Jessie Buckley and Alison Oliver Shine at Irish Film Awards

The Irish Film & Television Awards (IFTA) took place on March 15, 2024, in Dublin, celebrating outstanding achievements in Irish storytelling. Among the evening’s notable winners were Jessie Buckley and Alison Oliver, who both received accolades for their performances in prominent productions. This star-studded event highlighted the growing influence of Irish talent in the film and television industry.

Alison Oliver, hailing from Cork, won the award for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama for her role in *Task*. Currently captivating audiences in *Wuthering Heights*, Oliver expressed her delight in having her family present at the premiere in London. She shared her commitment to advocating for Palestine, stating, “If you have a voice, I say use it. We have to keep calling for a ceasefire and keep calling for a free Palestine.” Oliver also noted the strong support for the arts in Cork, attributing her own success to the numerous opportunities available for young people in the area.

The evening saw Jessie Buckley awarded Best Actress for her powerful performance in *Hamnet*. Reflecting on her win, Buckley shared her deep emotional connection to being recognized in her home country. “It’s emotional for me to be home and to be recognised for telling the story of a mother in Ireland,” she said. *Hamnet* also triumphed in several categories, including Best International Film and Best Script, further solidifying its impact.

Among the leading nominees was *Christy*, a film set primarily in Knocknaheeny, Cork City. It won the coveted Best Film Award, and its director, Brendan Canty, received the Best Director Award. The film, which follows a young man transitioning out of the foster care system, resonated with young audiences, according to lead actor Danny Power. He emphasized the film’s importance in giving voice to those who have experienced foster care.

Cork actor Éanna Hardwicke received the Best Actor award for his portrayal of footballer Roy Keane in *Saipan*. The award was accepted on his behalf by co-star Steve Coogan. The evening also celebrated the success of the series *The Young Offenders*, with both Chris Walley and Alex Murphy nominated for their roles. Walley, who won Best Supporting Actor in a Drama, expressed gratitude to his co-star for their partnership.

The awards ceremony also featured appearances by renowned figures in the Irish film industry, including Ciarán Hinds, who was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Other notable attendees included directors Neil Jordan and Jim Sheridan, who have made significant contributions to Irish cinema.

The IFTA awards not only celebrated individual achievements but also highlighted the collective talent present in Ireland. As actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers noted, the country has a rich pool of talent that has become more accessible globally. He remarked on the growing recognition of Irish film and talent, stating that globalisation has brought Irish creativity to the forefront.

The IFTA 2024 roll of honour is as follows:

**Lifetime Achievement Award:** Ciarán Hinds
**Best Film:** *Christy*
**Best Director – Film:** Brendan Canty – *Christy*
**Best Script – Film:** Maggie O’Farrell, Chloé Zhao – *Hamnet*
**Best Lead Actor – Film:** Éanna Hardwicke – *Saipan*
**Best Lead Actress – Film:** Jessie Buckley – *Hamnet*
**Best Supporting Actor – Film:** Paul Mescal – *Hamnet*
**Best Supporting Actress – Film:** Kerry Condon – *F1*

**Drama Categories:**
**Best Drama:** *Blue Lights*
**Best Director – Drama:** Rachel Carey – *Obituary*
**Best Script – Drama:** Ailbhe Keogan – *Trespasses*
**Best Lead Actor – Drama:** Anthony Boyle – *House of Guinness*
**Best Lead Actress – Drama:** Lola Petticrew – *Trespasses*
**Best Supporting Actor – Drama:** Chris Walley – *The Young Offenders*
**Best Supporting Actress – Drama:** Alison Oliver – *Task*

**International Film Award Categories:**
**Best International Film:** *Hamnet*
**Best International Actor:** Leonardo DiCaprio – *One Battle After Another*
**Best International Actress:** Emma Stone – *Bugonia*

**Other Award Categories:**
**Best Feature Documentary:** *A Want in Her Redbreast Unhidden*
**Best Short Film:** *Nostalgie*
**Best Animated Short Film:** *Retirement Plan*

**Craft Categories:**
**Best Casting:** *Christy* – Amy Rowan
**Best Cinematography:** *Die My Love* – Seamus McGarvey
**Best Costume Design:** *Blue Moon* – Consolata Boyle
**Best Production Design:** *Wednesday* – Philip Murphy, Neville Gaynor
**Best Makeup & Hair:** *Trespasses* – Natalie Reid
**Best Sound:** *Anemone* – Steve Fanagan, Stevie Haywood
**Best Original Music:** *Báite* – Eimear Noone, Craig Stuart Garfinkle
**Best Editing:** *Christy* – Allyn Quigley
**Best VFX:** *House of Guinness* – Eoin O’Sullivan, David Sewell

As the Irish film industry continues to flourish, the IFTA awards serve as a testament to the creativity and talent that Ireland has to offer on the global stage.