Queensland performing arts took centre stage last night as the 38th Matilda Awards were presented at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) 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. 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. 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. Malika Savory earned Best Supporting Role – Independent Production for her role in The Dead Devils of Cockle Creek by Cut & Run Productions. 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.
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.
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.”
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.”
Lead Judge Paul Dellit OAM added that the Awards recognised bold new works, independent productions, and remarkable performances:
“Every nominee was already a winner. This year’s recipients demonstrate the exceptional standard of theatre being created across our state.”
Queensland designers and creatives were celebrated, too. Christina Smith won Best Set Design for Pride And Prejudice by Queensland Theatre Company. Craig Wilkinson won Best Video Design for his work on QTC’s Dear Son.
Brisbane City Councillor and Civic Cabinet Chair for Community and the Arts Cr Vicki Howard said Brisbane continues to be a powerhouse for bold, original theatre that reflects the city’s creative confidence and diversity:
“From independent companies to major stages, Brisbane artists are telling stories that resonate far beyond our city. The Lord Mayor’s Award celebrates the home-grown creativity that makes Brisbane a leading cultural capital.”
2025 Matilda Award Winners:
Gold Matilda Award: Louise Bezzina
The Lord Mayor’s Award for Best New Australian Work: CROSSING THE DIVIDE, Sam Foster, Hayden Jones & Benjin Maza, Shock Therapy Arts
QPAC Award for Best Mainstage Production: Aaron Sorkin’s A Few Good Men, Queensland Theatre Company in association with QPAC
QPAC Award for Best Independent Production: Blushing, Zen Zen Zo Physical Theatre
Best Direction: Daniel Evans – Aaron Sorkin’s A Few Good Men, Queensland Theatre Company in association with QPAC
Griffith University Award for Best Musical or Cabaret: The Lovers, Shake & Stir Theatre Co and QPAC, in association with Brisbane Festival
Best Ensemble: CROSSING THE DIVIDE, Shock Therapy Arts
Best Circus or Physical Theatre Production: Living Sculptures: How The Birds Got Their Colours, Arc Circus & The Yugambeh Aboriginal Dancers, with commissioning support from SWELL Sculpture Festival
Best Performance in a Leading Role – Mainstage Production: Courtney Cavallaro – Aaron Sorkin’s A Few Good Men, Queensland Theatre Company in association with QPAC
Best Performance in a Leading Role – Independent Production: Rachel Nutchey – Superheroes, Bodysnatchers Theatre
Best Performance in a Supporting Role – Mainstage Production: Reagan Mannix – Aaron Sorkin’s A Few Good Men, Queensland Theatre Company in association with QPAC
Best Performance in a Supporting Role – Independent Production: Malika Savory – The Dead Devils of Cockle Creek, Cut & Run Productions
Bille Brown Award for Best Emerging Artist: Fletcher Colfs – GRIT: The Stories. The Town. The Music., Pirates, Cowboys and Aliens, Perseverance Street Theatre
QUT School of Creative Arts Behind The Scenes award: Eben Love
Best Set Design: Christina Smith – Pride And Prejudice, Queensland Theatre Company in association with The Empire
Best Costume Design: Maria McRae – Living Sculptures: How The Birds Got Their Colours, Arc Circus & The Yugambeh Aboriginal Dancers, commissioning support from SWELL Sculpture Festival
Best Composition and/or Sound Design: Mike Willmett – Aaron Sorkin’s A Few Good Men, Queensland Theatre Company in association with QPAC
Best Lighting Design: Ben Hughes – Aaron Sorkin’s A Few Good Men, Queensland Theatre Company in association with QPAC
Best Video Design: Craig Wilkinson – Dear Son, Queensland Theatre Company and State Theatre Company South Australia
The 2025 Matilda Awards ran on Monday 2 March 2026 at the Playhouse, QPAC.
For more information on winners and the Matilda Awards, visit the Matilda Awards website.
Website: https://www.matildaawards.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/matildaawards/
Hero image photo credit: Bulimba Studios
The Matilda Awards are proudly supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, Brisbane City Council and Queensland Performing Arts Centre.
