The spotlight was on Aussies at the 2026 G’Day USA Arts Gala, honouring the contributions of creative Australians in the US via a star-studded red carpet event hosted by LA-based Aussie comedian Monty Franklin with a performance by Vanessa Amarosi.
The 2026 G’Day USA Arts Gala took place in West Hollywood on 26 February, part of a bigger play to strengthen ties between Australia and the United States across industries, including tourism.
This year’s G’Day USA Arts Gala honourees include Aussie actor Yvonne Strahovski, recognised with the Excellence in Film & Television Award, along with Ian Thorpe, who received the Global Impact Award for his advocacy for youth mental health, education and Indigenous communities, and actor Milly Alcock, who took out the Rising Star Award.
Past honourees include famous Aussie luminaries such as Nicole Kidman, Margot Robbie, Hugh Jackman, Tim Minchin, The Kid Laroi, Liane Moriarty and many more.
Presented by the American Australian Association in partnership with the Australian Government (DFAT, Austrade, Tourism Australia) and Qantas, G’Day USA Arts Gala is the only event of its kind with funds raised going to scholarships for emerging artists.
G’Day USA is Australia’s premier public economic and cultural diplomacy program in the US, bringing together leaders from government, business, creative and academic fields for stronger ties between the two nations.
It spans innovation, public policy and defence coop, tourism, food and wine promotion and collaboration across screen, music, entertainment and sports.
Federal Tourism Minister Don Farrell was in attendance to promote Australia amid strong tourism from the US with 745,000 Americans visiting and spending $2.25 billion in Australia as of September 2025.
“The focus of the trip will be to promote Australia, and our spectacular tourism offering, at the launch of G’Day USA 2026 in Los Angeles,” he said.
“G’Day USA showcases Australia as a world-class tourism destination, and spotlights Australian excellence in cultural exports, the creative arts, and screen production.
“Major sporting events are key opportunities for Australia’s tourism industry and our economy. As Australia prepares to take the torch from LA to host the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, discussions will also focus on how we can collaborate to build momentum, maximise the opportunities, and deliver lasting outcomes for each city.”
The G’Day USA Arts Gala is part of an annual event calendar that includes Australia House @SXSW and The G’Day USA Defence Industry Dialogue in Washington, DC.
For more info, visit americanaustralian.org
KARRYON UNPACKS: G’Day USA Arts Gala 2026 blends culture, diplomacy and tourism promotion. For the industry, it’s a strategic soft-power play that keeps Australia front of mind in one of its highest-value inbound markets.
