Ireland’s film and television industry enjoyed a night to remember at the 2026 Irish Film & Television Academy Awards, with Irish artists and productions taking centre stage at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre on Friday night.
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The 23rd edition of the IFTAs, hosted by Kevin McGahern, recognised outstanding work released between January and December 2025, showcasing the strength and depth of talent across Irish film and television.
@radionova100fm We found a Nova listener on the red carpet of the IFTA Awards 2026 Kevin McGahern told us all about what it’s like hosting the ceremony… and on his love for seriously addictive music #ifta ♬ original sound - Radio Nova 100
The big winners of the evening included celebrated films such as Christy, Hamnet and Saipan, while television productions like Blue Lights, Trespasses and House of Guinness also scooped major honours. Veteran actor Ciarán Hinds was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising his extraordinary contribution to Irish and international screen storytelling.
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Ciarán Hinds received a life achievement award at the 2026 IFTA Awards ✨ Beyond his iconic roles in Belfast, Game of Thrones and Munich, Ciarán has been representing Ireland in theatre and voice acting
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In the film categories, the Cork coming-of-age drama Christy emerged as a major winner, taking home Best Film and Director – Film for director Brendan Canty, as well as awards for Editing and Casting. The film follows a young Cork man leaving the foster care system and finding his identity through hairdressing, and its success at the IFTAs caps a remarkable journey for the production.
Irish cinema’s international success continued with Hamnet, which was named Best International Film and won Script – Film (shared by Irish author Maggie O’Farrell and director Chloé Zhao), alongside acting honours. Jessie Buckley won Lead Actress – Film for her haunting portrayal of Agnes Shakespeare, while Paul Mescal took Supporting Actor – Film for his role in the same production.
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The holy trinity Cillian Murphy, Jessie Buckley, Alison Oliver and SO MANY other Irish talent attended the 2026 IFTA Awards in Dublin
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Other acting prizes in film included Éanna Hardwicke winning Lead Actor – Film for his performance as Roy Keane in the football-drama Saipan, and Kerry Condon picking up Supporting Actress – Film for her role in F1.
On the television side, Belfast police drama Blue Lights was crowned Best Drama, while Rachel Carey earned Director – Drama for Obituary and Ailbhe Keogan won Script – Drama for Trespasses. In performance categories, Anthony Boyle won Lead Actor – Drama for House of Guinness, Lola Petticrew took Lead Actress – Drama for Trespasses, Chris Walley was named Supporting Actor – Drama for The Young Offenders, and Alison Oliver won Supporting Actress – Drama for her work in Task.
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Aidan Quinn doesn’t have enough nice things to say about his fellow ‘Walsh Sisters’ cast members We also spoke to Louisa Harland about the iconic shows she’s been in. Stay tuned for more on Radio Nova
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International talent was also celebrated, with Leonardo DiCaprio winning Best International Actor for One Battle After Another and Emma Stone claiming Best International Actress for Bugonia.
Craft and technical categories highlighted the depth of behind-the-scenes talent in Ireland. Seamus McGarvey won Cinematography for Die My Love, Eimear Noone and Craig Stuart Garfinkle took Original Music for Báite, and Philip Murphy and Neville Gaynor won Production Design for Wednesday. Steve Fanagan and Stevie Haywood were honoured for Sound on Anemone, while Consolata Boyle claimed Costume Design for Blue Moon. VFX specialists Eoin O’Sullivan and David Sewell picked up the award for their work on House of Guinness.
In short film categories, Nostalgie was named Best Live Action Short Film and Retirement Plan won Best Animated Short Film, continuing the tradition of strong Irish work in short form. The George Morrison Feature Documentary Award went to A Want in Her, underlining the vitality of documentary filmmaking in Ireland.
The Rising Star award was presented to Louisa Harland, spotlighting one of Ireland’s most promising new talents.
Overall, the 2026 IFTAs were a celebration of Irish storytelling in all its forms — from intimate dramas to internationally acclaimed films and bold television dramas. The night not only honoured established names like Buckley and Hinds, but also recognised the next generation of Irish creatives shaping the future of screen culture.
