Arts doyen nabs Gold at the Matilda Awards
It’s the Brisbane theatre world’s version of the Tonys and in its new home at QPAC, winners were grinners at the Matilda Awards.
It couldn’t be more appropriate – at Monday night’s Matilda Awards the prestigious Gold Matilda was presented to Louise Bezzina, former artistic director for Brisbane Festival.
Bezzina is now CEO and artistic director at Brisbane Powerhouse. In presenting the Gold, former CEO of QPAC John Kotzas (another local legend) recognised her leadership and innovation, championing excellence and leaving a lasting impact on the sector.
Bezzina is a much-loved figure in the local arts landscape. She has worked tirelessly for the sector in the past decade, in particular steering Brisbane Festival through the pandemic years and now taking the helm at Brisbane Powerhouse.
Bezzina and Queensland performing arts took centre stage as the 38th Matilda Awards were presented at the Playhouse, QPAC (the awards ceremony’s new home) celebrating the talent and innovation driving the state’s arts sector. The Matildas highlight the diversity of Queensland’s performing arts landscape, with regional companies standing alongside mainstage and independent productions, and exceptional work in design.
Queensland Theatre Company 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 Evans awarded Best Direction and Courtney Cavallaro taking out Best Leading Role – Mainstage Production. The production was also honoured with the QPAC Award for Best Mainstage Production.
Reagan Mannix won Best Supporting Role – Mainstage Production for his work, while 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.
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Beyond the major companies, the Matildas 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, while 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, recognised 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, while 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 musical The Lovers, winning the Griffith University Award for Best Musical or Cabaret, underscoring the innovation of Shake & Stir Theatre Co’s milestone production.
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The Lord Mayor’s Award for Best New Australian Work went 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.
Queensland designers and creatives were celebrated, too. Christina Smith won Best Set Design for Pride and Prejudice by Queensland Theatre Company and Craig Wilkinson won Best Video Design for his work on QTC’s Dear Son.
Then came the prestigious Gold Matilda presented to Louise Bezzina.
State Arts Minister 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 (State) 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,” he said.
Matilda Awards chair 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,” he said.
Lead judge Paul Dellit added that the awards recognised bold new works, independent productions and remarkable performances.
“Every nominee was already a winner, and this year’s recipients demonstrate the exceptional standard of theatre being created across our state,” he said.
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