Get ready with Thomas Cocquerel for the 2026 AACTA Awards
We caught up with the actor about his sharp red carpet look, personal style evolution, and what's next
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FRESH OFF THE press tour for hit thriller series All Her Fault, Australian actor Thomas Cocquerel returned home for the warmth of our southern summer, the height of our social season, and the AACTA Awards. He even reunited on the carpet, too, with costar and Trailblazer Award recipient Sarah Snook (who was accompanied by her Succession dad Brian Cox, who played Logan Roy). As sharp ever (he was cast as Sydney-based tailor Belancē’s leading man in their cinematic campaign last year, after all), the 36-year-old donned a chocolate brown suit by Emporio Armani to present the Audience Choice Award for Rabanne Breakthrough Artist to Mekonnen Knife. The suit, Cocquerel admits, had a classic and elegant presence on a red carpet full of black tie.
Here, we chat with The Gilded Age and Safe Home star about getting ready for the awards show, his off-duty style, and when you can expect to see him in next on screen.
On his Emporio Armani suit for the AACTAs
“This was my first time wearing Armani, which I was really excited about. We worked together to find something that felt classic and elegant, but still had presence on the carpet which I think we found with the colour brown. In the fitting we explored different directions, and I couldn’t believe how comfortable everything was – it’s incredibly sharp and tailored but honestly it almost feels like wearing pyjamas.”
How do you spend your morning on the day of a big event like the AACTAs? Do you have any rituals?
“I’m pretty straightforward when it comes to getting ready, but getting in the ocean is a must – especially on the Gold Coast. It’s the quickest way to reset before the day gets busy. Then a coffee and bacon and egg roll and I’m set.”
On his off-duty style
“Relaxed but still put-together. Jeans, loafers, and a shirt or a plain tee is usually my go to. Simple, easy, and it works whether I’m going to a meeting in the day or a bar at night.”
“I’ve never been huge on chasing trends – I’ve always gravitated toward classic pieces. If something’s cut well and feels timeless then I feel good.”
Was there a specific moment you became interested in clothing and style?
“Probably when I moved to LA in 2013. I was just starting my career and became a lot more aware of style there. It was a different time and slim fit sharp tailoring was key but I started to take a bit more care and dress with intention. That said I think I started wearing way too many cardigans then.”
On his style essentials
“[My style] hasn’t changed dramatically but it’s loosened up over time. I’m wearing more of what I actually like rather than what I think I’m supposed to wear. I’ll always love denim, white tees, and maybe a good cap. I’d say I try to be casual but considered.”
On a piece of advice that’s stuck with him
“One of the best piece of advice that I think about daily is ‘It’s not about what’s happened, it’s what you do next’. There’s a real sense of accountability in that and it’s helped me a lot in this career. It gives setbacks less power, keeps success in perspective and reminds me that we always have a choice in how we move forward.”
On what’s next
“There are a few things in the works, but the one I can share right now is a film I shot last year with Chloë Grace Moretz and Rupert Friend called The Edge of Normal. It’s a dark mystery thriller we filmed in Utah, and it should be out later this year.”
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