Andrew Scott on Short Films, Irish Whiskey and the Joy of Pop Music

Andrew Scott, the acclaimed Irish actor, is expanding his partnership with Redbreast Irish Whiskey, taking on an executive producer role for the winning film of the “Redbreast Unhidden Award” at SXSW. The initiative aims to discover and support emerging filmmakers, a cause Scott champions alongside his appreciation for a well-made whiskey.

Supporting Emerging Filmmakers

The “Redbreast Unhidden” competition, now in its second year, seeks to elevate short films and the filmmakers behind them. Scott, who served as an ambassador for the program last year, selected Pranav Bhasin’s We Were Here as the 2026 winner. The film presents a thought-provoking narrative of three men in India who resist technological advancements by playfully attempting to become household appliances. Scott praised the film as a “clever and funny perspective on the everyday infiltration of technology into our lives,” noting its ability to address complex themes of humanity and technology in a concise format.

As executive producer, Scott will facilitate to amplify the winning project’s reach. Bhasin will also receive a grant from Redbreast to support his future function. Scott expressed his enthusiasm for mentoring emerging talent, drawing inspiration from his parents’ careers in education and employment services. He believes in the importance of providing support and guidance to help creatives manifest their skills.

The Appeal of Short Films and a Whiskey Sour

Scott highlighted the unique challenges and rewards of short filmmaking, noting that crafting a compelling narrative within a limited timeframe requires exceptional skill. “What somebody is able to do in nine minutes is absolutely massive. It’s extraordinary,” he commented.

While partnering with Redbreast, Scott revealed a preference for a whiskey sour over a neat pour, stating, “I don’t wish to have any kind of puritanism, but a whiskey sour is really, really good and how I take my whiskey.” He also shared that his family has a history of enjoying Irish whiskey, with his father favoring a whiskey and 7 Up and his sister opting for a whiskey and Coke, often enjoyed as a chaser after a pint of Guinness.

A Pop Music Enthusiast

Beyond his involvement in film and whiskey, Scott shared his musical tastes, expressing a fondness for pop artists like Harry Styles, Robyn, and Chappell Roan. He recently attended a Chappell Roan concert at the Brixton Academy and was impressed by her performance. “I really do love a good pop artist,” Scott admitted, “I reckon it’s really joyful and sometimes underappreciated.” He also acknowledged the enduring influence of U2, a band that resonated with him during his upbringing in Ireland. He emphasized his pride in supporting a strong Irish brand like Redbreast, stating, “this is a brand that has done us really proud.”