for their work in Memoir of a Snail, celebrating the artistry of voice acting. In the documentary space, Gracie Otto’s Otto by Otto earned the award for Best Documentary, with its intimate storytelling and cultural resonance marking another achievement for Australian non-fiction cinema.

The 2025 AACTA Audience Choice Award winners were also announced with Netflix’s Outer Banks crowned Australia’s Favourite TV Show with Wicked winning Favourite Film. Margot Robbie claimed the title of Favourite Australian Actress for the second year in a row, and Chris Hemsworth won Favourite Actor. Robert Irwin was recognised as Australia’s Favourite Media Personality, and social media star Bridey Drake took to the stage to receive the award for Favourite Digital Creator.

For production stills and media images, click here. For a full list of AACTA Awards winners, click here. 

DISCRETIONARY AWARDS

Four discretionary awards were presented during the night. These awards celebrated both emerging and established creatives in our community, recognising their exceptional contributions and talent.

• Renowned for his groundbreaking work on Dune, The Batman, Lion, and The Mandalorian, Greig Fraiser was presented with the AACTA Byron Kennedy Award. The Award recognises Fraser’s extraordinary contributions to the screen industry, his pioneering use of technology, and his distinct visual style that has redefined cinematic experiences worldwide.

• The AACTA Brian Walsh Award for Emerging Talent was presented to Kartanya Maynard. Kartanya will receive $50,000 to support their career development, generously contributed by Nicole Kidman. In addition to the financial support, she will gain invaluable career mentorship, as well as substantial exposure and recognition through AACTA and its partners.

• Ed Kavalee and Sam Pang presented the AACTA Longford Lyell Award to Working Dog (Santo Cilauro, Tom Gleisner, Jane Kennedy, Michael Hirsh, and Rob Sitch). This prestigious award honours Australian screen practitioners who inspire others through their work, celebrating their significant contribution to advancing Australian screen culture and excellence.

• The AACTA Reg Grundy Award, now in its fifth year, offers a combined $50K prize to the individual or team with the best pitch for a new and innovative unscripted format. The team behind “Unspoiled” – Melanie Hogan, Neville Poelina, and Jamie Durie – will receive the funding.

AACTA Chair, Jack Christian said: “The winners of the 2025 AACTA Awards remind us why Australian storytelling stands among the best in the world. From bold new voices to industry icons, this year’s recipients have delivered work that is powerful, original, and deserving of global recognition. “Better Man” is a perfect example - critically acclaimed and now AACTA-winning, proving that great cinema leaves a lasting impact beyond the box office. We celebrate all of tonight’s winners and their contribution to shaping the future of Australian screen culture.”

Alison Hurbert-Burns, Commissioner and Executive Director, Entertainment Content, Foxtel Group, said: “It’s been another strong year for Australian storytelling, a testament to the talent and skill that goes into their creation. Congratulations to all the winners, nominees and everyone recognised at the 2025 AACTA Awards for your creative endeavours and contribution to Australian film and television.”

Queensland’s Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation, Andrew Powell MP said the Gold Coast and this glittering awards ceremony are the perfect match.

“Queensland knows how to put on a show, with our immense natural beauty and buzzing culture and evidently, so does all the talent who have gathered at HOTA this evening to celebrate the dazzling Australian film industry.

“The AACTA Festival attracts more than 7,000 people who provide an economic injection of almost $4.5 million. Being on the Gold Coast makes everyone feel like a winner, which is likely why so many iconic films and television series have been shot here.

“Congratulations to all the nominees and winners of tonight’s awards, the Australian film industry wouldn’t be what it is without your exceptional talent.”

“This year’s awards celebrations have set a new benchmark for screen and film industry excellence,” said Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate.

“I applaud all nominees and winners and look forward to seeing what film and television projects they take on next.

“Let’s continue to make movie magic here on the Gold Coast and recognise the giants of film and television.”

Queensland Minister for the Arts and Member for Surfers Paradise John-Paul Langbroek said the AACTA Awards Ceremony has quickly become a highlight of the state’s screen culture calendar, further cementing the Gold Coast’s reputation as a thriving hub for screen production.

 “The Crisafulli Government is proud to support the AACTA Awards and Festival, which in 2025 has celebrated some of our state’s finest films and series supported by Screen Queensland, and I congratulate all the talented winners and nominees this evening.

“The AACTA Awards are the jewel in the crown of an exciting five-day program that recognises the value of authentic Australian screen storytelling and the long-term career opportunities generated by our growing creative sector.”

The 2025 AACTA Awards Ceremony was broadcast in Australia on Channel Ten at 7.30pm AEDT, Friday 7 February. A special extended AACTA Awards broadcast, including all awards from the ceremony, will be available from 7:30pm on Saturday 8 February on BINGE and Foxtel (Famous and available On-Demand). International broadcast details to be announced soon. 

Key information and dates:

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

AACTA Festival: Wednesday 5 – Sunday 9 February 2025

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

For information on the AACTA Festival, AACTA Awards and ticket sales, click here.

"Experience Gold Coast congratulates all the winners at the 2025 AACTA Awards for their exceptional achievements," said Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn. "Gold Coast’s HOTA, Home of the Arts, is proud to share a passion for showcasing Australian talent and amplifying the voices of those who shape our cultural narrative and we look forward to welcoming the 2026 AACTA Awards back to this iconic venue and continuing to celebrate our creative industry."

The 2025 AACTA Award Winners are:

FILM

• AACTA Award for Best Film: Better Man – Paul Currie, Michael Gracey, Coco Xiaolu Ma, Craig McMahon – Better Man Productions Pty Ltd

• AACTA Award for Best Lead Actress in Film: Sarah Snook – Memoir Of A Snail

• AACTA Award for Best Lead Actor in Film: Jonno Davies – Better Man

• AACTA Award for Best Supporting Actress in Film: Jacki Weaver – Memoir Of A Snail

• AACTA Award for Best Supporting Actor in Film: Damon Herriman – Better Man

• AACTA Award for Best Direction in Film: Better Man – Michael Gracey

• AACTA Award for Best Indie Film: Birdeater – Jack Clark (Dir.), Jim Weir (Dir.), Ulysses Oliver, Stephanie Troost – Breathless Films and Fax Machine

• AACTA Award for Best Casting in Film presented by Casting Networks: Better Man – Alison Telford, Kate Leonard, Kate Dowd

• AACTA Award for Best Cinematography in Film: Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga – Simon Duggan

• AACTA Award for Best Costume Design in Film: Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga – Jenny Beavan

• AACTA Award for Best Editing in Film presented by Spectrum Films: Better Man – Martin Connor, Lee Smith, Spencer Susser, Jeff Groth, Patrick Correll

• AACTA Award for Best Original Score in Film: Better Man – Batu Sener

• AACTA Award for Best Production Design in Film: Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga – Colin Gibson, Katie Sharrock

• AACTA Award for Best Screenplay in Film: Better Man – Simon Gleeson, Oliver Cole, Michael Gracey 

• AACTA Award for Best Sound in Film: Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga – Robert Mackenzie, Ben Osmo, James Ashton, Yulia Akerholt, Jessica Meier, Tom Holkenborg

TELEVISION

• AACTA Award for Best Drama Series: Heartbreak High – Carly Heaton, Sarah Freeman, Hannah Carroll Chapman – Fremantle Australia (Netflix)

• AACTA Award for Best Miniseries: Boy Swallows Universe – Andrew Mason, Troy Lum –  Brouhaha Entertainment Australia (Netflix)

• AACTA Award for Best Narrative Comedy Series: Fisk – Nicole Minchin, Kitty Flanagan, Vincent Sheehan, Tom Peterson  – Origma 45 (ABC)

• AACTA Award for Best Lead Actress in a Drama presented by BINGE: Phoebe Tonkin – Boy Swallows Universe

• AACTA Award for Best Lead Actor in a Drama presented by BINGE: Felix Cameron – Boy Swallows Universe

• AACTA Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama: Deborah Mailman – Boy Swallows Universe

• AACTA Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama: Lee Tiger Halley – Boy Swallows Universe

• AACTA Award for Best Acting in a Comedy: Kitty Flanagan – Fisk

• AACTA Award for Best Children’s Program: Bluey – Joe Brumm, Charlie Aspinwall, Daley Pearson, Sam Moor – Ludo Studio (ABC)

• AACTA Award for Best Stand-Up Special: Anne Edmonds: Why Is My Bag All Wet? – Anne Edmonds, Frank Bruzzese, Kathleen McCarthy, Kevin Whyte, Georgina Ogilvie – Guesswork Television (Network 10, Paramount+)

• AACTA Award for Best Comedy Entertainment Program: Hard Quiz – Chris Walker, Kevin Whyte, Tom Gleeson, John Tabbagh – Thinkative Television and ABC (ABC)

• AACTA Award for Best Factual Entertainment Program: Muster Dogs – Monica O’Brien, Michael Boughen, John Unwin, Matthew Street, Jo Chichester, Rachel Robinson – Ambience Entertainment Pty Ltd (ABC)

• AACTA Award for Best Reality Program presented by Network 10: MasterChef Australia – Marty Benson, Simon Child, Eoin Maher, April Mackay – Endemol Shine Australia (Network 10)

• AACTA Award for Best Screenplay in Television: Boy Swallows Universe – Episode 4 – John Collee

• AACTA Award for Best Comedy Performer: Tom Gleeson – Hard Quiz

• AACTA Award for Best Lifestyle Program: Grand Designs Australia – Brooke Bayvel, Michael Collett – Fremantle Australia (ABC)

• AACTA Award for Best Casting in Television presented by Casting Networks: Boy Swallows Universe – Nikki Barrett

• AACTA Award for Best Cinematography in Television: Boy Swallows Universe – Episode 4 – Shelley Farthing-Dawe

• AACTA Award for Best Costume Design in Television: Ladies in Black – Episode 2 – Marion Boyce

• AACTA Award for Best Direction in Drama or Comedy: Boy Swallows Universe – Episode 1 – Bharat Nalluri

• AACTA Award for Best Direction in Nonfiction Television: Muster Dogs – Episode 3 – Sally Browning, Monica O'Brien

• AACTA Award for Best Documentary or Factual Program: Miriam Margolyes Impossibly Australian – Jo Siddiqui, Helen Barrow, Paulo Vivan, Laurie Critchley, Julie HannaJo Siddiqui  – Southern Pictures Pty Ltd (ABC)

• AACTA Award for Best Editing in Television: Boy Swallows Universe – Episode 4 – Mark Perry

• AACTA Award for Best Entertainment Program: Spicks and Specks – Rowdie Walden, Michiko Smith, Anthony Watt – ABC (ABC)

• AACTA Award for Best Original Score in Television: Bluey – Episode 2 – Joff Bush, Daniel O’Brien, Jazz Darcy, Joseph Twist

• AACTA Award for Best Production Design in Television: Boy Swallows Universe – Episode 4 – Michelle McGahey

• AACTA Award for Best Sound in Television: Boy Swallows Universe – Episode 4 – Sam Hayward, Scott Mulready, Danielle Wiessner, Nigel Christensen

DOCUMENTARY 

• AACTA Award for Best Documentary: Otto by Otto – Gracie Otto (Dir.), Cody Greenwood, Nicole O’Donohue, – Rush Films & Wildflower Films 

• AACTA Award for Best Cinematography in a Documentary: The Musical Mind: A Portrait In Process – Geoffrey Hall, Emerson Hoskin

• AACTA Award for Best Editing in a Documentary - Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line – Gretchen Peterson

• AACTA Award for Best Original Score in a Documentary: Mozart’s Sister – Jessica Wells

• AACTA Award for Best Sound in a Documentary: Mozart’s Sister – Damian Jory

ONLINE

• AACTA Award for Best Online Drama or Comedy: Buried – Fran Derham, Charlotte George, Miriam Glaser – Frantales Productions

SHORT FILM

• AACTA Award for Best Short Film: Gorgo – Katie Amos, Veniamin Gialouris (Dir.), Katie Amos,  Danielle Stamoulos – Australian Film, Television and Radio School 

OTHER

• AACTA Award for Best Visual Effects or Animation: Better Man – Luke Millar, Andy Taylor, Craig Young, Tim Walker – Wētā Better Man Productions Pty Ltd

• AACTA Award for Best Soundtrack: Heartbreak High – Jemma Burns

• AACTA Award for Best Hair and Makeup presented by HASK: Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga – Lesley Vanderwalt, Larry Van Duynhoven, Matteo Silvi, Luca Vannella

• AACTA Award for Best Original Song: Fine (Meg Washington, Brendan Maclean & The Prison Choir) – How To Make Gravy

INDIVIDUAL 

• 2025 AACTA Longford Lyell Award Recipient: Working Dog- Santo Cilauro, Rob Sitch, Jane Kennedy, Tom Gleisner, and producer Michael Hirsh.

• 2025 AACTA Byron Kennedy Award Recipient: Greig Fraser

• 2025 AACTA Reg Grundy Award Recipient: “Unspoiled” – Melanie Hogan, Neville Poelina, and Jamie Durie 

• 2025 AACTA Brian Walsh Award Recipient: Kartanya Maynard

• AACTA Award for Outstanding Contribution: Paul Kelly

2025 AACTA Audience Choice Awards 

• AACTA Audience Choice Award for Favourite Digital Creator: Bridey Drake

• AACTA Audience Choice Award for Favourite Media Personality: Robert Irwin

• AACTA Audience Choice Award for Favourite Australian Actress: Margot Robbie

• AACTA Audience Choice Award for Favourite Australian Actor: Chris Hemsworth

• AACTA Audience Choice Award for Favourite TV Show: Outerbanks

• AACTA Audience Choice Award for Favourite Film: Wicked