A nature documentary showcasing the importance of the Kimberley's Martuwarra Fitzroy River will be up against some of the best in Australian television and film next year at the 2026 AACTA Awards.

Lifeblood – The Martuwarra Fitzroy River was announced this week as a contender for Best Documentary at the AACTA (Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts) Awards, which will be decided in February. The multi-award-winning documentary highlights the Martuwarra Fitzroy River's unique wildlife, remarkable landscapes and incredible culture.

The film narrated by Bunuba woman Manymiya 'Obby' Bedford, journeys the length of the 733km river, showcasing the flux in seasons and unique species that rely on the river for survival.

"In the Kimberley, water feeds everything, sustaining all the plants, animals and people," Ms Bedford said.

"Personally, the Martuwarra has formed my identity, my peace, my home, my language. By sharing Lifeblood – and the story of this river – with audiences across Australia, more people can understand why we must leave it thriving and untouched."

The Kimberley - Like Nowhere Else campaign coordinator Lisa Thomas said it was an honour for Lifeblood to be considered among so many important Australian documentaries. She said she hoped being named as a contender for the awards would further raise awareness for the Martuwarra and the need to protect it.

"It's an incredible honour to be a contender for the 2026 AACTA Awards, but no surprise that people around Australia are falling in love with Lifeblood and the extraordinary Martuwarra Fitzroy River," she said.

"The Martuwarra Fitzroy River is under threat from large-scale water extraction, with the WA Government currently considering extracting billions of litres of water within the river's catchment, risking a Murray-Darling disaster here in WA.

"The Martuwarra is recognised as one of the world's most healthy and free-flowing river systems and is home to some of the most rare and endangered animals, which is why it's crucial we protect it."

Executive Director of Broome-based conservation group Environs Kimberley Martin Pritchard said the WA Government must protect the Martuwarra before it's too late.

"The WA Labor Government has promised to protect the Martuwarra Fitzroy River and Western Australians are counting on them to deliver on this promise," he said.

"We hope that the Australian-wide recognition that Lifeblood is getting will highlight the need for decision makers to protect the Martuwarra and its precious water through legislation, so it's safeguarded for the future."