The stars and creators of Irish film and television came together in Dublin on Friday, February 20, 2026, to celebrate the year’s outstanding achievements at the Irish Film & Television Awards (IFTA). The evening saw a triumphant sweep for the independent Irish drama Christy, which entered the night as the most nominated film and left with top honors, while international heavyweights like Leonardo DiCaprio and Emma Stone also took home major awards.
Christy, directed by Brendan Canty, led the field with 14 nominations—a remarkable feat for an independent production. The film tells the moving story of a young man, portrayed by Danny Power, as he seeks independence after leaving the foster care system and attempts to reconnect with his estranged brother. The drama’s resonant depiction of vulnerability and resilience struck a chord with both critics and audiences, and the accolades poured in accordingly. According to Variety, Christy claimed the coveted Best Film award, with Brendan Canty named Best Director. The film also won for Best Casting (Amy Rowan), Best Editing (Allyn Quigley), and a Supporting Actor prize for Jamie Forde’s performance.
“It’s a story about finding your place in the world when the odds are stacked against you,” Canty said in his acceptance speech, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. The film’s success at IFTA not only cements its status as a standout in Irish cinema this year, but also highlights the growing recognition for independent productions tackling challenging social themes.
Meanwhile, Hamnet emerged as another big winner, taking home Best International Film and three other major awards. Jessie Buckley, widely considered an Oscar frontrunner, was named Best Lead Actress for her role in Hamnet, while Paul Mescal won Best Supporting Actor. The film’s script, penned by Maggie O’Farrell and Chloé Zhao, also received top honors. The historical drama’s success at the IFTAs further boosts its momentum ahead of the impending BAFTA and Academy Award ceremonies.
The international categories were dominated by familiar faces from Hollywood. Leonardo DiCaprio was named Best International Actor for his role as a former revolutionary in Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another. Emma Stone, meanwhile, won Best International Actress for her performance as an enigmatic executive in Yorgos Lanthimos’ Bugonia. These wins, as highlighted by Variety, reflect the increasingly global nature of the Irish awards, which now serve as a bellwether for international acclaim.
Back on home turf, the soccer drama Saipan—which had garnered 12 nominations—earned Éanna Hardwicke the Best Lead Actor award. Kerry Condon, who was double-nominated, prevailed as Best Supporting Actress for her role in Joseph Kosinski’s F1. The competition among Irish talent was fierce, with other nominees including Steve Coogan, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Cillian Murphy, underscoring the depth and diversity of the Irish acting community.
On the television side, Blue Lights was named Best TV Drama, a testament to the show’s gripping storytelling and strong ensemble cast. The script for Trespasses by Ailbhe Keogan was also recognized, with Lola Petticrew taking home Best Lead Actress in a drama for her role in the same series. Anthony Boyle’s turn in House of Guinness earned him Best Lead Actor in drama, while Chris Walley and Alison Oliver were honored as Best Supporting Actor and Actress in their respective series, The Young Offenders and Task.
Louisa Harland, known for her roles in The Walsh Sisters and Derry Girls, was awarded the Rising Star Award, affirming her status as one of Ireland’s most promising young actors. The ceremony also marked a milestone for gender representation, with a record number of women—seven in total—nominated across the directing categories for both film and TV.
In a particularly emotional moment, Ciarán Hinds was honored with the Irish Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement. Hinds, whose career spans five decades and includes acclaimed performances both in Ireland and internationally, was recognized for his "outstanding Irish and international acting achievements, and his contribution to the screen industry across 50 years," as the IFTA cited. The audience’s standing ovation reflected the deep respect held for Hinds within the industry and among fans alike.
The night’s host, comedian and actor Kevin McGahern, kept spirits high with his signature wit, even as the ceremony tackled some serious subjects. The list of winners, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter, reads like a who’s who of Irish and international film and television:
- Best Film: Christy
- Best Director: Brendan Canty (Christy)
- Best International Film: Hamnet
- Best Lead Actress: Jessie Buckley (Hamnet)
- Best Lead Actor: Éanna Hardwicke (Saipan)
- Best Supporting Actor: Jamie Forde (Christy)
- Best Supporting Actress: Kerry Condon (F1)
- Best International Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio (One Battle After Another)
- Best International Actress: Emma Stone (Bugonia)
- Best TV Drama: Blue Lights
- Best Script Drama: Ailbhe Keogan (Trespasses)
- Best Lead Actor in Drama: Anthony Boyle (House of Guinness)
- Best Lead Actress in Drama: Lola Petticrew (Trespasses)
- Best Supporting Actor in Drama: Chris Walley (The Young Offenders)
- Best Supporting Actress in Drama: Alison Oliver (Task)
- Rising Star Award: Louisa Harland
The 2026 IFTA ceremony, with Christy and Hamnet at the forefront, showcased the vibrancy and evolution of Irish film and television. These wins not only spotlight the talent within Ireland but also underscore the country’s growing influence on the global stage. From deeply personal coming-of-age stories to sweeping historical dramas and international collaborations, this year’s awards recognized an impressive diversity of voices and visions. As the Irish screen industry continues to flourish, nights like these serve as both a celebration and a promise of what’s still to come.