The animated kids’ series Tales from Outer Suburbia has taken home four awards at the 2026 Screen Music Awards in Brisbane last Wednesday night.
Composers Josh Hogan and Ned Beckley won all four categories in which the ABC series, inspired by Shaun Tan’s book, was nominated, including Best Music for Children’s Programming, Best Opening Title Television Theme, Best Soundtrack Album and Best Original Song Composed for the Screen.
The latest wins bring the series to 15 award honours and festival selections, with previous recognition including the Venice TV Awards, NHK Japan Prize, Australian Screen Editors Awards and Asian Academy Creative Awards.
The series has also been selected for international festivals including Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Prix Jeunesse International and Taiwan International Children’s Film Festival.
Produced by Highly Spirited and Flying Bark Productions in association with Siamese, Tales from Outer Suburbia is directed by Noel Cleary, with Shaun Tan serving as Creative Director.
The 10-part series uses CG animation to create a handcrafted, stop-motion feel, bringing Tan’s illustrated world to the screen.
Tales from Outer Suburbia premiered earlier this year on the ABC, before launching in the US on BYUtv, with international sales handled by the Australian Children’s Television Foundation.
