Irish film and television’s finest will assemble in Dublin on Friday for the 2026 Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) Awards. Among the nominees expected to attend are Cillian Murphy and Jessie Buckley, both recognized for their outstanding performances in the films Steve and Hamnet respectively, spotlighting the excitement surrounding this year’s event.
Top Nominees Confirmed to Attend the Event
This year’s ceremony will feature an impressive roster of talent with Oscar-nominated Jessie Buckley present for her acclaimed work in Hamnet. Cillian Murphy IFTA 2026 nomination for Steve also marks him as a significant figure at the awards. Other celebrated nominees include Steve Coogan for Saipan and Jonathan Rhys Meyers, known for his Golden Globe-winning turn in The Tudors.
Additional nominees gracing the event include Aidan Quinn for The Walsh Sisters, Alison Oliver recognized for her roles in Wuthering Heights and Task, alongside Anthony Boyle, Danielle Galligan, and Jack Gleeson. Rising stars like Fionn O’Shea from House of Guinness will also be in attendance, reflecting the vibrancy of Irish talent.
Diverse Cast of Actors and Creatives to Join the Celebration
The guest list further extends to Peter Claffey, known for Game of Thrones: A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, Niamh Algar of The Iris Affair, Lola Petticrew for Trespasses, and Louisa Harland from The Walsh Sisters. Jamie-Lee O’Donnell of Leonard & Hungry Paul, Siobhán Cullen from Obituary, and Genevieve O’Reilly of Andor are expected attendees as well.
Notable industry figures also include Lisa McGee and Roisin Gallagher, known for How To Get To Heaven From Belfast. Legendary Irish filmmakers Neil Jordan and Jim Sheridan will participate, alongside actress Sarah Bolger, recognized for Mayans MC and The Tudors.
Industry Veterans and Award-Winning Stars Add to the Lineup
Accompanying the nominees and guests will be acclaimed IFTA winners such as Clare Dunne from KIN, award-winning actor and comedian David Wilmot, and multi-talented Stephen Rea, an Oscar nominee and former IFTA Lifetime Achievement awardee. Other notable names are Aisha Tyler, known for her work on Friends and filmmaking; Amy Huberman; Maria Doyle Kennedy; and Ardal O’Hanlon.
Actors Caroline Morahan and Peter Coonan, known for Love/Hate, and Kneecap’s Simone Kirby also join the distinguished crowd. India Mullen, star of These Sacred Vows, as well as Gemma Leah Devereaux, recognized for Smother and The Rainmaker, will attend, continuing IFTA’s tradition of celebrating a wide array of talent.
Additional Stars Highlight Irish Television and Film Excellence
The event will also showcase actors such as Tom Cullen from Trespasses, Seamus O’Hara of An Irish Goodbye and Blue Lights, House of the Dragon actor Clinton Liberty, and Steve Wall, known for his role in Hidden Assets. Their inclusion highlights the breadth of Ireland’s contribution across film and television genres.
Event Details and Broadcast Information
The 2026 IFTA Awards will be held at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre, with Kevin McGahern set to host the ceremony. Viewers can catch the live broadcast on RTÉ One this Saturday, 21st February, at 10:50 pm. The show promises an evening of celebration and recognition of the best in Irish screen talent.
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