The Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) celebrated the finest talent at its awards ceremony held last night in Dublin, highlighting major achievements in film and television. Paul Mescal acting awards took center stage alongside Jessie Buckley’s acclaimed performances, marking a night of remarkable recognition for Irish actors and productions.
Highlights from the IFTA Awards Ceremony in Dublin
The event brought together renowned actors including Jessie Buckley, Cillian Murphy, Steve Coogan, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Anthony Boyle, Niamh Algar, Aidan Quinn, and Alison Oliver, showcasing the breadth of Irish talent. The Cork-based drama Christy emerged as a big winner, securing multiple top honors such as Best Film. Brendan Canty received the Director – Film award, while Allyn Quigley and Amy Rowan won for Editing and Casting respectively.
Christy tells the story of a young man from Cork, played by Daniel Power and Diarmuid Noyes, who leaves the foster care system to forge his own path, discovering a passion for hairdressing along the way. This compelling narrative has resonated strongly with audiences and critics alike, underlining the importance of local storytelling.
Outstanding Performances by Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal
Jessie Buckley claimed the Lead Actress award for her role in Hamnet, a performance that has also earned her nominations for both the Oscars and BAFTAs. Paul Mescal was recognized with Best Supporting Actor for his work in the film directed by Chloé Zhao, which also saw the win of the International Film award and the Script Film award, shared by Irish author Maggie O’Farrell and Zhao.
Jessie Buckley reflected on her connection to the role, saying:
“Growing up in Ireland, the very nature of storytelling, of music, of art, was the source that I grew up from. It was a way of life. It is a way of community. It was such a dream to step into the soul of this incredible woman, Agnes, who I really recognised in the women that I grew up around in Ireland – women who have a language on to their own, bodies that are rooted from the ground and a fierce tenderness to love and be loved.”
Jessie Buckley, Lead Actress
Other Notable Winners and Contributions
Actor Éanna Harwicke earned the Award for Actor in a Lead Role for his portrayal of Roy Keane in Saipan, while Kerry Condon took home Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance alongside Brad Pitt in F1. The television drama category saw the Belfast-based police series Blue Lights claimed Best Drama for its third season, with Rachel Carey winning Best Director – Drama for Obituary and Ailbhe Keogan capturing Best Script – Drama for Trespasses.
Anthony Boyle, last year’s Rising Star winner, was awarded Lead Actor in a Drama for his role in House of Guinness, and Lola Petticrew received Lead Actress in a Drama for Trespasses. Supporting roles also garnered recognition, as Alison Oliver won Supporting Actress in a Drama for the HBO crime series Task, while Chris Walley was honored Best Supporting Actor in Drama for the fourth season of The Young Offenders.
Lifetime Recognition and Rising Talent
The awards also honored industry veterans. Ciarán Hinds received the Irish Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his extensive contributions to Irish and international film and television. Meanwhile, Louisa Harland, known for roles in The Walsh Sisters and Derry Girls, was named the 2025 Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland IFTA Rising Star.
International Honors and Technical Excellence
The International Actress award went to Emma Stone for her role in Bugonia, a production by Ireland’s Element Pictures, and Leonardo DiCaprio secured International Actor recognition for his work in One Battle After Another. The George Morrison Feature Documentary Award was presented to A Want in Her, while Seamus McGarvey won Best Cinematography for Die My Love.
Technical categories celebrated numerous accomplishments: Nostalgie earned Best Live Action Short Film, with Retirement Plan winning Best Animated Short. Visual effects awards were shared by Eoin O’Sullivan and David Sewell for House of Guinness, and Natalie Reid was recognized for Hair & Makeup on Trespasses. Original Music was awarded to Eimear Noone and Craig Stuart Garfinkle for Báite, while Consolata Boyle took Costume Design for Blue Moon.
Production design honors were given to Philip Murphy and Neville Gaynor for the Ireland-based season two of Netflix’s Wednesday. Additionally, Steve Fanagan and Stevie Haywood won Best Bound for the film Anemone.
The Impact of the 2024 IFTA Awards on Irish Film and Television
The 2024 IFTA awards not only celebrated individual achievements like those of Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley but also underscored the growing international influence of Irish talent and storytelling. Honoring both emerging artists and industry veterans signals a vibrant future for Ireland’s screen industries.
Recognition of a wide range of projects—from local dramas such as Christy and Blue Lights to international collaborations—reflects the rich diversity and creative strength fueling Irish cinema and television today. As these winners continue their careers, the anticipation for more outstanding work at upcoming global award events remains high.
