Brisbane · 26 August 2026 · The Precinct

The 2026 Australian AI Film Awards

The 2026 Australian AI Film Awards

The 2026 Australian AI Film Awards

On 26 August 2026, filmmakers, creators and screen industry leaders filled The Precinct in Brisbane for the inaugural Australian AI Film Awards, part of Something Fest. Six awards, an industry forum, and a room full of people who believe AI should serve the story.

On 26 August 2026, filmmakers, creators and screen industry leaders filled The Precinct in Brisbane for the inaugural Australian AI Film Awards, part of Something Fest. Six awards, an industry forum, and a room full of people who believe AI should serve the story.

Directed by Jamie van Leeuwen and Craig Swann. Presented by Absolutely AI.

The winners

Five films chosen by a panel of Hollywood and Australian screen leaders. One chosen by the audience.

Five films chosen by a panel of Hollywood and Australian screen leaders. One chosen by the audience.

Five films chosen by a panel of Hollywood and Australian screen leaders. One chosen by the audience.

A grumpy stone troll in close-up, from the animated film Blossom

Best Australian AI Film

Blossom

Pylon

A young woman shields a cheetah from a wall of fire, from The Trials

Best International AI Film

The Trials

Wonder Studios

Two aliens in a battered sedan on a desert planet, from the music video It Ain’t That Serious

Best AI Music Video

It Ain’t That Serious

Captain Hahaa

A startled woman in a yellow dress at a bowls club, from Extraordinary Rob

Best Regional Australian

Extraordinary Rob

Adam Szudrich

A researcher in a white coat filming through the fog, from External Observations

Best Experimental

External Observations

Andrew Frost Studio

The People’s Choice trophy at The Australian AI Film Awards 2026

People’s Choice

The Reckless Play

Maria Zozulia

The night

A full house at The Precinct.

A full house at The Precinct.

A full house at The Precinct.

The six crystal trophies lined up before the ceremony
Co-director Jamie van Leeuwen on stage under The Australian AI Film Awards screen
A full house on the tiered seating at The Precinct
Presenting the Best Regional Australian award for Extraordinary Rob
Announcing the Best Australian Short AI Film
The audience reacting during the screenings
The Next Frame panel in conversation in front of The Australian AI Film Awards wall

The industry forum

The Next Frame

The Next Frame

The Next Frame

A live conversation on where screen storytelling goes next, with Julie Eckersley of Screen Queensland, Jennie Zeiher, former president of Rising Sun Pictures, and Clayton Jacobson, director of Kenny. Moderated by co-director Craig Swann.

In the news · SBS News, 26 August 2026

“Industry divided as Australia holds its first-ever AI film awards”

“Industry divided as Australia holds its first-ever AI film awards”

WATCH ON SBS NEWS
WATCH ON SBS NEWS

WATCH ON SBS NEWS

The opening film

The film that opened the night, made by Absolutely AI.

From the finalists

Little Grimmy by Spell Films, a finalist for Best Australian AI Film.

Be first to hear about 2027

Be first to hear about 2027

Entries, categories and dates for the 2027 awards. One email when they’re announced.