2026 IFTA Awards: Jessie Buckley and Cillian Murphy Lead Star-Studded Red Carpet
Dublin’s Royal Convention Centre hosted the Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) Awards tonight, celebrating the best of Irish cinema and television. The event drew a glittering array of stars, including Jessie Buckley, Cillian Murphy, and many more, all showcasing their style on the red carpet.
A Night of Recognition
The IFTA Awards, now in their 21st year, honor Irish films and television drama released between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024. Comedian, actor, and broadcaster Kevin McGahern hosted the ceremony for the second consecutive year. The awards will be broadcast on RTÉ One on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 10:50 PM.
Red Carpet Highlights
Irish film and TV stars arrived at the Royal Convention Centre, with Jessie Buckley and Cillian Murphy among the confirmed attendees. Other notable guests included Steve Coogan, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Aidan Quinn, Alison Oliver, Anthony Boyle, Danielle Galligan, Jack Gleeson, Fionn O’Shea, Peter Claffey, Niamh Algar, Lola Petticrew, Louisa Harland, Jamie-Lee O’Donnell, Siobhán Cullen, Genevieve O’Reilly, Lisa McGee, and Róisín Gallagher, as well as filmmakers Neil Jordan and Jim Sheridan.
Celebrating Irish Design
Many attendees proudly sported designs from Irish and Ireland-based designers. Alison Oliver wore a Dior dress designed by Derry’s Jonathan Anderson, even as Danielle Galligan chose Alexander McQueen, currently under the creative direction of Dubliner Sean McGirr. Lola Petticrew was seen in a Simone Rocha dress, and Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee donned a dress from Blush Boutique in Belfast.
Lifetime Achievement Award
This year’s awards held special significance with Ciarán Hinds receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his significant contributions to cinema and television.
Award Categories
The Irish Film & Television Academy will recognize work across Film and Drama in 29 categories at tonight’s event. Among the film nominees, Christy leads with 14 nominations, including Best Film, acting, and directing. Saipan follows with 12 nominations, while Blue Moon has eight, Four Mothers has seven, and Aontas has six. In the drama categories, nominees include Blue Lights (Season 3), Leonard and Hungry Paul, Trespasses, The Walsh Sisters, Wednesday (Season 2), and The Young Offenders (Season 4).