The Oscars might still be two months away, but there’s plenty of buzz around Ireland’s chances at some victory at the 2026 Academy Awards.
The little island has enjoyed some successes over the years, most recently with Cillian Murphy taking home Best Actor in 2024 for his role in Oppenheimer.
This year could be another historical year for Irish talent at the Oscars, with Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley both looking to be nominated for their performances as William Shakespeare and his wife, Agnes, in Hamnet.
The Oscars might still be two months away, but there’s plenty of buzz around Ireland’s chances at some victory at the 2026 Academy Awards. Pic: Universal Pictures
The newly-released movie, based on the book of the same name by Maggie O’Farrell, is tipped to rake in the nominations — with many already backing Kerry woman Jessie to take home the gong at the end of the night.
Nominations will be announced on Thursday, January 22, with the 98th awards show taking place on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and will be televised live on ABC and across more than 200 territories worldwide.
Last year, for the first time ever the Academy Awards was broadcast live on RTÉ One, allowing Irish fans the perfect opportunity to watch the ceremony in real time.
The little island has enjoyed some successes over the years, most recently with Cillian Murphy taking home Best Actor in 2024 for his role in Oppenheimer. Pic: AP Photo/Chris Pizzello
Extra.ie have reached out to RTÉ for confirmation on whether they will televise the awards show for a second year.
Conan O’Brien returns to the stage as host of the 98th Oscars, following a successful debut last year.
From 2029, the awards show will be available to watch exclusively on YouTube, meaning the most prestigious awards ceremony will be solely streamable for the first time ever.
The move will come following the end of a decades-long relationship with US broadcaster ABC, who will broadcast the show until 2028.
While Hamnet is set to see major success at the upcoming awards, other big movies that have hit the silver screen in the last 12 months include Frankenstein, starring Jacob Elordi, as well as Wicked sequel, Wicked: For Good.