Queensland performing arts took centre stage on Monday 2 March 2026, as the 38th Matilda Awards were presented at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre Playhouse, celebrating the talent and innovation driving the state’s arts sector.
The Awards highlighted the diversity of Queensland’s performing arts landscape, with regional companies standing proudly alongside mainstage and independent productions, and exceptional work in design.
Queensland Theatre Company (QTC) delivered a commanding standing ovation on the night, securing multiple wins that underscored the company’s creative ambition and artistic excellence in Daniel Evans’ first full year as Artistic Director.
Aaron Sorkin’s A Few Good Men received multiple accolades, with QTC Artistic Director Daniel Evans awarded Best Direction presented by Minister for the Arts, Hon John-Paul Langbroek, Courtney Cavallaro taking out Best Leading Role – Mainstage Production, and the production honoured with the QPAC Award for Best Mainstage Production.
Reagan Mannix won Best Supporting Role – Mainstage Production for his work, while Mike Willmett earned Best Composition/Sound Design and Ben Hughes was recognised for Best Lighting Design for their respective contributions under the Queensland Theatre Company banner.
Beyond the major companies, the Awards recognised the strength and originality of Queensland’s independent and regional theatre-makers, and the vital role they play in shaping the state’s cultural landscape.
CROSSING THE DIVIDE by Gold Coast-based Shock Therapy Arts won Best Ensemble, while Fletcher Colfs won the Bille Brown Award – Best Emerging Artist for his body of work with Gympie’s Perseverance Street Theatre in GRIT: The Stories. The Town, The Music and Pirates, Cowboys and Aliens.
Also, Gold Coast-based, Arc Circus & The Yugambeh Aboriginal Dancers impressed with Living Sculptures: How The Birds Got Their Colours, winning Best Circus or Physical Theatre Production and Best Costume Design for Maria McRae.
The QUT School of Creative Arts Behind the Scenes Award went to Cairns-based emerging Lighting Designer and Theatre Technician, Eben Love, recognized for his work on numerous productions in 2025, including for Bangarra Dance Theatre, QTC’s Dear Son, and R and R Productions All Fired Up at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Rachel Nutchey took out Best Leading Role – Independent Production for her performance in Superheroes by Bodysnatchers Theatre, while Malika Savory earned Best Supporting Role – Independent Production for her role in The Dead Devils of Cockle Creek by Cut & Run Productions, and Blushing by Zen Zen Zo Physical Theatre was awarded the QPAC Award for Best Independent Production.
In its 20th year, Shake & Stir Theatre Co thrilled audiences with a new production of the musical The Lovers, winning Griffith University Award for Best Musical or Cabaret, underscoring the innovation of Shake & Stir Theatre Co’s milestone production.
The Lord Mayor’s Award for Best New Australian Work was presented by Brisbane City Councillor, Cr Vicki Howard to CROSSING THE DIVIDE, celebrating the vision and artistry of Sam Foster, Hayden Jones, and Benjin Maza from Shock Therapy Arts, highlighting the bold creativity emerging from Queensland’s independent theatre sector.
The prestigious Gold Matilda was presented to Louise Bezzina, former Artistic Director for Brisbane Festival, now CEO/Artistic Director at Brisbane Powerhouse. In presenting the Gold, former CEO of QPAC John Kotzas recognised her leadership and innovation, championing excellence and leaving a lasting impact on the sector.
Queensland designers and creatives were celebrated, too. Christina Smith won Best Set Design for Pride And Prejudice by Queensland Theatre Company, and Craig Wilkinson won Best Video Design for his work on QTC’s Dear Son.
Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek congratulated the 2025 winners, finalists and nominees for their artistic excellence, creative achievements and dedication to Queensland audiences through significant works and compelling stories.
“The Crisafulli Government is supporting continued delivery of the Matilda Awards with funding of $150,000 over four years, highlighting the valuable contribution of performing arts to our vibrant, statewide arts scene,” said Minister Langbroek.
“The Awards deliver on our 10-year arts and cultural strategy, Queensland’s Time to Shine, and its priorities to share our stories, celebrate our storytellers and strengthen our reputation as a creative powerhouse and unique cultural destination,” said Minister Langbroek.
Chair of the Matilda Awards, Nigel Lavender, said the ceremony celebrated artists across the state. “From regional companies bringing fresh perspectives to major productions pushing boundaries, it was a thrilling night showcasing the incredible talent across Queensland,” said Lavender.
Lead Judge Paul Dellit OAM added that the Awards recognised bold new works, independent productions, and remarkable performances. “Every nominee was already a winner, and this year’s recipients demonstrate the exceptional standard of theatre being created across our state,” said Dellit .
For more information about the Matilda Awards and the list of winners, visit: www.matildaawards.com.au for details.
Images: The Company of A Few Good Men (Queensland Theatre Company, 2025) – photo by Stephen Henry | CROSSING THE DIVIDE – photo by Cinnamon Smith | Jayme-Lee Hanekom and Stellar Perry in The Lovers – photo by Joel Devereaux |