Ireland's Oscar contenders

Irish cinema has achieved remarkable recognition in the 2025 Oscar shortlists, with multiple projects advancing across several categories.

KNEECAP has made history as only the second Irish-language film to be shortlisted for Best International Feature Film, following AN CAILÍN CIÚIN (THE QUIET GIRL) in 2022. Selected from 85 international submissions, KNEECAP is among 15 finalists and has also been shortlisted for Best Original Song. The film depicts the formation of the groundbreaking Irish-language rap group in west Belfast in 2019. Following its world premiere at Sundance Film Festival, where it became the first Irish-language film to win the NEXT strand Audience Award, KNEECAP has garnered critical acclaim internationally.

THE APPRENTICE, produced by Irish company Tailored Films, has advanced in the Best Make Up and Hairstyling category. Directed by Ali Abassi and written by Gabe Sherman, this Canadian/Irish/Danish co-production explores Donald Trump’s early rise to power through his relationship with influential right-wing lawyer Roy Cohn.

In the Best Live Action Short category, two Irish films have been shortlisted: ROOM TAKEN and CLODAGH. ROOM TAKEN, funded through Screen Ireland’s Focus Shorts scheme and directed by TJ O’Grady Peyton, tells the story of a homeless immigrant who forms an unexpected bond with an elderly blind woman after secretly taking shelter in her home.

Nominations voting runs January 8-12, 2025, with nominations announced on January 17, 2025. The 97th Academy Awards ceremony will take place on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre, Hollywood.