Rachel Ward, 68, Makes a Stunning Appearance on the AACTA Awards Red Carpet

Rachel Ward, renowned for her role in “The Thorn Birds,” made a bold statement on the red carpet at the 2026 AACTA Awards on Friday night, confidently stepping out just weeks after addressing online critics who commented on her appearance at 68.

The actress, who has transitioned to running a beef cattle farm, radiated confidence as she posed for photographers alongside her husband, Bryan Brown, 78. Ward exuded elegance in a stylish gray sheath dress, accessorized with a striking gold necklace and chic tortoiseshell sunglasses.

Adding a touch of color to her ensemble, she sported pink suede slip-on shoes and a turquoise gemstone bangle as she attended the event at the Home of the Arts (HOTA) in Surfers Paradise, Queensland.

Her husband, Bryan, with whom she shares three children, complemented her look by donning a sharp black suit and tie, looking every bit the dashing partner by her side.

This public appearance marks Ward’s first since she openly challenged the age-shaming comments she received on social media last month, standing firmly against such criticism.

Responding to a fan who had defended her appearance, Rachel wrote: ‘I just feel sorry for those poor souls who fear ageing so much. They will learn that it’s ultimate freedom as a woman to let youth and beauty go.’

Thorn Birds star Rachel Ward, 68, made a defiant red carpet appearance at the 2026 AACTA Awards on Friday evening. Pictured with husband Bryan Brown, 78

The actress beamed as she posed for photographs with husband Bryan, looking chic in a grey sheath dress, gold necklace and sassy tortoise shell sunglasses 

‘It was lovely while it lasted, but [there’s] so much more to life. You can’t know its pleasures until you get there,’ she wrote. 

Elsewhere on the red carpet was actress Phoebe Tonkin, who looked ethereal in a deep blue gown that featured a plunging neckline and dramatic train.

The Vampire Diaries star, 36, wore her long brown hair out in a side parting and completed her look with simple silver earrings and rings. 

Sarah Snook was also in attendance, posing alongside her Succession co-star Brian Cox. 

The All Her Fault actress, 38, sported a plunging pantsuit in deep navy, paired with a diamond and sapphire necklace.

Brian, who made the trip Down Under from Scotland to join Sarah at the auspicious event, sported a stylish printed blue-and-gold suit and a black tie. 

Yerin Ha turned heads in a strapless dark purple gown.

The Bridgerton star, 28, glowed in the ruffled frock as she pulled her dark locks back from her face.

Elsewhere on the red carpet was actress Phoebe Tonkin, 36, who looked ethereal in a deep blue gown that featured a plunging neckline and dramatic train

The Vampire Diaries star wore her long brown hair out in a side parting and completed her look with simple silver earrings and rings

Sarah Snook, 38, was also in attendance, posing alongside her Succession co-star star Brian Cox

The All Her Fault actress sported a plunging pantsuit in deep navy, paired with a diamond and sapphire necklace

Yerin Ha, 28, turned heads in a strapless dark purple gown

The Bridgerton star glowed in the ruffled frock as she pulled her dark locks back from her face

Andy Lee beamed with joy as he showed off his fiancée Rebecca Harding.

The radio star, 44, who wore a black tuxedo, could be seen gesturing to his partner, 35, in an animated display as she rocked a classic silhouette. 

Brittany Hockley stunned in a piece by Steven Khalil, from the designer’s 2025 runway, which featured sheer panels and silver floral detailing across the bodice.

The Bachelor star, 38, paired it with a simple silver clutch as she pulled her hair up in a classic bun.

Her podcast co-host, Laura Byrne, 39, opted for a baby blue satin gown with a pleated skirt and teardrop earrings. 

The fast friends caught up together on the red carpet and stopped to pose together. 

Asher Keddie opted for a simple black gown for the annual occasion.

The Logie-winning actress, 51, paired her look with a golden chain necklace and matching bracelets.

Andy Lee beamed with joy as he showed off his wife Rebecca Harding. The radio star, who wore a black tuxedo, could be seen gesturing to his partner in an animated display 

The pair happily cuddled up to each other on the red carpet

Brittany Hockley, 38, stunned in a piece by Steven Khalil, from the designer’s 2025 runway, which featured sheer panels and silver floral detailing across the bodice

The Bachelor star paired it with a simple silver clutch as she pulled her hair up in a classic bun

Her podcast co-host, Laura Byrne, 39, opted for a baby blue satin gown with a pleated skirt and teardrop earrings

The fast friends caught up together on the red carpet and stopped to pose together

Asher Keddie, 51, opted for a simple black gown for the annual occasion

The Logie winning actress paired her look with a golden chain necklace and matching bracelets

Delta Goodrem, 41, sizzled in a black gown with a plunging neckline

The Aussie pop star paired the look with a black scarf and pointed heels as she twisted her blonde locks up into an artful bun

Delta Goodrem sizzled in a black gown with a plunging neckline.

The Aussie pop star, 41, paired the look with a black scarf and pointed heels as she twisted her blonde locks up into an artful bun. 

Elsewhere, Angela Bishop flaunted her svelte frame in a black, off-the-shoulder gown with a ruffled neckline. 

The 10 News presenter, 58, She paired the monochrome look with a chunky necklace as she left her blonde tresses loose in beachy waves. 

The Bachelor star Bella Varelis stunned in a white halter-neck gown, which the model paired with a set of sensible silver sandals.

Comedian Celeste Barber, 43, rocked a daring look as she opted for a white gown with a soaring thigh-split. 

Elsewhere, Angela Bishop, 58, flaunted her svelte frame in a black, off-the-shoulder gown with a ruffled neckline.

The Bachelor star Bella Varelis, 31, stunned in a white halter-neck gown, which the model paired with a set of sensible silver sandals.

Comedian Celeste Barber, 43, rocked a daring look as she opted for a white gown with a soaring thigh-split

Offspring star Kat Stewart, 53, slipped into a black halter-neck gown with a lengthy train

Aussie actor Joel Edgerton and his long-time partner Christine Centenera looked every inch the matching pair as they cuddled up on the red carpet

Glow founder Gemma Dimond, 32, arrived in a strapless black dress with a sparkling gold feature at her bust

TV presenter Liz Cantor, 43, looked pretty in pink in a $1,199 Rebecca Vallance gown

Bachelor star Tim Robards, 43, looked dapper in a white and black tuxedo

Drag queen Courtney Act, 43, turned heads in a beautiful Greco-themed pink gown

Radio star Mitch Churi, 30, stepped out in a classic black suit

The Lord of the Rings star David Wenham, 60, opted for a simple black tuxedo