The 2026 Irish Film and Television Academy (IFTA) Awards celebrated Irish cinematic achievement on Friday night, with Jessie Buckley taking home the award for Lead Actress for her performance in Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet. The Kerry-born actor’s portrayal of Agnes Shakespeare has garnered widespread acclaim, and this win continues a successful awards season for Buckley, who is now a strong contender for the BAFTA and Oscar awards.
Alongside Buckley’s win, Brendan Canty’s Christy dominated the awards, securing the title of Best Film, as well as prizes for Best Director, Best Editing, and Best Casting. The film, which previously won a major prize at the Berlin International Film Festival last year, resonated with the awards panel for its depiction of community and its impact on healing. The IFTA Awards recognize both domestic film and television drama, as well as the contributions of Irish talent working across the industry.
Buckley, visibly moved during her acceptance speech, acknowledged Stephen Rea, who presented her with the award, recalling their early working relationship. She spoke passionately about the importance of storytelling, music, and art in Irish culture, stating, “Growing up in Ireland, the particularly nature of storytelling, of music, of art, was the source that I grew up from. It was a way of life. It is a way of community.” She also paid tribute to her home county of Kerry, acknowledging its influence on her artistic spirit.
Hamnet enjoyed a successful night also winning awards for International Film and Best Screenplay. Paul Mescal, who was absent from the ceremony, was awarded Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film. The awards highlight the growing international recognition of Irish filmmaking and acting talent.
Lifetime Achievement and Rising Star Awards
The evening also honored veteran actor Ciarán Hinds with a Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his extensive and impactful career. Hinds, a Belfast native, expressed a touch of self-deprecating humor upon receiving the award, noting his age – 73 – and acknowledging the next generation of Irish actors.
Louisa Harland was presented with the Screen Ireland – IFTA Rising Star Award, acknowledging her emerging talent within the industry. The awards demonstrate the IFTA’s commitment to celebrating both established and up-and-coming figures in Irish film and television.
Saipan and Television Triumphs
Steve Coogan, recently granted Irish citizenship, was also in attendance, nominated for his role in Saipan – a film depicting the clash between Mick McCarthy and Roy Keane before the 2002 World Cup. While Coogan didn’t win in his category, his co-star Éanna Hardwicke accepted the Best Actor award on his behalf. Coogan playfully remarked that his new Irish passport allowed him to bypass queues of Brexit supporters.
In the television categories, Blue Lights was recognized as Best Drama, while Obituary and the Netflix epic House of Guinness also received accolades. Kevin McGahern returned for a second year as host, praised for his engaging and entertaining presentation.
Buckley’s chances for further awards success appear strong, with bookmakers placing her as a frontrunner for the BAFTA award on Sunday and as short as 1/25 to win the Oscar in the Best Actress category, making her the strongest favorite in the category for over two decades.
The IFTA Awards continue to be a vital platform for showcasing the breadth and depth of Irish creative talent, and this year’s ceremony underscored the industry’s growing international prominence. The success of films like Hamnet and Christy signals a vibrant future for Irish cinema.
As Jessie Buckley prepares for the BAFTA and Oscar ceremonies, and with the continued success of films like Christy, the Irish film industry is poised for continued recognition on the global stage. The awards serve as a reminder of the power of storytelling and the importance of supporting Irish creative endeavors.
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