Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal at the BAFTAs: Hamnet Leads Nominations

The 2026 British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Film Awards are set to grab place on February 22nd, with Irish talent prominently featured in the nominations. Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, stars of the historical drama Hamnet, are both recognized for their performances, alongside other Irish nominees making their mark on the international stage.

Irish Nominees Shine

Jessie Buckley is shortlisted in the Leading Actress category for her portrayal in Hamnet. Paul Mescal has received a nomination in the Supporting Actor category for his role as Shakespeare in the same film.

Hamnet, directed by Chloé Zhao, has garnered a total of 11 nominations, including Best Film, Director, and Outstanding British Film. This makes Hamnet the most-nominated film by a female director in BAFTA history. Maggie O’Farrell, author of the novel Hamnet, is also nominated in the Adapted Screenplay category for her collaboration with Zhao.

Other Irish Contributions

Cillian Murphy and Alan Moloney’s Big Things Films are involved in the production of Steve, which is nominated for Outstanding British Film. Irish visual effects artist Richard Baneham is shortlisted for his work on Avatar: Fire and Ash, building on his previous BAFTA and Oscar wins. Myrid Carten’s documentary, A Aim for in Her, an Irish-British-Dutch co-production, is shortlisted for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer. The Dublin-based Element Pictures produced Bugonia, which received five nominations, including Best Director for Yorgos Lanthimos and acting nods for Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons.

Awards Season Momentum

The nominations follow a strong showing for Buckley throughout awards season.

The EE BAFTA Film Awards will be held in London on February 22nd.