Irish talents shine at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Film Awards held at London’s Royal Festival Hall, with Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal among the nominees. Buckley, fresh from her triumph at the Irish Film and Television Awards (IFTAs), is nominated for Leading Actress for her role in the historical drama “Hamnet,” while Mescal is recognized in the Supporting Actor category.
The film “Hamnet,” based on Maggie O’Farrell’s bestseller, has garnered significant attention with 11 nominations, including Best Film, Director, and Outstanding British Film. Notably, O’Farrell is also included in the Adapted Screenplay shortlist, having collaborated with acclaimed director Chloé Zhao, marking a historic moment as “Hamnet” becomes the most-nominated film directed by a woman in BAFTA history.
Other nominees of interest include “Steve,” a school-based drama featuring Cillian Murphy, which is competing for Outstanding British Film alongside “Hamnet.” Richard Baneham, an Irish visual effects artist known for his work on “Avatar,” is nominated for his contributions to “Avatar: Fire and Ash.”
A Want in Her, directed by Donegal’s Myrid Carten, has made the shortlist for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer.
The black sci-fi comedy “Bugonia,” produced by Dublin’s Element Pictures, has received five nominations, with standout performances recognized for Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons. Another Element Pictures production, “Pillion,” has secured three nominations, including Outstanding British Film.
Additional films featuring Irish talent include “My Father’s Shadow,” directed by Akinola Davies Jr., and the Belfast-set short film “Nostalgie,” which showcases the talents of local filmmakers and actors. Meanwhile, the psychological drama “H Is for Hawk” and the comedy-drama “Blue Moon,” which starred Ethan Hawke, also found their way onto this year’s shortlist.
In total, this year’s awards feature a diverse array of Irish contributions, reflecting the vibrant and expanding landscape of Irish cinema. The ceremony, hosted by Alan Cumming, will be broadcast live on BBC One, providing audiences a chance to celebrate these exceptional talents. As the evening unfolds, the achievements of these nominees are a testament to the growing influence of Irish cinema on the global stage.