Kneecap receives six BAFTA nominations as Saoirse Ronan in running for best actress

Kneecap has received six nominations for the 2025 British Academy of Film and Television awards after the movie dominated the Irish equivalent (IFTA awards) with 17 nods.

Rich Peppiatt’s Irish-language film, which details the origin story of Belfast rap group Kneecap, is nominated for Original Screenplay, Casting, Editing, Outstanding British Film and Outstanding Debut By A British Writer, Director Or Producer.

It is also in the running for Film Not in the English language. Kneecap is the second Irish-language film in history to be nominated in this category since An Cailín Ciúin first broke ground in 2023.

READ MORE: Kneecap dominate IFTA nods with 17 nominations

READ MORE: Kneecap discuss becoming "best friends" with Noel Gallagher as rap trio's film set for release

Saoirse Ronan has been shortlisted for Leading Actress for her role in The Outrun, the film based on journalist Amy Liptrot's memoir about her struggles with alcoholism. The Apprentice, a Canadian/Irish/Danish co-production, received a nod in three categories - Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor and Casting.

Directed by Ali Abassi and written by Gabe Sherman, The Apprentice is a dive into the underbelly of the American empire. It charts a young Donald Trump’s ascent to power through a Faustian deal with the influential right-wing lawyer and political fixer Roy Cohn.

Screen Ireland CEO Désirée Finnegan said: “Screen Ireland would like to congratulate Rich Peppiatt and the entire creative team behind Kneecap on their incredible six BAFTA nominations today, including Film Not in the English Language.

“This is another monumental achievement for Irish language cinema - just two years after the very first BAFTA nomination for an Irish language film in this category. Our sincere congratulations also go to Screen Ireland-supported The Apprentice, which received three BAFTA nominations, and to Saoirse Ronan on her BAFTA nomination.”

Papal thriller Conclave leads nominations for the awards. It is shortlisted in 12 categories, including Best Film, Best Director and Best Actor for Ralph Fiennes.

Spanish-language musical thriller Emilia Perez, which features American actress Selena Gomez, is the second-most nominated title with 11 nominations. Star Karla Sofía Gascón is up for best actress and co-stars Zoe Saldana and Selena Gomez are both in the running in the supporting actress category.

Wicked, Anora and Dune: Part Two each received seven nominations, while A Complete Unknown got the nod for six. BAFTA chairwoman Sara Putt said there is “such a brilliant variety” among the nominees.

She added: “You’ve got sci-fi, you’ve got comedy, you’ve got horror … you’ve got straight drama, you’ve got musicals, and to see horror, with Nosferatu and The Substance and Heretic, all getting nominated. You know, films with music in them that you can go from Wicked through to Kneecap. It’s an amazing list with real breadth and depth, which is very exciting.”

Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.