The series Thou Shalt Not Steal has dominated the AACTA Awards 2025 nominations, with Total Control closely following as another standout nominee showcasing First Nations excellence.
This year's awards celebrate a dynamic mix of established talent and rising stars, with a total of nine nominations spread across various categories—some receiving recognition in multiple fields.
In the Best Lead Actress in a Drama (presented by Binge) category, three extraordinary First Nations women are recognised: Deborah Mailman for Total Control, Sherry-Lee Watson for Thou Shalt Not Steal, and Leah Purcell for High Country. Each performance delivers a unique perspective on resilience and identity, highlighting the immense talent shaping Australian television.
For Best Lead Actor in a Drama, Rob Collins earns a nomination for his commanding role in Total Control, while Wayne Blair's nod for Best Supporting Actor in the same series further underscores its powerful representation of Indigenous narratives.
The awards also shine a spotlight on culturally significant children's programming, with Eddie's Lil Homies and Little J and Big Cuz nominated for Best Children's Program. Both series play a crucial role in fostering Indigenous storytelling, cultural pride, and education for young audiences.
The creative and technical brilliance behind Thou Shalt Not Steal has also been widely recognised. Dylan River earns a nomination for Best Direction in a Drama or Comedy for Episode 2, while he and his team are acknowledged for Best Screenplay in Television.
Tyson Perkins receives a nomination for Best Cinematography in Television for his stunning work on the same episode, further elevating the series' artistic achievement.
The prominence of First Nations talent at the 2025 AACTA Awards is a landmark moment for Australian television, reflecting the growing impact of Indigenous storytelling in the entertainment industry.
These nominations demonstrate the power of First Nations narratives to resonate deeply with audiences and shape the cultural landscape of the nation.
The AACTA Awards will air on February 5.