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, ChloΓ© 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.
Meet Liam Neeson, the producer!
Enraged by a 2017 New York Times investigation into the Tuam mother and baby home scandal, Neeson has backed THE LOST CHILDREN OF TUAM, in Irish theatres on Sep 25.
Full details via link in bio ποΈ
Andrew Scott could make Oscar history π
His performance in ELSINORE β as an actor giving everything to one final role while his body fails him β is the kind you don`t shake off.
Watch Andrew`s @tiff_net "In Conversation" via ποΈ in bio.
Domhnall told Taylor "I`ll do it for the dance".
THE PAPER star spills the tea on how he ended up starring in Taylor Swift`s "Opalite" video β jumpsuits, a talking cactus, zero-star judges, and a night of panicked dance rehearsals with the one and only Mandy.
Watch now via irishfilmtv.com.
By order of The Peaky Blinders π«π€
Cillian Murphy is heading back to Birmingham β but this time he`s calling the shots from behind the camera.
Netflix and the BBC have just confirmed a two-season PEAKY BLINDERS sequel, with Murphy stepping in as executive producer alongside creator Steven Knight.
Full details via ποΈ in bio.
All smiles at the MOBLAND S2 London premiere π
Pierce Brosnan, Tom Hardy and Helen Mirren brought serious star power to Leicester Square as the Harrigans turn on each other from the inside while rival gangs circle their north London empire.
Full details via link in bio ποΈ
π IRELAND MEETS THE WEST END π
CiarΓ‘n Hinds and Paul Mescal are joining forces for a landmark co-production of Tom Murphy`s A WHISTLE IN THE DARK, staged jointly by the @abbeytheatredublin and London`s @nationaltheatre!
Full details and ticket info via ποΈ in bio.
Go behind the scenes of PRESSURE!
Veteran Karl Lambert sits down with Andrew Scott, Damian Lewis, writer David Haig and director Anthony Maras to talk making the film β and how history was decided by a weather report. π
Watch now via ποΈ in bio.
A new trailer has landed for THE LOST CHILDREN OF TUAM β and it`s every bit as devastating as expected π
Directed by @frankberryfilm (MICHAEL INSIDE) and written by @rlenkiewicz1968 (THE SALT PATH), the film is based on @danbarry1958`s New York Times article.
Watch now via ποΈ in bio.
NORTHERN IRELAND JUST WENT ELECTRIC AT THE EMMYS π
A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS just took home Outstanding Stunt Performance at the 78th Creative Arts Emmy Awards β for the episode "In the Name of the Mother" π‘οΈπ₯
And it`s not over yet β A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS is also nominated for Outstanding Drama Series at the Primetime Emmys on Sep 14 - Tune in and cheer them on!
