Irish Duo Kneecap and Novelist Sally Rooney Vie for Sky Arts Awards
Belfast hip-hop group Kneecap and acclaimed Irish author Sally Rooney are among the nominees for the prestigious sky Arts Awards, announced today. The awards, recognizing innovation across a diverse range of artistic disciplines, will culminate in a ceremony at London’s Roundhouse on September 16th, hosted by comedian Bill Bailey.
Both Kneecap and Rooney represent notable forces in contemporary culture: Kneecap for their politically charged music and unique cultural commentary, and Rooney for her widely discussed explorations of modern relationships and societal dynamics. The nominations highlight the breadth of talent currently shaping the arts landscape in the UK and Ireland, with winners selected from categories spanning classical music to visual art.
Rooney’s nomination comes for her latest novel, Intermezzo, placing her in the Literature category alongside Alan Hollinghurst’s Our Evenings and Gwyneth Lewis’ Nightshade Mother: A Disentangling. Kneecap receives two nominations - for their album Fine Art in the Popular Music category and their film Kneecap in the Film category.
The Sky Arts Awards recognize excellence in: Classical Music (Bold Tendencies,Errollyn Wallen,Manchester Camerata),Comedy (Elf Lyons,Jen Brister,Sarah Keyworth),Dance (Lost Dog,Nederland Dans Theatre and Complicité,Stopgap Dance Company),Film (Conclave,Kneecap,Sister Midnight),Literature (hollinghurst,Lewis,rooney),Opera (Garsington Opera,Opera North,Sound Voice),Poetry (Caleb Femi,Janetta Otter-Barry,Roundhouse),Popular Music (Charli xcx,Kneecap,Lola Young),Television (Adolescence,Mr Loverman,Rivals),Theatre (David Byrne,Jamie Hale,LUNG),and Visual Art (Barbara Walker,Claudette Johnson,Michelle Roberts).
In addition to the category awards, The Times Breakthrough Award recognizes emerging talent, with nominees including Owen Cooper (Television, for Adolescence), Alex Margo Arden (Visual Art), and Nussaibah Younis (Literature). The recipient of the Lifetime achievement Award remains to be announced.
