by FilmInk Staff
HAVE AN IDEA FOR AUSTRALIA’S NEXT GREAT ENTERTAINMENT OR FACTUAL TV SHOW? THE AACTA REG GRUNDY AWARD IS YOUR CHANCE TO WIN $50,000 TO BRING IT TO LIFE.
The AACTA Reg Grundy Award returns for its seventh year, offering a $50,000 prize to the individual or team with the best pitch for an original unscripted television format.
Presented by AACTA in partnership with Grundy Media, the Award is the largest prize of its kind in the world and is designed to champion bold new ideas and fast-track the development of original Australian screen entertainment.
The initiative honours legendary Australian television pioneer Reg Grundy, whose entrepreneurial vision helped reshape the television industry in Australia and around the world. His productions and adaptations included Sale of the Century, Wheel of Fortune, Family Feud, The Price Is Right and Perfect Match, alongside long-running dramas Sons and Daughters, Prisoner and Neighbours, which went on to become Australia’s longest-running drama.
AACTA Chair Jack Christian said: “The Reg Grundy Award celebrates Australian creativity in an industry he helped shape. We have outstanding talent in unscripted television, and supporting the development of original Australian formats helps turn that talent into shows that can connect with audiences here and around the world.”
This year’s judging panel brings together some of the industry’s most accomplished format creators, producers and executives.
Returning to the judging panel is Wes Dening, Head of Global Formats at Eureka Productions and Executive Producer of The Floor, KPOPPED and Australian Idol, alongside Marion Farrelly (Big Brother, The X Factor), who brings decades of experience developing and producing entertainment formats in Australia and internationally. They are joined by media executive Ian Hogg, former Fremantle Regional CEO for Australia and Asia Pacific, and U.S. based executive Sharon Wheeler, who helped develop and adapt Grundy International series for American audiences.
Ian Hogg said: “Reg built an extraordinary career by recognising great ideas and having the conviction to back them. It’s a privilege to help continue that legacy.”
The 2026 AACTA Reg Grundy Award was awarded to Craig Smith and Kate Armon for their unscripted series concept Brains on Tap! Created by the husband-and-wife producing and writing team, the concept draws on their real-life experiences and shared passion for authentic, people-focused storytelling.
Brains on Tap! is a travelling trivia show that hits the road in search of Australia’s sharpest minds and most interesting locals. Each week, the hosts arrive in a new town where teams face off in a battle of brains, banter and bragging rights, competing for a place in the Spectacular Grand Final.
Marion Farrelly said: “Australia has the imagination to make the world’s next television obsession, but its creator might simply lack a commissioner’s email and the money to develop it. The AACTA Reg Grundy Award opens that door and puts $50,000 behind the idea. As a judge, I want to find the show we’ll all cancel plans to watch.”
AACTA is now calling for the next generation of original unscripted television ideas across Entertainment and Factual.
For Round 1, entrants are required to submit:
● Show title
● Logline – one to two sentences, under 100 words
● Written synopsis – up to 1,000 words
Whether it’s a game show, reality concept, factual entertainment series or an entirely new format, the AACTA Reg Grundy Award is an opportunity to turn a great idea into the next Australian television success story.
Applications close 5.00pm AEDT, Friday 6 November 2026.
The winner will be announced at the 2027 AACTA Festival, alongside Australia’s top honours in film, television and storytelling.
For full eligibility requirements and entry details, please click here.
