Husband and wife duo Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin have joined Cate Blanchett as ambassadors for the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA), securing the annual award on the Gold Coast until 2028.
The pair also include other prominent representatives of the organization, including chairman Russell Crowe, vice-chairman Nicole Kidman and patron George Miller.
Mr Rahman will also be appearing at next year’s AACTA Festival, where he will present the Australian premiere of his film EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert, as one of 300 speakers at 100 events.
Industry figures including Anna Torv, Bruce Beresford, Chloe Hayden, Thomas Keneally, David Michod, David Williamson, Emma Freeman, Fred Schepisi, John Seale, Josh Huston, Mandy Walker, Michael Robotham, Phoebe Tonkin, Shabana Aziz and Tony McNamara will be in attendance.
“Catherine Martin and I have been involved with AFI/AACTA for over 35 years, ever since Strictly Ballroom won multiple AFI Awards, including Best Picture. Many more awards followed, but we feel there is no more meaningful form of recognition than being celebrated by our national peers. That’s why I’m honored to be appointed as an ambassador for AACTA, an organization that celebrates Australian storytellers and the stories we tell, and does so much to elevate and uplift them on the world stage, nurturing a new generation of Australian talent,” Mr Rahman said.
Other key highlights during the AACTA festival include the world premiere of the Paramount+/Hoodlum series Two Years Later, a 30th anniversary discussion at Shine featuring director Scott Hicks, a 50th anniversary viewing of Schepisi’s The Devil’s Playground, and a conversation event with McNamara, Beresford, Tony Ayers, cinematographers Seal and Walker, and editor Lee Smith.
The industry day will feature a keynote address by Wayne Garvey, president of international production at Sony Pictures Television Worldwide, and a candid talk about the industry from Universal Pictures Australasia CEO Mike Bird.
Queensland Education and Arts Minister John Paul Langbroek and Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said keeping the AACTA Awards and Festival on the Gold Coast until 2028 was a coup for the state.
Minister Powell said: “The AACTA Awards and its accompanying festival are critical to raising Queensland’s profile in the film industry, while increasing Queensland’s global profile.”
“This celebration of Australian film and television is expected to deliver a $4.85 million boost to the state’s economy in 2026 and spotlight the Gold Coast during the internationally recognized awards season.
“We are determined to make Queensland the event capital of Australia. This is another example of the success of our ambitious 20-year tourism plan, Destination 2045.”
AACTA President Jack Christian added: “We are very grateful to the Queensland Government and the City of Gold Coast for their continued support of the Australian Academy. Queensland has proven to be a great home for major cultural events and we can’t think of a better place to celebrate Australia’s story as we approach our 70th anniversary.”
“Our first few years on the Gold Coast have exceeded all expectations, bringing together Australia’s creative community and industry leadership into one great celebration of screen culture. The 2026 Festival is shaping up to be our biggest festival yet, bringing together every corner of the industry for programs that showcase the strength, creativity and global influence of Australia’s screen community.”
AACTA Awards Industry Gala will be held on February 4th, AACTA Industry Conference Day will be held on February 5th, AACTA Awards Ceremony will be held on February 6th, and AACTA Screen Careers Expo will be held on February 7th, all events will be held at HOTA (Home of the Arts).
