The Irish Film & Television Awards (IFTA) 2026 took place in Dublin on Friday, recognizing outstanding achievements in film and television. Emma Stone was among the acclaimed actors honored during the event, which celebrated excellence in the industry with special attention to Irish cinema and international works.
The ceremony showcased a strong presence of Irish talent and productions, with the film Christy winning best film alongside three additional prizes. The event also awarded excellence in directing, acting, and various technical crafts across film and television categories, underscoring the growth and influence of Irish media on the global stage.
Leading Films and Directors Recognized at IFTA 2026
The boxing drama Christy, directed by Brendan Canty, emerged as a major winner, taking home the best film award. Canty received the accolade for best director, confirming his role in driving the film’s success. Other celebrated films included Hamnet, named best international film, which also received honors in three other categories.
Saipan, a soccer-themed drama co-directed by Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn, and Blue Moon, directed by Richard Linklater with Ethan Hawke and Margaret Qualley starring, were nominated in multiple categories and highlighted for their strong performances and production values.
Notable Acting Awards Highlight Irish and International Talent
In acting categories, renowned performers Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal received awards for their roles in Hamnet. Alongside Emma Stone, honored for her work in Bugonia, other winners included Leonardo DiCaprio, Éanna Hardwicke, and Kerry Condon for their outstanding contributions in various films.
The ceremony also recognized excellence across supporting roles, with Jamie Forde winning for Christy and Kerry Condon acknowledged twice for her performances in F1 and Train Dreams. Additionally, Oscar-nominated Irish actor Ciarán Hinds was given the prestigious Irish Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement for his extensive career.
“outstanding Irish and international acting achievements, and his contribution to the screen industry across 50 years.”
– Ciarán Hinds, Lifetime Achievement Award recipient
Television Accolades Emphasize Irish Drama Series Success
In television, Blue Lights was awarded best drama series, with critical recognition also going to shows such as Leonard and Hungry Paul, Trespasses, and The Walsh Sisters. Direction, scriptwriting, and acting awards within TV categories were distributed among a diverse group of creatives and performers, spotlighting emerging and established talent.
Lead actor Martin McCann was honored for his work in Blue Lights, while notable performances also included Caitriona Balfe in Outlander and Niamh Algar in The Iris Affair. Rising Star Awards honored promising actors and directors such as Carolyn Bracken and Brendan Canty, reinforcing the ongoing growth of the Irish entertainment industry.
Comprehensive List of Winners in Film and Television
Below is a detailed account of the major award winners at the IFTAs 2026, covering film, television, international, documentary, and craft categories. Winners are highlighted in bold.
Film Categories
Best Film
Christy
Aontas
Blue Moon
Four Mothers
Saipan
Steve
Best Director – Film
Brendan Canty – Christy
Lisa Barros D’Sa, Glenn Leyburn – Saipan
Myrid Carten – A Want in Her
Lorcan Finnegan – The Surfer
Ruán Magan – Báite
Edwin Mullane, Adam O’Keeffe – Horseshoe
Best Script – Film
Sarah Gordon, Damian McCann – Aontas
Maggie O’Farrell, Chloé Zhao – Hamnet
Alan O’Gorman – Christy
Sheena Lambert – Báite
Darren Thornton, Colin Thornton – Four Mothers
Enda Walsh – Die My Love
Lead Actor – Film
Daniel Power – Christy
Steve Coogan – Saipan
Daniel Day-Lewis – Anemone
Colin Farrell – Ballad of a Small Player
Éanna Hardwicke – Saipan
Cillian Murphy – Steve
Lead Actress – Film
Jessie Buckley – Hamnet
Carolyn Bracken – Horseshoe
Carrie Crowley – Aontas
Fionnula Flanagan – Four Mothers
Eleanor O’Brien – Báite
Fiona Shaw – Hot Milk
Supporting Actor – Film
Jamie Forde – Christy
Paul Mescal – Hamnet
Liam Cunningham – Palestine 36
Diarmuid Noyes – Christy
Seán T. Ó Meallaigh – Aontas
Andrew Scott – Blue Moon
Supporting Actress – Film
Kerry Condon – F1
Brid Brennan – Aontas
Sarah Greene – Trad
Dearbhla Molloy – Four Mothers
Kerry Condon – Train Dreams
Emma Willis – Christy
Drama Categories
Best Drama
Blue Lights
Leonard and Hungry Paul
Trespasses
The Walsh Sisters
Wednesday season 2
The Young Offenders
Director – Drama
Rachel Carey – Obituary
Megan K Fox – Video Nasty
Oonagh Kearney – The Au Pair
Mia Mullarkey – Hidden Assets
Hugh O’Conor – Showkids
Aisling Walsh – Miss Austen
Script – Drama
Peter Foott – The Young Offenders
Ailbhe Keogan – Trespasses
Declan Lawn, Adam Patterson – Blue Lights
Cara Loftus – Hidden Assets
Stefanie Preissner – The Walsh Sisters
Hugh Travers – Video Nasty
Lead Actor – Drama
Anthony Boyle – House of Guinness
Pierce Brosnan – MobLand
Domhnall Gleeson – The Paper
Martin McCann – Blue Lights
Aaron Monaghan – Hidden Assets
Alex Murphy – The Young Offenders
Lead Actress – Drama
Niamh Algar – The Iris Affair
Caitriona Balfe – Outlander
Siobhán Cullen – Obituary
Louisa Harland – The Walsh Sisters
Nora-Jane Noone – Hidden Assets
Lola Petticrew – Trespasses
Supporting Actor – Drama
Jack Gleeson – House of Guinness
Cal O’Driscoll – Video Nasty
Dónall Ó Héalai – Hidden Assets
Fionn O’Shea – House of Guinness
Aidan Quinn – The Walsh Sisters
Chris Walley – The Young Offenders
Supporting Actress – Drama
Cathy Belton – Hidden Assets
Ruth Bradley – Slow Horses
Katherine Devlin – Blue Lights
Danielle Galligan – House of Guinness
Alison Oliver – Task
Genevieve O’Reilly – Andor
Rising Star Award
Carolyn Bracken (Actor – Horseshoe, Oddity)
Brendan Canty (Director – Christy, Gealtra)
Myrid Carten (Director – A Want in Her)
Louisa Harland (Actor – The Walsh Sisters, Derry Girls)
International Film
Hamnet
Bugonia
One Battle After Another
Palestine ’36
Sentimental Value
Sinners
International Actor
Leonardo DiCaprio – One Battle After Another
Ethan Hawke – Blue Moon
Michael B. Jordan – Sinners
James McArdle – Four Mothers
Sean Penn – One Battle After Another
Jesse Plemons – Bugonia
International Actress
Emma Stone – Bugonia
Jennifer Lawrence – Die My Love
Margaret Qualley – Blue Moon
Renate Reinsve – Sentimental Value
Chase Infiniti – One Battle After Another
Teyana Taylor – One Battle After Another
Recognition for Craftsmanship in Film and Television Production
The IFTA ceremony also celebrated technical achievements across multiple disciplines, including cinematography, costume design, editing, makeup and hair, original music, production design, and sound. Robbie Ryan won for cinematography on Bugonia, while Consolata Boyle earned accolades for costume design on Blue Moon. The editing of Blue Lights by Helen Sheridan was honored, alongside outstanding work in sound and makeup for various productions.
These awards demonstrate the breadth of talent supporting Irish and international productions, sustaining the high quality of storytelling and visual artistry recognized at the event.
Significance of IFTA 2026 and Future Outlook
The 2026 Irish Film & Television Awards reflected Ireland’s dynamic role in global cinema and television, promoting local narratives alongside international collaborations. Emma Stone’s recognition at the event amplifies her connection to Irish filmmaking while highlighting the academy’s commitment to diverse talent.
With rising stars acknowledged and established figures honored, the ceremony signals ongoing growth and innovation in Irish film and TV. The successes of productions like Christy, Hamnet, and Blue Lights set high standards for upcoming projects, suggesting a promising future for Ireland’s creative industries in the years ahead.
