The Kerry International Film Festival has made a choice that feels both inevitable and inspired, selecting Fiona Shaw as the 2025 recipient of the prestigious Maureen O’Hara Award. In an era where recognition of women’s contributions to film and television has become increasingly vital, Shaw’s selection represents more than just another accolade – it’s a celebration of artistic fearlessness that spans decades and mediums.Shaw’s recent trajectory reads like a masterclass in career reinvention. While many actors of her generation might have settled into comfortable patterns, she has instead embraced increasingly complex and challenging roles that have redefined her public persona. Her electrifying performance as Carolyn Martens in KILLING EVE transformed her from a respected character actress into a household name, earning her a BAFTA and multiple Emmy nominations. The role showcased Shaw’s ability to embody calculated menace while maintaining an almost magnetic watchability – a performance that felt both shocking and inevitable from an actor of her caliber.
The momentum from KILLING EVE propelled Shaw into equally compelling territory. Her scene-stealing turn as the Hot Priest’s superior in FLEABAG demonstrated her gift for finding the human core within seemingly rigid characters, earning her another Emmy nomination and proving her comedic timing remains razor-sharp. More recently, her role in ANDOR brought her into the Star Wars universe, where she commanded the screen with the same intensity that has defined her career, garnering both BAFTA and Critics Choice Super Award nominations.This recent television success has coincided with an equally impressive film resurgence. Shaw’s performance in Kate Winslet’s AMMONITE in 2020 reminded audiences of her ability to convey complex emotional landscapes with minimal dialogue, while her upcoming roles in HOT MILK and PARK AVENUE suggest an artist still pushing boundaries well into her career.
These projects represent Shaw’s continued commitment to challenging material that refuses to pigeonhole her into any single category.What makes Shaw’s recent work particularly compelling is how it builds upon rather than abandons her theatrical foundation. The same fearless approach that earned her two Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Actress and a Tony nomination for MEDEA now informs her screen work with a depth that few actors can match. Her ability to transition seamlessly between the intimacy required for television and the bold strokes necessary for film speaks to an artist who has never stopped evolving.
Shaw’s own words about receiving the award reveal the thoughtfulness that has always characterized her approach to her craft. Her tribute to Maureen O’Hara – praising her defiance of studio limitations and one-dimensional roles – could easily serve as a description of Shaw’s own career philosophy. Like O’Hara, Shaw has consistently chosen complexity over comfort, challenge over convention.The timing of this recognition feels particularly significant. As the entertainment industry continues to grapple with questions of representation and opportunity, Shaw’s recent work serves as a powerful reminder that age and experience can be assets rather than limitations. Her performances in KILLING EVE and FLEABAG have introduced her to entirely new audiences while her continued film work demonstrates an artist still hungry for new challenges.
When the Kerry International Film Festival celebrates Shaw at its 26th edition this October, they will be honoring not just a distinguished career but an ongoing artistic journey that shows no signs of slowing down. In a landscape where many actors peak early and struggle to maintain relevance, Shaw has instead found her most compelling work in recent years, proving that true artistic commitment knows no expiration date.The Maureen O’Hara Award, established in 2008 as one of the earliest accolades dedicated specifically to women in film and television, has found its perfect 2025 recipient. Shaw joins a lineage of honorees that includes inaugural winner Brenda Fricker, but her selection feels particularly resonant given how her recent work has redefined what it means to be a woman of a certain age in contemporary entertainment.As Shaw noted in her acceptance, “Film needs women just as the world needs women – all kinds.” Her recent career serves as living proof of this philosophy, demonstrating that when given the opportunity, experienced female performers can deliver work that is both commercially successful and artistically uncompromising.
The Kerry International Film Festival’s choice to honor Shaw represents not just recognition of past achievements but celebration of an artist who continues to surprise, challenge, and inspire.
* NEW TRAILER ALERT *
From Oscar nominee for THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN to scene-stealer in THE PENGUIN, Colin Farrel is now teaming up with visionary director Kogonada again for A BIG BOLD BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY alongside Margot Robbie.
Watch now at irishfilmtv.com.
🎭 Jessie Buckley is about to break our hearts all over again in HAMNET 💔
From her Oscar-nominated turn in THE LOST DAUGHTER to the psychological depths of MEN, this Irish powerhouse keeps choosing roles that demand everything.
HAMNET hits theaters November 27th - mark your calendars! 🗓️
** NEW TRAILER ALERT **
After 8 years away from acting, Daniel Day-Lewis returns in ANEMONE.
Set in 1980s Yorkshire, this Brad Pitt-produced film explores the complex bonds between fathers, sons, and brothers.
Watch now at irishfilmtv.com.
🎰 NEW TRAILER ALERT! Colin Farrell is on an absolute TEAR right now!
Fresh off his Golden Globe and SAG wins for THE PENGUIN, he`s diving into Edward Berger`s new film BALLAD OF A SMALL PLAYER - and the first trailer looks absolutely stunning.
Watch now at irishfilmtv.com.
🍺 From PEAKY BLINDERS to pints of pure drama!
Steven Knight is serving up Ireland`s most scandalous brewing dynasty in HOUSE OF GUINNESS, hitting Netflix Sept 25th ✨
Anthony Boyle, Louis Partridge, Emily Fairn & Fionn O`Shea are about to show you what happens when you inherit black gold... and all the poison that comes with it 🖤
More at irishfilmtv.com.
🎬 CHRISTY from @sleeper.films hits different.
This Cork story isn`t your typical social realism - it`s got heart, humor, and the kind of authentic brotherhood that`ll stay with you long after the credits roll.
Out in Ireland/Northern Ireland Aug 29, watch the trailer at irishfilmtv.com.
🎰 Colin Farrell`s career glow-up continues!
From Oscar-nominations to the unrecognizable Penguin in THE BATMAN, and now as an obsessive gambler in Edward Berger`s BALLAD OF A SMALL PLAYER.
Mark your calendars: @tiff_net premiere Sept 9, limited release Oct 15, Netflix Oct 29. 🔥
* NEW TRAILER ALERT *
Cillian Muprhy`s latest project STEVE premieres at Toronto Film Festival before hitting Netflix October 3rd.
Murphy plays a reform school headteacher fighting to save his institution while battling his own demons—because this man never takes the easy route.
Watch now at irishfilmtv.com.
🎬 HE`S BACK. After 8 years in "retirement," Daniel Day-Lewis returns to the screen in ANEMONE - and it`s personal.
The three-time Oscar winner emerges from his artistic sabbatical for his most intimate project yet: a family drama he co-wrote with his son Ronan, who`s making his directorial debut.
World premiere at NYC Film Festival. October 3rd limited release. The legend continues. 🔥
More at irishfilmtv.com.
📺 NEW TRAILER ALERT 📺
Premiering Aug 28, THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB follows four retirees who spend their time solving cold case murders for fun - based on @misterosman’s bestselling novel.
Visit irishfilmtv.com for more!
🎭 LEGEND RETURNS TO THE STAGE 🎭
From Mad-Eye Moody to Uncle Pastuzo, Brendan Gleeson has captivated us on screen for decades. Now he`s making his WEST END DEBUT in THE WEIR! Dublin first (Aug 8-Sep 6) then London`s Harold Pinter Theatre (Sep 12-Dec 6).
More at irishfilmtv.com.
🎭 From beloved DERRY GIRL to Chekhov star!
Saoirse-Monica Jackson is trading the screen for the stage in Kabosh`s bold new adaptation of THREE SISTERS at @gaiety_theatre.
Visit irishfilmtv.com for ticket links!
Liam Neeson just crushed it as Frank Drebin Jr. in THE NAKED GUN and now he`s diving headfirst into horror comedy with COLD STORAGE.
At 72, Neeson is still choosing the wildest projects and we`re absolutely here for it. COLD STORAGE hits theaters next year!
Watch the crazy trailer at irishfilmtv.com.
NEW trailer alert! 🎬 From STAR WARS galaxies to Ohio newsrooms!
Domhnall Gleeson is trading his General Hux uniform for editor-in-chief duties in THE PAPER - @peacock!`s brilliant new spin on THE OFFICE universe.
Premiering Sep 4, watch trailer at irishfilmtv.com.
From the Scottish Highlands to the boxing ring 🥊✨
Caitriona Balfe trades tartan for training gloves in THE CUT, Sean Ellis` brutal psychological boxing drama.
Our OUTLANDER queen steps WAY outside her comfort zone as Caitlin - wife, trainer, and witness to Orlando Bloom`s obsessed fighter spiraling toward self-destruction.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
