Andrew Scott on Irish Whiskey, Short Films & His Favorite New Music

AUSTIN, TEXAS – Andrew Scott, the Irish actor known for roles in “Sherlock” and “Fleabag,” spent a sweltering Thursday afternoon at SXSW not sampling the Redbreast Irish Whiskey he’s partnering with, but opting for a whiskey sour. The preference, he explained, was simply to avoid “any kind of puritanism.” Scott’s presence at the festival wasn’t for leisure, however, but as a judge for the “Redbreast Unhidden Award,” a competition designed to elevate emerging short filmmakers, and now, as executive producer of the winning film.

This year’s winner, announced at SXSW, is Indian filmmaker Pranav Bhasin for his short, “We Were Here.” The film presents a satirical take on technological encroachment, depicting three men in a small Indian town who resist automation by attempting to transform themselves into household appliances. Scott described the film as a “clever and funny perspective on the everyday infiltration of technology into our lives,” adding that it “manages to inquire big questions about humanity, our relationship with technology, and with each other.” Rolling Stone reported Scott will now help to support the film’s wider distribution.

The “Redbreast Unhidden” competition, now in its second year, aims to provide a platform for short films and their creators, offering a financial grant to the winning filmmaker. Scott’s expanded role this year reflects a deepening commitment to the initiative. He explained his involvement stems from a family history of supporting young people – his mother was a high school teacher and his father worked in employment services in Ireland. “I just love the idea that we’re uncovering this modern talent and supporting it in whatever way we can,” he said.

Scott’s partnership with Redbreast, however, extends beyond simply lending his name to the competition. He noted the importance of the brand’s Irish origins, particularly at a time when Irish actors and creatives are experiencing a surge in international recognition. Variety reported Scott highlighted a “confidence” within the country and its creative industries.

The actor also reflected on the evolving landscape of content consumption, drawing a connection between the brevity of short films and the popularity of platforms like TikTok. “Sometimes I think it’s even more challenging to develop a short, because your constraints are considerable,” he said. “What somebody is able to do in nine minutes is absolutely massive. It’s extraordinary.”

Scott’s own appreciation for whiskey is rooted in family tradition. He recalled his father’s preference for a whiskey and 7 Up, his sister’s for a whiskey and Coke, and the custom of enjoying Irish whiskey “after a pint of Guinness.” Although currently enjoying Redbreast 21 Yr and Moscatel Wine Cask Edition as part of his partnership, Scott confessed he prefers to enjoy a drink while out with friends, listening to live music. He recently praised Harry Styles’ performance at the Brit Awards, as well as artists Robyn and Chappell Roan.

The 2026 SXSW Film & TV Festival concluded with a series of awards, including the Redbreast Unhidden Award, recognizing excellence across various film categories. AwardsWatch reported that Graham Parkes’ “Wishful Thinking” won the juried award for Narrative Feature, while Jorma Taccone’s “Over Your Dead Body” took the audience award.

Scott, tracing a bottle of Redbreast, emphasized the brand’s significance as a source of national pride. “I’m obviously an Irishman so I just like a really strong Irish brand,” he said. “And this…is a brand that has done us really proud.” The future of Bhasin’s “We Were Here,” and Scott’s continued involvement in supporting emerging filmmakers, remains to be seen.