The Irish-language film Kneecap has garnered significant attention as it has been shortlisted for two prestigious Academy Award nominations. This announcement comes as a testament to the film’s impact and the talent behind its creation. The film has made its way onto the shortlist of 15 films competing for the coveted International Feature category at the upcoming 2025 Oscars.
In a notable achievement, Kneecap was selected by the Irish Film and Television Academy (IFTA) as Ireland’s official submission for the Oscars. This recognition highlights the film’s unique narrative and cultural significance. Alongside its nomination for International Feature, the film’s song Sick in the Head, created by the trio of Moglai Bap, DJ Provai, and Mo Chara, has also been shortlisted for Best Original Song, competing with 14 other entries.
The film itself is based on a semi-fictionalized account of the formation of the west Belfast rap group, offering viewers a glimpse into the creative process and the challenges faced by the artists. The nominations for the Academy Awards will be announced on 17 January, leading up to the awards ceremony scheduled for 2 March in Los Angeles.
Kneecap has already made waves in the film industry, having dominated the recent British Independent Film Awards (BIFA). The film took home the award for Best British Independent Film, along with additional accolades including Best Debut Screenwriter for Rich Peppiatt, and Best Joint Lead for its lead actors Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh, Naoise Ó Cairealláin, and JJ Ó Dochartaigh.
The journey to the Oscar shortlist was no small feat, as Kneecap emerged from a longlist of 85 films submitted from around the globe. The rigorous selection process requires Academy members from various branches to participate actively by viewing all 15 shortlisted films before casting their votes.
Other notable films included in the International Feature category alongside Kneecap are the UK’s Santosh, France’s Emilia Pérez, and Germany’s The Seed of the Sacred Fig. The competition is fierce, showcasing a diverse array of storytelling from different cultures.
In the Best Original Song category, a total of 89 songs were eligible for consideration, with Academy members narrowing them down to 15. Competing songs include Forbidden Road by Robbie Williams from his biopic Better Man, Winter Coat by Saoirse Ronan and Nicholas Britell from the World War Two drama Blitz, and Beyond from the Disney animation Moana 2.
Richard Williams, the chief executive of Northern Ireland Screen, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the film’s Oscar shortlist achievement. He remarked, “To make it onto an Oscar shortlist is no mean feat, with 85 countries or regions submitting films that were eligible for consideration in the International Feature Film category. We are delighted to see Kneecap make the shortlist of 15. This is testament not only to the incredible talent and creativity of the filmmakers and performers but also to the rich storytelling potential of Northern Ireland.”
The film industry in Northern Ireland continues to thrive, with Kneecap serving as a prime example of the region’s growing influence in cinema. As the Oscars approach, anticipation builds not only for the nominations but also for the celebration of diverse voices in film.
As the film community watches closely, the recognition of Kneecap at such a prestigious level is a significant milestone for Irish cinema, paving the way for future projects and inspiring a new generation of filmmakers and artists.
