Nominations open for the Media and Creative Industries Human Rights Award

3 July 2026

Australia’s peak human rights body is calling for nominations for the 2026 Media and Creative Industries Human Rights Award.

The Australian Human Rights Commission is encouraging people to nominate journalists, artists and other creatives who work to shine a light on human rights issues and social injustices.

In 2026 the Awards also mark the 40th anniversary of the Australian Human Rights Commission, highlighting 4 decades of progress in promoting and protecting human rights. 

'These awards highlight the people and organisations leading positive change in Australia - those improving lives every day in healthcare, education, law, the arts, the environment and beyond,’ President Hugh de Kretser said.

‘There are so many doing vital work to build a fairer, more inclusive society. These Awards recognise their impact and help share their stories.’

Journalist Ben Doherty received the 2025 award for his work amplifying human rights issues such as forced migration, asylum seekers and modern slavery.

In addition to the Media and Creative Industries Award, champions of social justice are also recognised across 4 other categories:

• Human Rights Medal
• Young People’s Award
• Community Award
• Law Award

Nominations are free, can be anonymous and close on 3 August 2026. The Commission will announce the finalists in September.

The finalists will be celebrated and award recipients announced at a gala ceremony and reception in Sydney on Thursday 10 December, International Human Rights Day.

Nominators whose nominees are chosen as finalists will receive one complimentary ticket to the awards ceremony.

The Commission has run the Australian Human Rights Awards annually since 1987.

Find out more about the awards, previous finalists and how to nominate. 

Contact [email protected] / 0457 281 897