Jack Christian

Jack Christian joined the board of the Australian Film Institute (AFI) in 2020. The AFI governs the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA), an organization established in 2011 to honor excellence in film, television, and screen arts through its annual awards. Christian became chairman on November 20, 2023. He assumed a pivotal role in steering AACTA's mission to promote Australia screen storytelling worldwide. In a statement on his appointment, he said, “I am profoundly honoured and humbled to take on the role of Chairperson for the AFI AACTA. This Academy represents the pinnacle of cinematic and television artistry in Australia, and it's a privilege to be given an opportunity to shape its direction and future.”^[9]

Under his leadership, the AACTA Awards relocated to the Gold Coast, Australia in 2024, hosted by Rebel Wilson, and continued in 2025 with Russell Crowe, AACTA President since 2020, as host. Christian also spearheaded the expansion of the AACTA Festival, a public event launched in 2024 alongside the awards. The festival grew into a five-day celebration at the Home of the Arts (HOTA), drawing over 10,000 attendees in 2025 with premiere screenings, industry panels, workshops, and masterclasses led by directors such as Leigh Whannell, George Miller, and Michael Gracey. Christian’s leadership has elevated the awards into a globally celebrated industry season, attracting stars like Henry Cavill, Margot Robbie, Chris Hemsworth, Cate Blanchett, Guy Pearce, and Ron Howard boosting AACTA’s stature on the world stage.^{[10][11][12][13][14][15]}