The 2026 BAFTA Film Award nominations, unveiled on January 27, 2026, marked a watershed moment for Irish cinema, with talent from the island securing recognition across multiple categories in what has become one of the strongest showings in recent memory. At the heart of this success stands HAMNET, Chloé Zhao’s adaptation that has emerged as the dominant force of the awards season, carrying Irish performers Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal to career-defining nominations while simultaneously breaking records for the sheer volume of nods it received.
Buckley’s Leading Actress nomination for her portrayal of Agnes represents a culmination of years of critically acclaimed work, while Mescal’s Supporting Actor recognition for his turn as William Shakespeare confirms his rapid ascent from breakthrough star to established force in contemporary cinema. The film’s reach extends beyond its headliners, with writer Maggie O’Farrell landing on the longlist for Adapted Screenplay, demonstrating how Irish creative voices have penetrated every level of the production. According to The Irish Times, HAMNET‘s nomination haul has shattered previous benchmarks, transforming what might have been a modest costume drama into an awards juggernaut that has elevated Irish participation across the board.
The Irish presence radiates outward from HAMNET into other productions that showcase the depth of talent the country continues to produce. Andrew Scott earned a Supporting Actor longlist mention for BLUE MOON, a production that not only filmed on Irish soil but was developed in association with Dublin-based Wild Atlantic Pictures, as noted by IFTN. Cinematographer Robbie Ryan received longlist recognition for his work on BUGONIA, another project produced by Dublin’s Element Pictures, while visual effects artist Richard Baneham made the longlist for AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH. Even Cillian Murphy, fresh from his recent Oscar triumph, appears among the producers listed on the Outstanding British Film longlist for STEVE, extending his influence beyond performance into the realm of production.
What emerges from these nominations is not merely a roster of individual achievements but evidence of an ecosystem that has matured over decades of strategic investment in film infrastructure, training, and international co-production treaties. The February 22, 2026 ceremony in London will serve as the culmination of this recognition, but the nominations themselves already tell a story of Irish cinema at a peak moment, with performers, craftspeople, and production companies all operating at the highest levels of international filmmaking and reaping the rewards that sustained excellence inevitably brings.
✨ From years of hopeful texts to the role of a lifetime ✨
Now he`s playing Cillian Murphy`s son in PEAKY BLINDERS: THE IMMORTAL MAN and audiences are absolutely losing it over his performance.
Barry Keoghan opens up about what it took to land this dream role, reuniting with Cillian (they bonded on DUNKIRK).
More at irishfilmtv.com.
Cillian Murphy lit up LATE NIGHT WITH SETH MEYERS on THE IMMORTAL MAN promo tour.
Murphy talks about reprising his Peaky Blinders role and asking Barry Keoghan to play his son via a Father`s Day text!
Watch now at irishfilmtv.com.
She`s not just a talent—she`s rewriting the rules!
Irish cinema darling Saoirse Ronan just announced something that has the industry buzzing: THREE INCESTUOUS SISTERS, a gothic fever dream directed by Alice Rohrwacher and co-written by Ottessa Moshfegh.
Starring alongside Jessie Buckley for the first time, this Audrey Niffenegger adaptation promises psychological sabotage, dark fairy tales, and everything we didn`t know we needed.
More Saoirse at irishfilmtv.com.
Domhnall Gleeson is being honored with an Oscar Wilde Award!
Twenty years ago, a theater audience first glimpsed his gift. Today, his filmography reads like a masterclass in selecting roles that matter. HARRY POTTER. STAR WARS. THE REVENANT. ABOUT TIME. BROOKLYN. CATASTROPHE.
More Domhnall at irishfilmtv.com.
✦ EXCLUSIVE INTEL FOR THE INITIATED ✦
Steven Knight just gave us the inside scoop. Before THE IMMORTAL MAN drops Mar 6, there are three episodes every true fan needs to re-watch.
These aren`t random picks—they`re the episodes that define Tommy Shelby`s entire journey. The moment that reveals who he really is. The turning point where he chooses life. The goodbye that haunts every frame before his return.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
BAFTA winner. Red carpet royalty. 🎬
Fresh off her latest accolade, Jessie Buckley hone at the World Premiere of THE BRIDE!
Directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal and starring Buckley alongside Christian Bale, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Penélope Cruz, this is the gothic crime romance you didn`t know you needed.
Arriving in cinemas March 6. ✨
WALK THE BLUE FIELDS is adapting Claire Keegan`s devastating short story into a film that`s already drawing serious talent including Andrew Scott (FLEABAG, RIPLEY), Emily Blunt (OPPENHEIMER) and Ciarán Hinds (IS THIS THING ON?)
Set in Ireland, this is a romance about impossible choices, buried secrets, and the moment everything changes.
Link in bio to read more about what promises to be one of the year`s most emotionally powerful films.
One week. Two brothers. One dead. But which one?
THE UNDERTOW is the psychological thriller that will have you questioning everything—and everyone.
Jamie Dornan delivers a career-defining dual performance as identical twins Adam and Lee, embodying two completely different men while suggesting the psychological unraveling beneath.
More Jamie at irishfilmtv.com.
Colin Farrell`s THE SLIGHTEST TOUCH is a documentary about friendship, resilience, and refusing to accept limitations.
It`s the story of two people who`ve built their lives around each other, and one extraordinary day that proves what`s possible when someone truly shows up for you.
Directed by Rachel Fleit (BAMA RUSH), the film premieres at the 2026 Dublin International Film Festival before coming to HBO and HBO Max globally later this year.
More Colin at irishfilmtv.com.
