Jessie Buckley’s performance in Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet earned her the Best Actress award at the Irish Film and Television Academy Awards (Iftas) on Friday night, continuing a run of accolades for the Kerry-born actor. Buckley was recognized for her portrayal of Agnes Shakespeare, a grieving mother, at the ceremony held at the Dublin Convention Centre.
Accepting the award, Buckley acknowledged veteran actor Stephen Rea, who presented it to her, recalling their early professional connection. “You stay here with me. I love this man,” she said, adding, “I did my first ever filming job with this man. If there’s ever anybody to teach you about mischief and life it’s this man.”
Buckley’s win comes as she is widely tipped to receive the corresponding British Academy of Film and Television Arts (Bafta) award on Sunday and is currently a strong favorite to win the Oscar, with some bookmakers placing her odds as low as 1/25.
Hamnet similarly secured the award for Best International Film, Best Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor, the latter awarded to Paul Mescal in absentia. The film, which premiered to critical acclaim at the Telluride Film Festival last August, has been a significant success on the awards circuit.
Alongside Buckley’s win, the Iftas also celebrated Brendan Canty’s Cork-based drama, Christy, which took home four awards including Best Film and Best Director. The film, filmed primarily in Knocknaheeny, Cork City, focuses on a young man navigating the foster care system. Director Canty, accepting the Best Director award, highlighted the film’s focus on community, specifically praising the Kabin Studio, a Cork-based organization that supports young people through hip-hop.
Danny Power, the lead actor in Christy, emphasized the film’s resonance with those who have experienced foster care, stating that connecting with that community was “the most important thing, getting their story out there.”
A Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Ciarán Hinds, the Belfast-born actor, who acknowledged the honor, noting his 73 years and the potential for further recognition. “You don’t recognize how many you will get,” he said.
Steve Coogan, nominated for his role in Saipan – a film depicting the clash between Mick McCarthy and Roy Keane before the 2002 World Cup – was also in attendance. Coogan recently obtained Irish citizenship, stating it allowed him to “jump all the queues of Brexiteers.” His co-star, Éanna Hardwicke, accepted the Best Actor award on Coogan’s behalf for his portrayal of Keane.
Other television winners included Blue Lights, Obituary, and House of Guinness. Kevin McGahern hosted the ceremony for a second time.