The 2026 Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards red carpet transformed into a vibrant showcase of style and confidence, with host Celeste Barber leading the fashion parade in a stunning white Toni Maticevski frock. The event, celebrating the pinnacle of Australian film and television, saw stars from Bridgerton to TikTok stepping into the spotlight with sartorial flair.
Celeste Barber Sets the Tone in White
Host Celeste Barber brought undeniable confidence to the red carpet, wearing a sophisticated white gown designed by Toni Maticevski. Her choice set a tone of elegance and poise for the evening, perfectly complementing her role as the ceremony's host. The dress highlighted her commanding presence as she welcomed guests to Australian entertainment's most prestigious night.
Bridgerton Star Yerin Ha Captivates in Purple
The talk of the ton, Bridgerton's Yerin Ha, looked every bit a romantic lead in a midnight purple Zimmermann dress featuring a regency-adjacent silhouette. Her ensemble seamlessly blended period drama inspiration with modern red carpet glamour, making her one of the standout fashion moments of the evening. The rich colour and elegant cut demonstrated her status as a rising star in both television and fashion circles.
Courtney Act Delivers Fan Service En Route
Breezing through on her way to co-host ABC's Mardi Gras parade coverage, Courtney Act gave dedicated fan service with her eye-catching appearance. Her look combined theatricality with accessibility, reflecting her dual roles as entertainer and television host. The ensemble showcased her unique ability to bridge different aspects of Australian media culture.
Diverse Fashion Statements Across the Carpet
TikTok triple threat Mekonnen Knife presented a sophisticated look ready for the billiards room, wearing a black smoking jacket paired with a silky shirt. Thomas Cocquerel from The Gilded Age opted for all-business elegance in a double-breasted brown suit with colour-matched shirt and tie. Meanwhile, best lead actor in a drama nominee Mark Coles Smith from Mystery Road: Origin kept things smooth in a velvet tuxedo, also in brown tones.
Supporting Actress Nominee Makes Bold Statement
Best supporting actress in a drama nominee Susie Porter from Apple Cider Vinegar made a dramatic entrance with a big red bow, declaring her readiness for the evening's festivities. Her choice demonstrated how accessories can transform a red carpet look, adding personality and visual impact to her overall presentation.
Black Elegance and Historical Inspiration
Lady in black indeed: it was Ladies in Black's Gemma Chua-Tran who embraced monochromatic sophistication. Kinky History's Dr Esme James brought historical inspiration to life, wearing a ripping bodice and rippling skirt from the Selkie collection. These diverse approaches to red carpet fashion highlighted the breadth of Australian creative talent, from acting to historical presentation.
The 2026 AACTAs red carpet ultimately served as a powerful showcase of Australian fashion's growing influence on the global stage. Each celebrity appearance told a story of personal style, professional achievement, and creative expression, making the event as much about visual artistry as it was about cinematic and television excellence. The variety of designers, from established names like Zimmermann to emerging talents, demonstrated the health and diversity of Australia's fashion industry alongside its entertainment sector.
