Jessie Buckley received a heartfelt welcome during the Irish Film Awards, where she was recognized for her performance as William Shakespeare‘s wife in the acclaimed film Hamnet. This role has already garnered her nominations for both an Academy Award and a BAFTA. Accepting her award, Buckley expressed her gratitude, stating, “It’s really such an honour to come home and share this with you, mostly because growing up in Ireland, the very nature of storytelling, of music, of art, is a way of life, it is a way of community.”
Buckley also took a moment to acknowledge her co-star, Paul Mescal, who portrayed Shakespeare. While Mescal won the award for best supporting actor, he was unable to attend the ceremony to collect his prize. The film Hamnet also triumphed in the categories for international film and film script, solidifying its critical acclaim.
Another highlight of the evening was Trespasses, a Channel 4 drama that secured multiple awards, including drama script, hair and makeup, and lead actress in a drama. The show, set in 1970s Northern Ireland, features Lola Petticrew in the lead role of Cushla, a young Catholic teacher involved in a complicated romance with a married Protestant man. In her acceptance speech, Petticrew dedicated her award to her late uncle, Gerard, who she described as her “biggest fan” and a Dublin dry cleaner who helped her through difficult times. She also emphasized the challenging circumstances many children in her community face, noting, “One in three kids in West Belfast live in poverty. That is the legacy of war. They deserve so much more.”
The awards ceremony also highlighted the importance of supporting underprivileged children, particularly through the filmmakers of Christy. This coming-of-age film explores the journey of two estranged brothers in Cork as they navigate the complexities of the care system. Nominated in 14 categories, Christy won several top honors, including best film, casting, editing, and film director for Brendan Canty. In his acceptance speech, Canty pointed out that the awards aligned with 2026 Care Day, which aims to draw attention to the experiences of children in care. He called on the government to increase support for the care system.
Among the winners, Eanna Hardwicke received the award for actor in a lead role for his portrayal of Roy Keane in the film Saipan. Hardwicke was unable to attend, so his co-star Steve Coogan accepted the trophy on his behalf. The event also honored veteran actor Ciaran Hinds with the Irish Academy’s lifetime achievement award. In his acceptance speech, Hinds reflected on his long career, expressing gratitude for the talented individuals he has collaborated with throughout his journey.
Rising star award recipient and Derry Girls star Louisa Harland shared her admiration for her peers, stating, “I feel so lucky to be a part of this industry, especially in Ireland, it means the world.” The awards ceremony not only celebrated individual achievements but also underscored the collective responsibility of the industry to uplift its community, particularly those facing adversity.
