Major stars confirmed to attend the Dublin International Film Festival

Multiple major stars have been confirmed to attend the Dublin International Film Festival.

Stars such as Paul Rudd, Colin Farrell, Bill Nighy and Maisie Williams are among the talents who will walk the red carpet.

The festival will kick off with a world premiere of David Gleeson’s Once Upon A Time In A Cinema, a joyous and heartfelt celebration of the enduring magic of cinema.

This year’s festival will see an exceptional line-up of screen talent travel to Dublin, with Paul Rudd, Bill Nighy, Colin Farrell, Chris Colfer, Nick Jonas, Ciarán Hinds, Colin Morgan, Dominic Cooper, Sarah Bolger, Katie McGrath, Clare Dunne, Calam Lynch, Alice Krige, Aidan Gillen and Éanna Hardwicke, among those expected to walk the red carpet.

Many filmmakers and creatives will attend screenings and engage with audiences throughout the festival, including John Carney, Jan Komasa, Ellen Mirojnick, Alice Winocour, Piotr Sobociński, Enda Walsh, Lionel Baier and Nanouk Leopold.

This is a rare opportunity to see internationally acclaimed actors and directors up close, ask questions about their creative process, and witness the passion that drives these stories to the screen. The mix of veterans and rising stars ensures a festival that bridges generations and inspires future filmmakers.

A few of the Irish world premieres include: 500 Miles starring Bill Nighy, Clare Dunne and Maisie Williams, The Three Urns (Stephen Warbeck, John-Paul Davidson) starring Ciarán Hinds, One Last Deal (Brendan Muldowney) starring Danny Dyer and Samanta Nobody (Ciaran Creagh) a compelling contemporary drama.

The festival closes with a gala world premiere of John Carney’s Power Ballad starring Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, marking a high point in DIFF 2026 with director and cast attending.

A rousing, feel-good celebration of music, friendship, self-respect and the price of ambition, Power Ballad promises a memorable finale to this year’s Dublin International Film Festival.

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