Established in 1987 by Alison Cotes and Sue Gough,[1] the awards are an annual event held in February or March.
At the 2015 awards co-founder Alison Cotes was farewelled after 25 years on the committee.
[4] She later wrote: "In spite of many changes over its 29 year history, and the often bitter political rows about format and judges, the Matilda Awards are still going strong, and with the backing of Arts Queensland will continue to develop, even if they do annoy many people along the way and attract plenty of criticism.
In 2011, the Matilda Awards created a Hall of Fame which recognises performers/craftsmen for a body of work.
[8] As of June 2017[update], the inductees were Sven Swenson, Sue Rider, Eugene Gilfedder, David Walters, Bill Haycock, Dale Ferguson, Andrew Buchanan, Caroline Kennison, Michael Futcher, Helen Howard, Greg Clarke, Hayden Spencer, Helen Cassidy, and Jennifer Flowers.