The 23rd annual Irish Film & Television Awards (IFTAs) took place Friday evening at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre, celebrating the best of Irish film and television. The ceremony, hosted for the second consecutive year by comedian, actor, and broadcaster Kevin McGahern, saw Jessie Buckley and Éanna Hardwicke take home top honors. The event recognized achievements across 29 categories, highlighting Ireland’s growing impact on the global stage.
Jessie Buckley was awarded Best Actress for her performance in the film Hamnet, a role that has already garnered significant attention leading up to the Oscars. Éanna Hardwicke received the Best Actor award for his work in Saipan, a film exploring the tensions surrounding the 2002 FIFA World Cup. The IFTAs serve as a key indicator of Irish talent and storytelling prowess, with this year’s nominees reflecting a particularly strong year for Irish productions.
A Night of Recognition for Irish Filmmakers
The IFTA Awards aren’t just about the winners; they’re a celebration of the entire Irish film and television industry. This year’s nominations included a diverse range of films, from Irish-language features like Aontas, which follows a daring robbery, to international collaborations like Richard Linklater’s Blue Moon, filmed in Ireland and set against the backdrop of a 1940s Broadway opening night. The awards acknowledge both artistic and technical brilliance, spotlighting the craft and storytelling that define Irish filmmaking.
Brendan Canty’s Christy led the nominations with an impressive 14 nods, including Best Film and Best Director, as well as a Best Actor nomination for breakout star Daniel Power. The film, which previously won top prize in the Generation 14plus category at the Berlin International Film Festival, is a hard-edged social realist tale set in Cork. Close behind with 12 nominations was Saipan, Lisa Barros D’sa and Glenn Leyburn’s study of the Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy dynamic before the 2002 World Cup.
Lifetime Achievement Award for Ciarán Hinds
Beyond the competitive awards, the IFTAs also honored veteran actor Ciarán Hinds with the Lifetime Achievement Award. This prestigious award recognizes Hinds’ extraordinary contributions to cinema and television throughout his career. Áine Moriarty, CEO of the Irish Film & Television Academy, emphasized the strength of Irish talent, stating, “This incredible showcase of work reinforces the fact that Irish talent is truly amongst the best in the world, working both in front and behind the camera across the globe.”
The Best Film nominees included Aontas, Blue Moon, Christy, Saipan, Anemone featuring Daniel Day-Lewis, and Ballad of a Minor Player starring Colin Farrell. The acting categories were particularly competitive, with Daniel Day-Lewis, Cillian Murphy, and Steve Coogan also vying for the Best Actor award alongside Hardwicke and Power. In the Best Actress category, Buckley faced competition from Fiona Shaw for Hot Milk and Carrie Crowley for Aontas.
Deloitte served as the official vote scrutineer for the awards, ensuring a fair and transparent process. The ceremony welcomed Irish and international industry luminaries, further solidifying the IFTAs’ position as a key event in the global film and television calendar.
The 2026 IFTA Awards demonstrate the continued growth and recognition of Irish filmmaking on an international level. With a wealth of talent both in front of and behind the camera, Ireland is poised to continue making significant contributions to the world of film and television. The success of films like Hamnet and Saipan, along with the recognition of industry veterans like Ciarán Hinds, signals a bright future for Irish cinema.
As the Irish film and television industry continues to evolve, the IFTAs will undoubtedly remain a vital platform for celebrating its achievements and fostering its continued growth. What comes next for these celebrated filmmakers and the industry as a whole will be closely watched as Irish storytelling continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
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