Murphy and Walsh aim for IFTA success
A number of Cork actors are among the favourites for major awards in this year’s IFTA Awards, lead by Oscar winner Cillian Murphy, Eileen Walsh and the Cork-set drama ‘Bodkin’, which came out on Netflix.
The haunting ‘Small Things Like These’ adapted from Claire Keegan’s novella is among the favourites for Best Film, which was made by Cillian Murphy’s production company. It also starred him and longtime collaborator Eileen Walsh with the duo up for Best Actor and Best Actress.
It might be the year of Kneecap however with the Belfast rap trio favourites for Best Film and with all three members getting nominated for Best Actor.
The Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) nominations were announced on Tuesday across 29 categories, focussed on film and drama. Award winners will be announced at the 22nd anniversary IFTA Awards Ceremony taking place on Friday 14 February at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre.
Academy CEO, Áine Moriarty said: “The 2025 Nominees shortlisted for Irish Academy Awards this year, is an incredible showcase of work that reinforces the fact that Irish talent is now amongst the best in the world, delivering such high standards of filmmaking, storytelling and performances that resonate with audiences worldwide. The Irish Academy is proud to showcase their great work and reward their achievements. Congratulations to all the Nominees - so well deserved!”
Murphy is up against the Kneecap trio, Peter Coonan for ‘King Frankie’ and Paul Mescal for his role in ‘Gladiator II’.
Walsh faces heavy duty competition from Jessie Buckley (‘Wicked Little Letters’), Hazel Doupe (‘Kathleen Is Here’), Saoirse Ronan (‘The Outrun’) and Alisha Weir (‘Abigail’).
Black comedy Bodkin is nominated in the Best Drama category.
Starring Will Forte and Siobhán Cullen, it was largely shot in West Cork and also stars Corkman Chris Whalley who is nominated in the Supporting Actor for Drama category.
The brilliant Fiona Shaw is nominated in the Supporting Actress for Drama category for her role in ‘Bad Sisters’, the global Netflix hit which also stars Sarah Greene.
IFTA say the awards celebrate artistic and technical brilliance while “spotlighting the profound impact of Irish filmmaking craft and storytelling both domestically and globally”. This year, iconic actor Colm Meaney will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to cinema and television.
The Irish Academy Awards are funded by Screen Ireland and Coimisiún na Meán.