The ABC was the leading free-to-air network at the 2026 Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards, winning 11 awards at last night’s ceremony on the Gold Coast including four to The Newsreader.
The awards complete a superb year for ABC Screen, with wins across drama, comedy entertainment, children’s, documentary and lifestyle categories.
The Newsreader enhanced its reputation as one of the most celebrated dramas in Australian television. Last night the third season of The Newsreader took home the Best Drama Series award, completing a remarkable trifecta after winning the prestigious category for both season one in 2021 and season two in 2024. The Newsreader also won Best Screenplay in Television for Michael Lucas, Best Lead Actress for Anna Torv, and Best Supporting Actor in a Drama for Daniel Henshall. Produced by Werner Productions for the ABC, the standout series has now won 14 AACTAs across its three seasons.
Hard Quiz was also a major winner, recognised as Best Comedy Entertainment Program and popular host Tom Gleeson as Best Comedy Performer.
In its first Australian season, Portrait Artist of the Year hosted by Miranda Tapsell and Luke McGregor won Best Entertainment Program. The longest running children’s program on Australian television, Play School: All Together won Best Children’s Program. Grand Designs Australia took out the Best Lifestyle Program, the Best Stand-Up Special was secured by Celia Pacquola: I’m As Surprised As You Are and beautifully shot The Kimberley was honoured with the Best Cinematography in a Documentary award.
ABC Director Screen Jennifer Collins: “Congratulations to the ABC Screen teams whose exceptional work across our diverse and ambitious slate ensures these remarkable programs reach audiences around the country, and to our production partners whose craft and creativity make it possible to deliver these unmistakably Australian programs.”
The AACTA Awards (formerly the AFI Awards) honour screen excellence in Australia.
ABC 2026 AACTA Award Winners
- Best Drama Series: The Newsreader
- Best Lead Actress in a Drama presented by BINGE: Anna Torv – The Newsreader
- Best Screenplay in Television: Michael Lucas – The Newsreader
- Best Supporting Actor in a Drama: Daniel Henshall – The Newsreader
- Best Children’s Program: Play School: All Together
- Best Comedy Entertainment Program: Hard Quiz
- Best Comedy Performer: Tom Gleeson – Hard Quiz
- Best Entertainment Program presented by Gravity Media: Portrait Artist of the Year
- Best Lifestyle Program: Grand Designs Australia
- Best Stand-Up Special: Celia Pacquola: I’m As Surprised As You Are
- Best Cinematography in a Documentary: The Kimberley