The AACTA Awards 2025 celebrated the best in Australian film and television, with Better Man dominating the film categories and Boy Swallows Universe sweeping the television awards. Hosted by Russell Crowe, the star-studded night saw major wins for Robbie Williams’ biopic, which took home nine awards, including Best Film and Best Direction for Michael Gracey.
Better Man Reigns Supreme
Better Man, the much-anticipated Robbie Williams movie, emerged as the night’s biggest winner. The film, which portrays Williams through a CGI chimp, clinched four awards at the main ceremony and five more at the AACTA Industry Gala, bringing its total to nine wins.
Academy Award nominee Guy Pearce presented the Best Film award, and director Michael Gracey was quick to acknowledge Williams, saying:
“I just have to amend my previous speech. I didn’t thank Robbie Williams!”
Williams, known for his witty charm, laughed it off, responding:
“It’s alright.”
The film’s lead, Jonno Davies, took home Best Actor in a Film for portraying the animated version of Williams. Davies, reminiscing about seeing Williams perform as a child, said:
“I saw Robbie in concert when I was nine years old with my mum and dad, and he is still the same rockstar today.”
Meanwhile, Damon Herriman secured Best Supporting Actor for his role in Better Man, while Michael Gracey was honoured with Best Direction in Film.
Figure 1: A Scene from Better Man Movie
Boy Swallows Universe Sweeps TV Categories
The Netflix series Boy Swallows Universe dominated the television awards, winning six trophies at the main event and six more at the Industry Gala, bringing its total to 12 wins.
The series bagged Best Miniseries, while Phoebe Tonkin won Best Lead Actress in a Drama for her role. Rising star Felix Cameron claimed Best Lead Actor in a Drama, cementing his place as a talent to watch.
Additionally, Lee Tiger Halley won Best Supporting Actor in a Drama, and Deborah Mailman was awarded Best Supporting Actress in a Drama.
Comedy and Music Highlights
The AACTA Awards 2025 winners also celebrated comedy and music achievements. Anne Edmonds won Best Stand-Up Special and delivered a hilarious speech directed at her partner, Lloyd Langford, who was also nominated:
“SUCK S**T! I thought Mother’s Day was in September!”
Tom Gleeson secured Best Comedy Performer, while Kitty Flanagan took home Best Acting in a Comedy for her role in Fisk.
The award for Best Original Song went to Dream On from How to Make Gravy, beating Robbie Williams’ Forbidden Road from Better Man.
Complete List of Major AACTA Awards 2025 Winners
| Category | Winner |
| Best Film | Better Man |
| Best Drama Series | Heartbreak High |
| Best Miniseries | Boy Swallows Universe |
| Best Narrative Comedy Series | Fisk |
| Best Documentary | Otto by Otto |
| Best Reality Program | MasterChef |
| Best Lead Actor in Film | Jonno Davies (Better Man) |
| Best Lead Actress in Film | Sarah Snook (Memoir of a Snail) |
| Best Supporting Actor in Film | Damon Herriman (Better Man) |
| Best Supporting Actress in Film | Jacki Weaver (Memoir of a Snail) |
| Best Lead Actor in a Drama | Felix Cameron (Boy Swallows Universe) |
| Best Lead Actress in a Drama | Phoebe Tonkin (Boy Swallows Universe) |
| Best Supporting Actor in a Drama | Lee Tiger Halley (Boy Swallows Universe) |
| Best Supporting Actress in a Drama | Deborah Mailman (Boy Swallows Universe) |
| Best Direction in Film | Michael Gracey (Better Man) |
| Best Acting in a Comedy | Kitty Flanagan (Fisk) |
| Best Comedy Performer | Tom Gleeson (Hard Quiz) |
| Best Original Song | Dream On (How to Make Gravy) |
A Night to Remember
The AACTA Awards 2025 showcased the best of Australian film and television, with Better Man and Boy Swallows Universe cementing their dominance in their respective categories. The night was a celebration of storytelling, talent, and the ever-evolving entertainment industry.
