Tropfest’s 2026 comeback is stacking its jury with global firepower, locking in award winning screen royalty and creative heavyweights as it prepares to reclaim its place on Sydney’s cultural calendar.
Sarah Snook, Bruna Papandrea and Dylan River have today been confirmed as the newest additions to the judging panel, joining Jury President Margot Robbie for the festival’s return to Sydney’s Centennial Park.
The trio bring credentials spanning prestige television, international features and bold Australian storytelling, with major industry awards and globally recognised screen credits between them, giving finalists a jury with both creative and commercial insight.
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Snook is a Golden Globe, Tony, AACTA and Emmy Award winner whose work on Succession and The Picture of Dorian Gray has cemented her international profile, bringing a sharp understanding of performance driven storytelling across stage and screen.
Papandrea has become one of Australia’s most influential producers, steering global hits including Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect Strangers, with a career that bridges local stories and international audiences at scale.
River, a trailblazing First Nations director known for Mystery Road Origin and Thou Shalt Not Steal, continues to spotlight distinctive Australian voices, reinforcing the festival’s focus on fearless and original storytelling.
Tropfest Founder and Director John Polson at last year’s festival launch, ahead of announcing a star powered jury for the 2026 return (image supplied)
Tropfest Founder and Director John Polson (pictured above) said the lineup reflects the festival’s ambitions as it returns to the spotlight.
“This jury lineup embodies everything Tropfest aspires to—Australian success, universal reach, and fearless new voices.”
Snook said she is looking forward to celebrating short form storytelling at its most inventive.
“I’m so excited to join the jury and celebrate the originality, ambition and heart that Tropfest encourages.”
Papandrea also reflected on her early connection to the event, adding,
“It’s a privilege to join a jury that values new voices and bold stories.”
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River echoed that sentiment, noting,
“Tropfest plays a huge role in opening doors for Australian filmmakers, and it’s exciting to be part of that.”
Launched in 1993 with a small screening in Darlinghurst, Tropfest grew into the world’s largest short film festival, with live audiences reaching up to 100,000 and millions more tuning in online.
Over nearly three decades it has helped spotlight talent that would go on to shape Australian film and television, from Joel Edgerton and Rebel Wilson to Sam Worthington and Murray Bartlett.
Tropfest returns to Centennial Park on Sunday, 22 February 2026, with free entry and a global livestream via YouTube.
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