Matilda Awards Announce Expansion with New Awards and Regional Growth
The Matilda Awards is expanding its Awards categories and increasing its regional coverage from July 2026, affirming a commitment to ensuring that high-quality work across the entire state is valued and represented in Queensland’s annual celebration of the performing arts.
EXPANDED AWARDS CATEGORIES
Queensland's performing arts sector is evolving, particularly in the lead up to the Olympics. As the need for high quality, statewide programming grows, it is more important than ever to recognise and celebrate exceptional and ambitious work across the state. The Matilda Awards have a crucial role to play, recognising excellence and platforming new and established talent ahead of Queensland's global debut.
Nigel Lavender, Matilda Awards Chair, said: “As the premier vehicle recognising the achievements in Queensland’s performing arts industry, the Matilda Awards is growing. In response to emerging trends and sector advice, the Matildas is opening new pathways to professional recognition by expanding its award categories and regional coverage”.
Commencing in 2026, the Matildas will introduce five new award categories across performance, composition, sound design and works for young audiences.
Paul Dellit, Matildas Lead Judge, commented that “Our new awards for Best Performance in a Featured Role and Best Production for Children and Young People expand recognition in those areas, while the separation of Sound Design and Composition reflect the changing use of sound and music in productions of every scale.”
APPOINTMENT OF REGIONALLY-BASED JUDGES
The Matildas is increasing its engagement across regional Queensland by expanding the judging panel to include three regionally based voluntary positions. This initiative responds to recommendations from regionally based theatre professionals in DARTS led by Cairns-based JUTE Theatre Company and aims to ensure broader representation and perspective.
With supplementary travel support supported by Arts Queensland, South-East Queensland judges will also have increased capacity to assess regional works.
The changes follow the Matildas’ first livestreamed ceremony on QPAC’s Digital Stage in March, and ongoing consultation with the sector, including the Regional Arts Service Network. Regional Queensland arts practitioners will be invited to nominate through an open and transparent. Expression of Interest (EOI) process designed to ensure representation and expertise.
Nigel Lavender, Matilda Awards Chair, said: “Regional Queensland theatre companies are creating great work. Recognition of regional talent has always been important to the Matildas; and with increased investment by Arts Queensland, we will be expanding coverage of regional productions and are actively seeking regionally-based Judges to strengthen our Judging Panel.”
To access further information on all categories, and to find out how to apply to become a Regional Judge, please visit www.matildaawards.com.au