Renowned Irish actors Cillian Murphy and Jessie Buckley are set to headline the 2026 Irish Film and Television Academy (IFTA) Awards, which will take place this Friday, 20 February, at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre. The event celebrates excellence in Irish screen talent and will be televised on RTÉ One the following evening at 10:50pm. The focus on the Cillian Murphy IFTA Awards highlights the actor’s continuing prominence in the Irish film scene.
Confirmed Guests and Key Nominees for the Night
Alongside Murphy and Buckley, the awards will welcome a large gathering of Irish screen stars including Steve Coogan, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Alison Oliver, and Aidan Quinn. Actors such as Danielle Galligan, Siobhán Cullen, and Anthony Boyle will also attend, together with filmmakers Neil Jordan and Jim Sheridan. Buckley is nominated for her role in Hamnet, while Murphy is recognized for his performance in Steve.
Leading Films and Special Honors
This year’s nominations are led by the Cork-based drama Christy, receiving 14 nods, with the series Saipan following closely behind with 12. A highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the IFTA Lifetime Achievement Award to Oscar-nominated actor Ciarán Hinds, honoring his distinguished career in film and television.
Significance of the IFTA Awards for Irish Screen Talent
The IFTA Awards provide a significant platform to recognize the breadth of talent within the Irish film and television industry. With celebrated figures like Murphy and Buckley at the forefront, the ceremony underscores Ireland’s growing influence on the international screen landscape. This event also offers audiences across the country a chance to celebrate homegrown achievements through the RTÉ One broadcast.
