There’s still time to cast your vote for Sydney’s night of nights, the 2026 DIVA Awards, the Drag Industry Variety Awards.
The DIVA Awards have celebrated the drag performers of Sydney since 1990, and this year marks three and a half decades of crowning Sydney’s finest drag talent.
Voting is now open for the awards. A milestone night of glamour, glitter, celebration and community will take place on Monday, September 28.
35 years down. One unforgettable night ahead at The Wintle Theatre. Grab your tickets here.
The DIVA Awards are about so much more than winning a trophy, with this year’s host, Vybe, sharing that “DIVA’s is the highlight of the drag year”!
Past DIVA Awards/ Images: Supplied“It’s such a special night where all the girls go balls-to-the-wall glamour. New hair, outfits and jewels. Apart from a big party, it’s the only recognition for drag work we have in Sydney.”
“It’s nice to have the gaggle of girls gather for a camp night and to celebrate the shows, gigs and gossip of the year.”
Related content:
- Sydney drag icon Mogadonna remembered as ‘a true star’
- Vybe: Drag Race Down Under has been my love letter to Sydney drag
- Sydney’s DIVA Awards celebrate drag talent ‘on our terms’
How do I cast my vote?
Voting is open to everyone who loves Sydney drag.
Back the performers and shows that made your year, and help decide who takes one home on the night — it takes a couple of minutes.
The voting categories for the DIVA Awards are:
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Sydney’s Most Popular Pub Event
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Sydney’s Most Popular Venue
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Sydney’s Most Popular Drag Show
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Sydney’s Most Popular Drag Performer
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Sydney’s Most Popular Drag Host
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Sydney’s Most Popular Male Performer
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Sydney’s Most Popular Drag King
To cast your vote, follow the instructions, enter your details for verification, and pick your favs here.
Past DIVA Awards/ Images: SuppliedMaxi Shield to be honoured at DIVA’s posthumously
This year, DIVA proudly honours the extraordinary Maxi Shield, who will be posthumously inducted into the DIVA Hall of Fame.
Maxi passed earlier this year due to complications from her cancer treatment, weeks after returning to perform on Oxford Street. Venues, festivals and performers have continued to pay tribute to Maxi since her passing, who left a powerful legacy of love and authenticity.
“Maxi was more than a drag queen — she was a Sydney icon,” the Award socials said, making the announcement.
“For decades, she brought her unmistakable humour, warmth, glamour and larger-than-life presence to our stages, our venues and our community. From Oxford Street to television screens across Australia, Maxi represented Sydney drag with enormous heart, generosity and pride.”
“Her contribution went far beyond the spotlight. Maxi was a friend, a mentor, a community champion and an entertainer who made people feel welcome wherever she went.
Tribute to Maxi Shield at Drag Race Down Under vs the World preview screeningSource: STAN
“While we wish she could be with us to receive this honour, her place in Sydney’s drag history is undeniable — and her legacy will live on through the performers, audiences and community she touched.35 years of DIVA.
“A lifetime of fabulous memories. And now, forever, a Hall of Famer.”
Every year the community comes together for one glittering ceremony to honour the shows, the stars and the legends of the scene.
This year’s DIVA Awards will take place at The Wintle Theatre, Souths Juniors Kingsford on Monday 28 September.
Red carpet from 6:30 pm and the ceremony from 7:30 pm.
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