The Australian Academy has revealed the Best Cinematography winners at the 2026 AACTA Awards.
In total, six DPs picked up prizes at the event, with awards handed out across Film, Television and Documentary.
Aaron McLisky ACS received the Best Cinematography in Film award for his work on horror film Bring Her Back, while Sam Chiplin scooped Best Cinematography in Television for episode one of The Narrow Road to the Deep North.
Meanwhile, Jack Riley, Nick Robinson, Caspar Mazzotti and Paul Bell collectively took Best Cinematography in a Documentary for episode one of The Kimberley.
Overall, with 16 nominations and 10 AACTA Awards (including Best Cinematography), Bring Her Back dominated the film categories, including Best Film, Best Direction, Best Editing, Best Casting, Best Original Score, Best Sound, Best Costume Design, Best Hair and Makeup, and Best Lead Actress in Film for Sally Hawkins.
Close behind was The Narrow Road to the Deep North, which took nine AACTA Award wins (including Best Cinematography) from 12 nominations, asserting itself as the standout television production of the year, while The Newsreader continued its award-winning legacy with four wins from 12 nominations including Best Drama Series, while Apple Cider Vinegar picked up the Award for Best Miniseries.
The Australian Academy also recognised outstanding individual contributions to the screen industry:
- Bruce Beresford, AACTA Longford Lyell Award
- Kristina Ceyton and Samantha Jennings, AACTA Byron Kennedy Award
- Kate Armon and Craig Smith, AACTA Reg Grundy Award
- Sarah Snook, AACTA Trailblazer Award
- Clare Hughes, AACTA Brian Walsh Award
Voted by audiences across Australia and around the world, the 2026 AACTA Audience Choice Awards celebrated the films, series, performers, podcasts and creators that entertained the public over the past year.
From global phenomenon Stranger Things (season five) and Wicked: For Good to favourites Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi and Robert Irwin, the Audience Choice winners reflect “the stories and voices audiences couldn’t get enough of”.
New awards were presented, which saw Shameless win the inaugural Award for Best Podcast, Norris Nuts win Best Online Channel, Bridey Drake win Best Digital Creator for the second year, and Mekonnen Knife win the Rabanne Breakthrough Artist Award.
AACTA CEO Damian Trewhella said: “This year’s AACTA Awards recognise the remarkable depth and diversity of Australian screen talent.
“From critically-acclaimed productions to audience favourites, the winners showcase the strength of our industry and the stories that continue to resonate locally and globally.
“We’re thrilled to be able to bring the Australian screen sector together on the Gold Coast.”
Daniel Monaghan, executive director, entertainment content, Foxtel Group, added: “It has been an incredible year for Australian film and television and the AACTA Awards highlight the imagination and craft at the heart of Australian storytelling. Congratulations to the winners, nominees and everyone recognised – the creativity and dedication within the industry continue to strengthen it.”
The full list of winners is available on the AACTA website.
