Factual. Independent. Impartial.
Support AAP with a free or paid subscription
Entertainment
Liz Hobday

Horror film and a war series dominate AACTA Awards

Bring Her Back co-director Danny Philippou and star Jonah Wren Phillips had reason for celebrate. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)

Horror flick Bring Her Back has taken home a frightening swag of 10 gongs at Australia's answer to the Oscars, the AACTA Awards.

Stars including Succession's Sarah Snook and Brian Cox walked the red carpet outside HOTA at Surfers Paradise ahead of the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts awards ceremony on Friday night.

Directed by brothers Michael and Danny Philippou, Bring Her Back is the story of a grieving mother who turns to the supernatural to bring her daughter back from the dead.

Sarah Snook and Brian Cox
Succession stars Sarah Snook and Brian Cox were among the big names at the awards. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)

It not only won best film, but also best direction, cinematography, costume, editing, casting, score, sound and hair and makeup - and best lead actress for star Sally Hawkins.

Best lead actor went to Richard Roxburgh for his role in The Correspondent, a film based on the true story of journalist Peter Greste, and the feature was also recognised for best screenplay and best production design.

Across the television categories, streaming series The Narrow Road to the Deep North won nine gongs, including best direction and cinematography.

Jacob Elordi
Jacob Elordi won Best Lead Actor in a Drama for his role in The Narrow Road to the Deep North. (Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOS)

Best Lead Actor in a Drama went to the star of the five-part series Jacob Elordi, while Best Supporting Actress in a Drama went to Heather Mitchell.

ABC series The Newsreader was also among the winners with four wins from 12 nominations including best drama, as well as Best Lead Actress in a Drama for star Anna Torv.

WINNERS AT THE 2026 AACTA AWARDS:

FILM 

* Best Cinematography in Film: Bring Her Back

* Best Direction in Film: Bring Her Back

* Best Film: Bring Her Back

* Best Indie Film: Lesbian Space Princess

* Best Lead Actor in Film: Richard Roxburgh – The Correspondent

* Best Lead Actress in Film: Sally Hawkins – Bring Her Back

* Best Screenplay in Film: The Correspondent

* Best Supporting Actor in Film: Julian McMahon – The Surfer

* Best Supporting Actress in Film: Deborah Mailman – Kangaroo

Shane and Liv Jacobson
Shane and Liv Jacobson were among the Aussie film and TV who's who at the AACTA Awards. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)

TELEVISION

* Best Acting in a Comedy: Miranda Tapsell – Top End Bub

* Best Cinematography in Television: The Narrow Road to the Deep North

* Best Comedy Entertainment Program: Hard Quiz

* Best Direction in Drama or Comedy: The Narrow Road to the Deep North

* Best Documentary or Factual Program: The People vs Robodebt

* Best Drama Series: The Newsreader

* Best Lead Actress in a Drama: Anna Torv – The Newsreader

* Best Miniseries: Apple Cider Vinegar

* Best Narrative Comedy Series: Bump

* Best Screenplay in Television: The Newsreader

License this article

Sign up to read this article for free
Choose between a free or paid subscription to AAP News
Start reading
Already a member? Sign in here
Top stories on AAP right now