{"id":254121,"date":"2026-01-20T10:56:07","date_gmt":"2026-01-20T10:56:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/254121\/"},"modified":"2026-01-20T10:56:07","modified_gmt":"2026-01-20T10:56:07","slug":"top-two-films-scoop-26-nominations-as-steve-coogan-goes-up-against-daniel-day-lewis-the-irish-times","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/254121\/","title":{"rendered":"Top two films scoop 26 nominations as Steve Coogan goes up against Daniel Day-Lewis \u2013 The Irish Times"},"content":{"rendered":"

Brendan Canty\u2019s<\/a> Christy<\/a>, the hard-edged social realist tale from Cork<\/a>, has scored a chart-topping 14 nominations for the upcoming Irish Film & Television Academy Awards<\/a> (Iftas).<\/p>\n

The well-reviewed title, which a year ago won top prize in the Generation 14plus category at Berlin International Film Festival, is up for best film, best director and, for its breakout star Daniel Power, best actor. <\/p>\n

\u201cOnce in a lifetime you come across the right group of people,\u201d Canty says of his young, often non-professional cast. \u201cIt\u2019s something you can\u2019t force.\u201d<\/p>\n

[\u00a0Christy: Clattering, noisy, joyful portrait of life in a troubled north Cork suburbOpens in new window<\/a>\u00a0]<\/p>\n

Just behind, in second place with 12 Ifta nominations, is Saipan<\/a>, Lisa Barros D\u2019sa and Glenn Leyburn\u2019s study of the tensions between Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy before the 2002 Fifa World Cup in Japan. \u00c9anna Hardwicke<\/a> and Steve Coogan<\/a>, who play, respectively, footballer and coach, compete against Canty in an unusually starry best-actor line-up: Daniel Day-Lewis<\/a> for Anemone<\/a>, Colin Farrell<\/a> for Ballad of a Small Player<\/a>, and Cillian Murphy<\/a> for Steve<\/a> complete the six nominations.<\/p>\n

Jessie Buckley<\/a>, unbackable favourite at the Oscars, will surely enter the Ifta best-actress race at even slimmer odds. The Kerry woman, star of the searing Hamnet<\/a>, faces up against such veteran talents as Fiona Shaw, for Hot Milk, and Carrie Crowley, strong in the Irish-language Aontas, at the home derby. <\/p>\n

Hamnet competes in best international film against fellow Oscar hopefuls such as One Battle After Another<\/a>, Sinners<\/a> and Sentimental Value<\/a>. <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat a superb line-up of nominees this year,\u201d \u00c1ine Moriarty, Ifta<\/a>\u2019s chief executive, says of the line-up, which honours Irish talent and Irish productions. \u201cThis incredible showcase of work reinforces the fact that Irish talent is truly amongst the best in the world, working both in front and behind the camera across the globe. We look forward to rewarding their work and achievements at the ceremony in February.\u201d<\/p>\n

There is also a strong showing for Richard Linklater\u2019s Blue Moon<\/a>. Largely shot in Dublin, and co-produced by Wild Atlantic Pictures, the film details the decline of Lorenz Hart, the legendary lyricist, as his former colleague Richard Rodgers, the composer, soaks up applause for the first night of Oklahoma! Andrew Scott<\/a>, who plays Rodgers, competes against Paul Mescal<\/a>, Buckley\u2019s costar in Hamnet, in a tasty best-supporting-actor category.<\/p>\n

[\u00a0Jessie Buckley profile: From TV talent show runner-up to Golden Globes winnerOpens in new window<\/a>\u00a0]<\/p>\n

In a slightly eccentric arrangement, the Iftas, now in their 23rd year, announce TV drama nominations on the same day as their film shortlists. Among the shows competing for best drama are the cop series Blue Lights<\/a>, the Marian Keyes adaptation The Walsh Sisters<\/a> and the Netflix comedy-horror romp Wednesday<\/a>, which was shot in Ireland.<\/p>\n

Ciar\u00e1n Hinds<\/a>, among the nation\u2019s most admired actors, will receive this year\u2019s lifetime-achievement award. \u201cI am deeply grateful to Ifta for this recognition,\u201d the Belfast man says. \u201cTheir support for the cinematic and televisual arts over the past 20 years and more has been immense, and I am truly honoured to receive it. Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s Ifta awards take place at Dublin Royal Convention Centre on Friday, February 20th. The comedian, actor and broadcaster Kevin McGahern returns as host. <\/p>\n

Iftas 2026: Film nomineesBest filmAontasBlue MoonChristyFour MothersSaipanSteveDirector \u2013 filmLisa Barros D\u2019sa, Glenn Leyburn \u2013 SaipanBrendan Canty \u2013 ChristyMyrid Carten \u2013 A Want in HerLorcan Finnegan \u2013 The SurferRu\u00e1n Magan \u2013 B\u00e1iteEdwin Mullane, Adam O\u2019Keeffe \u2013 HorseshoeScript \u2013 filmSarah Gordon, Damian McCann \u2013 AontasMaggie O\u2019Farrell, Chlo\u00e9 Zhao \u2013 HamnetAlan O\u2019Gorman \u2013 ChristySheena Lambert \u2013 B\u00e1iteDarren Thornton, Colin Thornton \u2013 Four MothersEnda Walsh \u2013 Die My LoveLead actor \u2013 filmSteve Coogan \u2013 SaipanDaniel Day-Lewis \u2013 AnemoneColin Farrell \u2013 Ballad of a Small Player\u00c9anna Hardwicke \u2013 SaipanCillian Murphy \u2013 SteveDaniel Power \u2013 ChristyLead actress \u2013 filmJessie Buckley \u2013 HamnetCarolyn Bracken \u2013 HorseshoeCarrie Crowley \u2013 AontasFionnula Flanagan \u2013 Four MothersEleanor O\u2019Brien \u2013 B\u00e1iteFiona Shaw \u2013 Hot MilkSupporting actor \u2013 filmLiam Cunningham \u2013 Palestine 36Jamie Forde \u2013 ChristyPaul Mescal \u2013 HamnetDiarmuid Noyes \u2013 ChristySe\u00e1n T \u00d3 Meallaigh \u2013 AontasAndrew Scott \u2013 Blue MoonSupporting actress \u2013 filmBrid Brennan \u2013 AontasKerry Condon \u2013 F1Sarah Greene \u2013 TradDearbhla Molloy \u2013 Four MothersKerry Condon \u2013 Train DreamsEmma Willis \u2013 ChristyIftas 20206: Drama nomineesBest dramaBlue LightsLeonard and Hungry PaulTrespassesThe Walsh SistersWednesday The Young OffendersDirector \u2013 dramaRachel Carey \u2013 ObituaryMegan K Fox \u2013 Video NastyOonagh Kearney \u2013 The Au PairMia Mullarkey \u2013 Hidden AssetsHugh O\u2019Conor \u2013 ShowkidsAisling Walsh \u2013 Miss AustenScript \u2013 dramaPeter Foott \u2013 The Young OffendersAilbhe Keogan \u2013 TrespassesDeclan Lawn, Adam Patterson \u2013 Blue LightsCara Loftus \u2013 Hidden AssetsStefanie Preissner \u2013 The Walsh SistersHugh Travers \u2013 Video NastyLead actor \u2013 dramaAnthony Boyle \u2013 House of GuinnessPierce Brosnan \u2013 MobLandDomhnall Gleeson \u2013 The PaperMartin McCann \u2013 Blue LightsAaron Monaghan \u2013 Hidden AssetsAlex Murphy \u2013 The Young OffendersLead actress \u2013 dramaNiamh Algar \u2013 The Iris AffairCaitr\u00edona Balfe \u2013 OutlanderSiobh\u00e1n Cullen \u2013 ObituaryLouisa Harland \u2013 The Walsh SistersNora-Jane Noone \u2013 Hidden AssetsLola Petticrew \u2013 TrespassesSupporting actor \u2013 dramaJack Gleeson \u2013 House of GuinnessCal O\u2019Driscoll \u2013 Video NastyD\u00f3nall \u00d3 H\u00e9alai \u2013 Hidden AssetsFionn O\u2019Shea \u2013 House of GuinnessAidan Quinn \u2013 The Walsh SistersChris Walley \u2013 The Young OffendersSupporting actress \u2013 dramaCathy Belton \u2013 Hidden AssetsRuth Bradley \u2013 Slow HorsesKatherine Devlin \u2013 Blue LightsDanielle Galligan \u2013 House of GuinnessAlison Oliver \u2013 TaskGenevieve O\u2019Reilly \u2013 AndorIftas 2026: International nominees International filmBugoniaHamnetOne Battle After AnotherPalestine \u201936Sentimental ValueSinnersInternational actorLeonardo DiCaprio \u2013 One Battle After AnotherEthan Hawke \u2013 Blue MoonMichael B Jordan \u2013 SinnersJames McArdle \u2013 Four MothersSean Penn \u2013 One Battle After AnotherJesse Plemons \u2013 BugoniaInternational actressChase Infiniti \u2013 One Battle After AnotherJennifer Lawrence \u2013 Die My LoveMargaret Qualley \u2013 Blue MoonRenate Reinsve \u2013 Sentimental ValueEmma Stone \u2013 BugoniaTeyana Taylor \u2013 One Battle After AnotherIftas 2026: Documentary and short-film nomineesGeorge Morrison feature documentaryA Want in HerThe Essence of EvaListen To The Land SpeakSanatoriumTestimony\u00datoipe CheilteachRedbreast short film awardThe BanNo Mean CityNo Time WastersNostalgiePuntThree KeeningsAnimated short\u00c9iruInside, The Valley SingsRerootedRetirement PlanIftas 2026: Craft nomineesCinematographyBugonia \u2013 Robbie RyanChristy \u2013 Colm HoganDie My Love \u2013 Seamus McGarveySaipan \u2013 Piers McGrailSeverance \u2013 Suzie LavelleCastingChristy \u2013 Amy RowanFour Mothers \u2013 Louise KielyThe Rainmaker \u2013 Emma GunneryReady Or Not \u2013 Maureen HughesSaipan \u2013 Aine O\u2019SullivanCostume designBlue Moon \u2013 Consolata BoyleChristy \u2013 Hannah BuryFour Mothers \u2013 Joan O\u2019ClearySaipan \u2013 Lara CampbellVideo Nasty \u2013 Joanne O\u2019BrienEditingBlue Lights \u2013 Helen SheridanChristy \u2013 Allyn QuigleyHouse of Guinness \u2013 Ben YeatesSaipan \u2013 John Murphy, Gavin BuckleyThe Surfer \u2013 Tony CranstounSculpted by Aimee make-up and hairBlue Moon \u2013 Linda Gannon, Liz ByrneChristy \u2013 Jennie Readman, Edwina KellySaipan \u2013 Polly McKayTrespasses \u2013 Natalie ReidWednesday \u2013 Lynn JohnstonOriginal musicAontas \u2013 Daith\u00ed \u00d3 Dr\u00f3na\u00edB\u00e1ite \u2013 Eimear Noone, Craig Stuart GarfinkleChristy \u2013 Daith\u00ed \u00d3 Dr\u00f3na\u00edSaipan \u2013 David Holmes, Brian IrvineVideo Nasty \u2013 Die HexenProduction designBlue Moon \u2013 Susie Cullen, Kevin DowneyChristy \u2013 Martin GouldingSaipan \u2013 John LeslieWednesday \u2013 Philip Murphy, Neville GaynorVideo Nasty \u2013 Tara O\u2019ReillySoundAnemone \u2013 Steve FanaganBlue Moon \u2013 Hugh FoxSaipan \u2013 Tim Harrison, Andrew Graham, Paul MaynesThe Surfer \u2013 Aza HandVideo Nasty \u2013 Patrick DowneyVFXAnemone \u2013 Tom FaganFoundation \u2013 Ed Bruce, Andrew BarryHouse of Guinness \u2013 Eoin O\u2019Sullivan, David SewellOne Battle After Another \u2013 Ed Bruce, Amrei Bronnenmayer<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Brendan Canty\u2019s Christy, the hard-edged social realist tale from Cork, has scored a chart-topping 14 nominations for the…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":254122,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[5116,126893,117393,14209,13788,273,93,61,60,126891,126892,312,5042,274],"class_list":["post-254121","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-entertainment","tag-andrew-scott","tag-brendan-canty","tag-ciaran-hinds","tag-colin-farrell","tag-daniel-day-lewis","tag-eanna-hardwicke","tag-entertainment","tag-ie","tag-ireland","tag-irish-film-and-television-academy-ifta","tag-irish-film-television-awards","tag-jessie-buckley","tag-paul-mescal","tag-steve-coogan"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/254121","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=254121"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/254121\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/254122"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=254121"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=254121"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=254121"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}