ARIA Awards Hosts Announced for 40th Anniversary

Sophia Harris 10/06/2026

Get ready for the music, the laughs, and the celebration. Organizers have officially announced the hosts for the milestone 2026 ARIA Awards, Australia’s premier night in music.

Steering the ship for this year’s ceremony will be comedians Melanie Bracewell and Tim McDonald. Known to audiences for their wit and chemistry as co-hosts of The Cheap Seats, the duo are stepping into the spotlight for the 40th annual ceremony, which will take place on Wednesday, November 18, at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion.

The pairing is a natural fit, bringing a dose of genuine fun to the prestigious event. When asked about hosting the ARIAs, Bracewell joked about hoping they weren’t booked for a more glamorous experience, recalling a previous ceremony that involved a raffle for a meat tray. McDonald added that he was honored to celebrate four decades of Australian music, adding a memorable touch by referencing his own history with the awards.

The hosting team will be joined by other luminaries, including Triple J presenter and DJ Latifa Tee, who will also participate in the red-carpet festivities alongside Network 10 stars Georgie Tunny and Angela Bishop.

The awards night is set to be highly competitive, with nominations highlighting some of the year’s most compelling talent. The race is particularly tight between music titans Genesis Owusu and Tame Impala, who are nominated for Album of the Year and Best Solo Artist, setting up a fascinating head-to-head rivalry.

Beyond the top spots, the nominations showcase a vibrant landscape of Australian talent. Other notable contenders include Ecca Vandal, Baker Boy, BOY SODA, G Flip, Miss Kaninna, Ninajirachi, Troye Sivan, DMA’S, and Dom Dolla, all vying for recognition across the 29 categories.

The ceremony also marks a significant historical moment, capping a year in which the ARIA marked its 40th anniversary with a standalone Hall of Fame event in June, recognizing iconic figures such as Gurrumul, Jenny Morris, Kate Ceberano, Spiderbait, The Living End, and Vika & Linda.

For those who can’t be there in person, the 2026 ARIA Awards will be streamed live on Paramount+ starting at 5 p.m. AEDT on November 18, and will subsequently air on Network 10. The red-carpet glamour will be led by Tunny, Bishop, and Tee, ensuring a spectacular viewing experience for all.