The Melbourne Excellence in Drag & Entertainment Awards (The MEDEAs) have released the full shortlist for their 2026 ceremony, highlighting the energy and creativity of Naarm’s queer performance scene. Founded in 2026 by president Leasa Mann, the awards aim to recognise not only headline performers but also the unseen teams — from wardrobe to tech — who make shows possible. The announcement arrives after a community call-out and a crowdfunding push, and it reinforces The MEDEAs as a platform that centres both spectacle and support.
Over successive years the ceremony has grown: an expanded slate of categories in 2026 brought the total to thirty, and organisers say this breadth ensures both star performers and niche contributors receive recognition. Mann publicly discussed the realities of staging the awards — including being unable to secure corporate cash sponsorship — during a livestream on the eve of the shortlist reveal. Voting is now open, and tickets for the awards night are available; the winners will be announced on Monday, June 15 at The Corner Hotel.
How voting and judging are split
The MEDEAs use a mixed decision model to balance expert assessment and community preference. A panel of judges casts the deciding ballots for the Trailblazer Award, Lifetime Achievement Award and Belle of the Ball, ensuring those honours reflect long-term impact and professional appraisal. Several categories are decided entirely by public ballot, labelled as Melbourne’s Favourite awards, while the remainder are split between the judges and the public to combine local enthusiasm with curated evaluation. This structure is intended to celebrate both established names and rising talent across drag, burlesque, DJing, choreography and production.
Shortlist highlights by category
The list of finalists covers headline acts, technical crews and community-minded contributors. For Melbourne’s Favourite Drag Business, nominees are Dragged to, Offworld Aesthetics, Book a Queen and PQ Talent. In Burlesque-Related Business the shortlisted names include Maison Burlesque, Eros Embellishments, Drawing Straws, Stoned by Saint Eve and Bottoms Up. The Favourite Dancer finalists feature Egson Ham, Keely Wins, Harry Coombes, Stevie Fernando and Nathan Smith, while the Favourite Drag King category lists Teddy Clitter, Roxy Rawhide, Randy Roy, Bruno Salsicce and Mr Misty Eyed. Photos credited to Dean Arcuri accompany the event coverage.
Queens, burlesque stars and venues
Shortlists for frontline performers and locations showcase a wide cross-section of Naarm’s scene. Nominees for Melbourne’s Favourite Drag Queen include Max Dragqueen, Eliza Lot, Bathsheba, Tilly Capulet and Strewth. Melbourne’s Favourite Burlesque Performer features Florence Fable, Kitty Obsidian, Juniper Fox, Moxie Delite, Winter Greene and Bendy Ben. Venue categories span Queer Venue and Burlesque Venue, with Pride of Our Footscray, UBQ, Sircuit Mollies, The 86, Poof Doof, Speakeasy Theatre, 24 Moons and Hail Lilith among those nominated. These lists reflect both historic spaces and newer rooms driving community nights.
Rising stars and production categories
Emerging performers are well represented: Rising Drag Star finalists include The Birthday Girl, Chicago Fierce, Dilonce, Andii G and Zero; Rising Burlesque Star nominees are Miss Gender, Betsy Mae, April Le Feu, Pip Stachio and Dominica De La Muerte. Production-focused categories cover Best Drag Production Show (Mayhem Show, Showcase at UBQ, Yummy-Decadence, Flaunt – Gold Show, Hot and Steamy – Swirl and Sweat Shows) and festival-scale events like Best Festival with Midsumma, Chillout, Vic Pride Street Party, Gaytimes and the Australian Burlesque Festival on the shortlist.
Technical, community and special achievement recognitions
Behind-the-scenes talent also feature prominently. Nominations for Technical Contribution of the Year include Emily Rose, MCL Productions, JXN Miles, Mitchell Sheldrick and NoStressIfNot, while Costume Designer of the Year lists Sequinpolarbears, James Penrose, Isis Avis Loren, Tamara Claire Keane and Polly Filla. The Wig Stylist of the Year, DJ of the Year and Choreographer of the Year categories recognise craft specialists whose work shapes every performance.
Community spirit and media impact
The awards also spotlight local activism and storytelling: Community Spirit finalists include Strewth, Seeyouinswell, Kitty Obsidian, Milo Hartill and Monique Anderson. Outstanding Achievement in the Media nominations feature Dean Arcuri for QNews, Art Simone’s Concealed with Art Simone, Lazy Susan and Zelda Moon’s Death to Everyone Podcast, Jimi the Kween for music and Joy FM. These categories acknowledge how promotion, criticism and broadcast work sustain the scene beyond the stage.
Voting is officially open now: community members can cast ballots for the Melbourne’s Favourite categories and participate in shared decisions across split-vote awards. Tickets and tables for the awards night are available through The MEDEAs website; all winners will be revealed on Monday, June 15 at The Corner Hotel. For more coverage of LGBTIQA+ arts, community news and entertainment in Australia, see QNews and the associated social channels for updates, photographer credits and event details.