The Irish-language film KNEECAP has made BAFTA history with six nominations, becoming the most nominated debut film ever at the awards. The film, which tells the semi-autobiographical story of a Belfast hip-hop trio, earned nominations for Film Not in the English Language, Outstanding British Film, Original Screenplay, Casting, Editing, and Outstanding Debut By A British Writer, Director Or Producer.

This achievement is particularly notable as KNEECAP is only the second Irish-language film ever nominated in the Film Not in the English Language category, following AN CAILÍN CIÚIN (THE QUIET GIRL) in 2023. The film’s writer, producer, and director Rich Peppiatt is recognized in the Outstanding Debut category. The film previously won Best British Independent Film at the British Independent Film Awards in December.

Saoirse Ronan received a Leading Actress nomination for THE OUTRUN, where she plays Rona, a recovering alcoholic who returns to her childhood home in the Orkney Islands after rehabilitation. Her competitors in the category include Cynthia Erivo (WICKED), Marianne Jean-Baptiste (HARD TRUTHS), Demi Moore (THE SUBSTANCE), Mikey Madison (ANORA), and Karla Sofia Gascon (EMILIA PÉREZ).

Additionally, THE APPRENTICE, a Canadian/Irish/Danish co-production directed by Ali Abassi and written by Gabe Sherman, secured three nominations: Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, and Casting. The film explores Donald Trump’s early career and his relationship with lawyer Roy Cohn.

BAFTA CEO Jane Millichip praised the diversity of the 42 nominated films, highlighting their range from intimate character studies to epic social commentaries. The 2025 BAFTA Film Awards ceremony will be held at London’s Royal Festival Hall on February 16, with David Tennant hosting.

The groundbreaking Irish language film KNEECAP has earned recognition across seven categories in the 2025 British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) longlist. The semi-autobiographical film, which chronicles a west Belfast hip-hop trio’s mission to preserve the Irish language, was helmed by writer-director-producer Rich Peppiatt.

The film’s longlist nominations span major categories including Best Film, Outstanding British Film, Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer, Film not in English Language, Original Screenplay, Best Casting and Best Editing.

Irish cinema continues to make its mark at the BAFTAs, with THE APPRENTICE securing spots in six longlist categories, including Best Film. Additionally, acclaimed Irish actress Saoirse Ronan has been longlisted for Leading Actress for her performance in THE OUTRUN, while the short film CLODAGH, directed by Portia A. Buckley and featuring Bríd Ní Neachtain and Katelyn Rose Downey, has advanced in the Best British Short Film category.

BAFTA members will now review the longlisted entries to determine the final nominees, which will be revealed on January 15. The winners will be announced at the BAFTA Film Awards ceremony, scheduled for February 16 at London’s Royal Festival Hall.