The 98th Academy Awards are swift approaching and Irish eyes are once again fixed on Hollywood. With Jessie Buckley nominated for Best Actress for her role in Hamnet, the possibility of an Irish woman winning in that category for the first time is within reach. But Buckley isn’t the first Irish talent to be recognized by the Academy. Ireland boasts a rich history at the Oscars, stretching back to the early days of the awards and encompassing a diverse range of artistic achievements.
From writing accolades to groundbreaking visual effects and, more recently, acting triumphs, Irish artists have consistently left their mark on the world of cinema. As anticipation builds for the upcoming ceremony on March 15th, it’s a fitting time to look back at the full roll call of Irish Oscar winners and celebrate their contributions to film.
A Century of Irish Oscar Success
The first Irish Oscar win dates back to 1938, when George Bernard Shaw received the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for his work on Pygmalion. This early victory paved the way for decades of Irish talent to be celebrated by the Academy. Cillian Murphy added to that legacy in 2024, securing the Best Actor award for his compelling performance in Oppenheimer, marking a significant moment for Irish cinema.
However, the story of Irish Oscar success isn’t solely defined by actors and writers. Irish-American Cedric Gibbons holds the record for the most Oscar wins by an Irish individual, amassing an impressive 11 awards in the Art Direction category between 1930 and 1957. Gibbons, who oversaw the visual identity of MGM for decades, was also instrumental in the design of the Oscar statuette itself, leaving an indelible mark on the awards ceremony. He received 39 nominations throughout his career, a testament to his enduring influence on the golden age of Hollywood.
Recent Nominations and Buckley’s Historic Bid
The 2026 nominations showcase a strong showing for Irish talent across multiple categories. Alongside Jessie Buckley’s Best Actress nomination for Hamnet, Richard Baneham, a Dublin-based visual effects supervisor, is in contention for his work on Avatar: Fire and Ash. Producers Ed Guiney and Andrew Lowe are also part of the producing team for Best Picture nominee Bugonia. Maggie O’Farrell is nominated for Adapted Screenplay for Hamnet, and John Kelly has received a nomination in the Animated Short Film category for Retirement Plan.
Jessie Buckley’s nomination is particularly noteworthy, as she stands on the cusp of making history. If she wins Best Actress, she will become the first Irish woman to ever receive the award in that category. Buckley has already garnered significant recognition for her work, with previous nominations for the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for Wild Rose (2018) and the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for The Lost Daughter (2021). She also received a Critics’ Choice Movie Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for Women Talking (2022), according to a list of her awards and nominations.
The Full List of Irish Academy Award Winners
Here is a list of all Irish Academy Award winners to date:
- Cedric Gibbons (11 Oscars: 1930, 1935, 1941, 1942, 1945, 1947, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1957) – Art Direction
- George Bernard Shaw (1938) – Best Adapted Screenplay for Pygmalion
- Cillian Murphy (2024) – Best Actor for Oppenheimer
The success of these individuals demonstrates the enduring impact of Irish creativity on the global film industry.
What’s Next for Irish Talent in Hollywood?
With a strong contingent of nominees this year, and Jessie Buckley leading the charge, the future looks bright for Irish representation at the Academy Awards. The increasing recognition of Irish talent signals a continued commitment to diverse storytelling and artistic excellence within the film industry. The results of the 98th Academy Awards will undoubtedly shape the narrative of Irish success in Hollywood for years to come.
What are your predictions for the upcoming Oscars? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
