Defiant Aussie actress Rachel Ward, 68, walks the red carpet alongside several other stars at the AACTA Awards after she is criticised by cruel trolls over her appearance

Thorn Birds star Rachel Ward made a defiant red carpet appearance at the 2026 AACTA Awards on Friday evening, weeks after hitting back at trolls who criticised her looks at age 68. 

The actress - who now runs a beef cattle farm - beamed as she posed for photographs with husband Bryan Brown, 78, looking chic in a grey sheath dress, gold necklace and sassy tortoise shell sunglasses. 

She completed her look with pink suede slip-on shoes and a turquoise gemstone bangle as she arrived at Home of the Arts (HOTA) in Surfers Paradise, Queensland. 

Meanwhile, Bryan, with whom she shares three children, looked dapper in a black suit and matching tie. 

It marks Rachel's first public appearance since she spoke out against age-shaming critics on social media last month. 

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.'

'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 pant suit 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. 

More to come.