Funny Shorts, 2026 winner announced

Australia’s sharpest short-form comedy has officially had its moment on the big screen, with the Melbourne International Comedy Festival announcing the winners of its 2026 Funny Shorts short film competition following the premiere screening, hosted by Zachary Ruane and Mish Wittrup, on Sunday 29 March.

Taking out the top honour, the 2026 Funny Shorts Winner was The Agreement, directed by Jemma Cotter. The darkly comic six-minute short impressed the Festival’s jury with its sharp concept, bold execution and unforgettable comedic tension.

The runner-up was Virginia, directed by Isabella Lovett Pawsey, a distinctive and heartfelt six-minute comedy that stood out for its originality, warmth and wit.

This year’s Outstanding Comedy Performance Award goes to 2 Black 2 Strong directed by Nurdewi Djamal, recognised for standout screen performance in the hilarious and insightful comedy about two friends navigating unemployment, identity and unexpected purpose.

Funny Shorts showcases the best in Australian short-form comedy, from sketch and satire to absurdist, character-driven and seriously funny storytelling. This year’s national finalists were selected by a panel of film and comedy experts, before being judged by an esteemed Festival jury featuring writer/director Kate McLennan (Deadloch), director Leela Varghese (Lesbian Space Princess), writer/director Tony Briggs (The Sapphires) and film producer Sue Thomson (Careless).

Audiences were treated to the full line-up of 2026 finalists at the premiere screening, with repeat sessions still to come on Thursday 2 April and Monday 13 April, giving comedy and film lovers another chance to catch the full back-to-back showcase of this year’s best and boldest short comedic filmmaking.

The Audience Award is now open for voting, giving the public the power to decide their favourite funny short of 2026. Those who cast a vote automatically go in the running for a $250 Comedy Festival Gift Voucher (valid for 3 years), with the winning film receiving a $1,000 cash prize.

For audiences who prefer their funny on the big screen, the Festival’s Funny on Film program includes the world premiere of feature documentary Rod Quantock: Comedy Warrior by Fiona Cochrane, Sunlight by comedian Nina Conti as well as Tim Key and Tom Basden’s The Ballad of Wallis Island. Audiences can also relive the hilarious moments and legendary performances from the comedians who've graced our stages for the past four decades in free screenings at Fed Square from 3-6 April.

Funny Shorts is proudly supported by inaugural partner .au, Australia’s trusted internet domain.