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TG4 is celebrating massive success following the announcement of the 2025 Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) Award nominations. Leading the charge is the critically acclaimed film Kneecap, which has garnered an impressive 17 nominations.
Other notable nominees include CRÁ and Fréamacha (Fréwaka) each recognised for their outstanding contributions to Irish cinema. In total, these films have received a remarkable 20 nominations.
KNEECAP
Kneecap has been nominated in several prestigious categories, including Best Film, Best Director for Rich Peppiatt, and Best Script. The film’s lead actors, J.J. Ó Dochartaigh, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, and Naoise Ó Caireallain, are all nominated for their exceptional performances. Michael Fassbender, Fionnuala Flaherty, Simone Kirby, and Jessica Reynolds have also received nominations for their supporting roles.
The film’s technical achievements have been recognised with nominations for Casting, Cinematography, Costume Design, Production Design, Hair and Make-Up, Sound, and Editing.
CRÁ
CRÁ is nominated for Best Drama, captivating audiences with its atmospheric murder mystery set in rural Ireland.
A murder investigation begins when Garda Conall Ó Súilleabháin’s missing mother is discovered buried in a bog. Conall is forbidden from working the case but that’s not going to stop him. Meanwhile, a young journalist, Ciara-Kate, decides to produce a podcast about the case.
Conall soon realises that Ciara-Kate can get access to people who refuse to speak to the official investigation. If Conall wants justice for his mother, he has no choice but to join forces with this journalist. Their investigation leads them on a dark path and begs the question: can justice really be blind?
FRÉAMHACHA – FRÉWAKA (international title)
Fréwaka has received nominations for Cinematography and Original Music, showcasing the film’s visual and auditory excellence. Starring Clare Monnelly, Bríd Ní Neachtain and Aleksandra Bystrzhitskaya. Directed by Aislinn Clarke. Care worker Shoo is sent to a remote Irish-speaking village to care for an agoraphobic woman, who fears both the neighbours and Na Sídhe – sinister folkloric entities she believes abducted her decades before.
Produced by Dermot Lavery for DoubleBand Films (Doineann) and by Patrick O’Neill for Wildcard, FRÉAMHACHA was funded through the Cine4 scheme, supported by TG4, Screen Ireland, Coimisiún na Meán, and Section 48 which is the same scheme that funded the Academy Award-nominated Irish film An Cailín Ciúin.
Brendan Gleeson’s Farewell to Hughes’s
Brendan Gleeson’s Farewell to Hughes’ which aired on TG4 over Christmas is nominated for the George Morrison Feature Documentary Award. The film produced by Irish Traditional Music Archive (ITMA) celebrates the legacy of a beloved Dublin pub and its profound impact on traditional Irish music.
Mary Ellen Ní Chualáin, TG4’s Commissioning Manager, added: “TG4 is immensely proud of the recognition our films and programmes have received at this year’s IFTA Awards. ‘It portrays the strength and creative talent within the Irish language independent producers industry and the TG4 team that support their work. Comhghairdeas to all the nominees.”
These nominations not only highlight the exceptional work of the filmmakers and actors but also underscore the importance of storytelling in preserving and promoting Irish culture. TG4 is proud to be a part of this celebration of Irish cinema and looks forward to continuing to support and showcase the best of Irish talent.
Irish language films are making waves on the world stage, with news pending for BAFTA and Oscar nominations for Kneecap. This international recognition further solidifies the impact and significance of the Irish language and Irish cinema globally.
The 22nd anniversary IFTA Awards Ceremony takes place on Friday, February 14th at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre.