AACTA has awarded the 2026 Reg Grundy Award to husband-and-wife producing team Craig Smith and Kate Armon for their unscripted series concept for the traveling trivia show Brains on Tap!.
Described as ‘part quiz, part adventure and heartfelt’, the series sets out on a journey to discover Australia’s sharpest minds and most interesting locals. Each week, a host arrives in a new town and teams face off in a battle of wits, banter, and bragging rights for a spot in the Spectacular Grand Final.
The $50,000 Reg Grundy Award, presented in partnership with Grundy Media, honors the heritage and entrepreneurial spirit of its namesake and recognizes the best pitch in an unscripted television format.
This year’s finalists are Eureka’s Head of Global Format Wes Denning (Holey Moley, Australian Idol), Executive Producer and Format Consultant Paul Hardy (Alone, Beauty, The Geek), and Producer and Consultant Marion Fah. It was judged by Mr Lely (Big Brother, The X Factor), former Fremantle regional CEO of Australia Asia Pacific Ian Hogg and US executive Sharon Wheeler, who helped develop and adapt the Grundy International series for American audiences.
“This year’s finalists reflect the spirit championed by Reg Grundy, bold originality, imaginative storytelling and a format that inspires curiosity and connection. At the heart of Brains on Tap! is celebrating community and bringing people together through competition, friendship and great Australian storytelling,” Mr Wheeler said.
In a joint statement, Mr. Armon and Mr. Smith said that receiving the award was an “extraordinary honor” but one they still grapple with.
“This experience was truly transformative. The guidance, feedback and generosity of the judges elevated our project and elevated us as creators. It’s something we will carry with us for a very long time. This opportunity has given us the confidence to dream bigger and work harder, and we believe Brains on Tap! can become something truly special for audiences across Australia,” they said.
AACTA Awards and Industry Development Manager Ivan Vukšić added: “Brains on Tap! is a unique combination of quiz, reality and travel show. It’s such a fresh idea and quintessentially Australian. I’m so happy to have gotten to know Kate and Craig and can’t wait to see where this journey takes them. Thanks as always to our amazing judges and Grundy Media.”
Mr. Smith and Mr. Armon will be formally recognized at the AACTA awards ceremony on February 6th.
