In an awards season overflowing with spectacle, the AACTA Awards 2026 offered a refreshing pause. Much like Rose Byrne’s quietly powerful Golden Globes acceptance speech, the red carpet at Australia’s premier film and television awards felt grounded, confident and effortlessly stylish.
Set against the gaudy glamour of the Golden Globes, the edgy excess of the Grammys and the polished formality of the upcoming Oscars, the AACTAs stand apart. Australia’s most prestigious entertainment ceremony embraces a more relaxed approach to fashion—one that values craftsmanship, individuality and ease over theatrical drama. On the Gold Coast, Australia’s leading acting talent delivered a masterclass in understated elegance, championing local designers and proving that style doesn’t need excess to make an impact. Here are the standout looks that captured the essence of modern Australian fashion.
AACTA Awards 2026 : Sarah Snook in Christopher Esber
Succession star Sarah Snook, who was honoured with the Trailblazer Award at the 2026 AACTAs, dominated the red carpet in a striking reinterpretation of classic tailoring by Australian designer Christopher Esber.
Snook’s look was a contemporary take on the tuxedo, elevated through unexpected details. The asymmetrical design paired a single shawl collar with a sweeping trim on the opposite side, anchored by a deep navy cummerbund. The result was sharp yet fluid, offering subtle echoes of Julie Andrews’ iconic look in the 1982 musical Victor Victoria.
The appearance further cemented Snook’s evolving fashion identity. After collecting her Critics’ Choice Award last month in a sleek black suit by Parisian label Akris, she has clearly found a signature style—modern, powerful and quietly confident.
Yerin Ha in Zimmermann
For Yerin Ha, the red carpet moment felt both personal and perfectly placed. The Korean-Australian actor and Sydney-based NIDA graduate chose Zimmermann, one of Australia’s most celebrated luxury fashion houses, for her AACTA appearance.
The choice carried symbolic weight. Zimmermann is a global favourite among royalty, worn by figures such as Queen Mary of Denmark, Catherine, Princess of Wales, Princess Beatrice, and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh. It was an ideal match for Ha, who has stepped into the aristocratic world of Netflix’s Bridgerton as Sophie Baek.
Ha wore the Zimmermann Alchemy Billow dress, customised in a rich, regal purple that complemented both her heritage and rising star status. The look balanced romance with refinement, marking her as one of Australia’s most promising new fashion faces.
Phoebe Tonkin in Christopher Esber
Returning as last year’s Best Actress winner for Boy Swallows Universe, Phoebe Tonkin faced a fiercely competitive field in 2026. Nominated alongside heavyweights including Margot Robbie, Sarah Snook, Isla Fisher, Rebel Wilson and Rose Byrne, Tonkin ensured her fashion moment stood out.
Her custom Christopher Esber gown struck a perfect balance between formality and freedom. The dusty royal blue dress featured elegant ruching and a bold graphic black trim, blending coastal ease with black-tie sophistication. With Esber currently preparing for Paris Fashion Week, the look felt globally relevant while remaining unmistakably Australian.
Kat Stewart in Maticevski
Few actors maintain consistency across performance and personal style as effortlessly as Kat Stewart. The Black Snow and The Offspring star once again delivered a refined red carpet moment in a halter-neck gown by Melbourne designer Toni Maticevski.
Known for his sculptural silhouettes, Maticevski’s design featured a dynamic ruffle and flowing train. Despite its dramatic construction, the gown remained understated—ticking every trend box without appearing forced. It was a reminder that restraint, when done well, is a powerful fashion statement.
Mekonnen Knife in Emporio Armani
Debuting a winter look on the humid Gold Coast may seem unconventional, but Mekonnen Knife made it look effortless. The 19-year-old Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires actor appeared poised beyond his years in a chocolate-brown wool tuxedo from Emporio Armani, complete with a shawl lapel and wide-leg trousers.
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Born in Ethiopia and raised in Queensland, Knife is nominated for the Breakthrough Artist Award, alongside talents such as Milly Alcock, Felix Mallard, Samara Weaving, Maia Mitchell, Josh Heuston, Odessa Young and Joseph Zada. His calm, confident fashion choice mirrored a rising star comfortable in his own skin.
AACTAs and the Art of Effortless Style
What defined the AACTA Awards 2026 wasn’t excess—it was confidence. Australian fashion continues to thrive on authenticity, craftsmanship and individuality, offering a refreshing alternative to the high-gloss spectacle of Hollywood red carpets.
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In celebrating local designers and relaxed elegance, the AACTAs once again proved that sometimes the most powerful fashion statements are the quietest ones.