Best of 2026

Celebrate the best on the big screen as we look back at the films that defined the year and look ahead at those chasing awards-season glory.

Cinema has been a good-news story in 2026. Attendances are rising, and this year will be the first to have five consecutive months of box-office revenue exceeding $100 million in Australia – a record. There are reasons for this. Some put it down to Gen Z’s appetite for in-person social activities. Others suggest that upgrades to cinema screens and seating have contributed. One major reason is the quality of films released in Australian cinemas this year – and we think that is something to salute.

Join us in the cinema as we celebrate the Best of 2026. 

This December and January we’re rounding up the finest films of the year with a selection spanning excellence in acting, writing, design, cinematography and direction. Some won big during the awards season earlier in the year, and others are major contenders, hoping to score awards in the season to come. 

Be the first to experience Julianne Moore’s much-adored performance in The Debut on Tuesday 15 December – a special preview screening to kick off our program. And then carve out a decent chunk of time to catch up on the best of the best.

Reece Goodwin, Senior Programmer (Film & Screen Industry)
Additional writing by Finn Dall.