Kneecap shortlisted for two Academy Award nominations
3 min read
The Irish-language film Kneecap has made a remarkable impact by being shortlisted for two Academy Award nominations. The film, which tells the semi-fictionalized story of the formation of the west Belfast rap group Kneecap, has been selected by the Irish Film and Television Academy (IFTA) as Ireland’s official submission for the Best International Feature category at the 2025 Oscars.
Additionally, the film’s song Sick in the Head has been shortlisted alongside 14 others for the Best Original Song category. This is a significant achievement, as Kneecap joins an exclusive list of films that have made it through a rigorous selection process to secure a spot on the shortlist. Nominations for the Academy Awards will be announced on January 17, with the awards ceremony scheduled for March 2, 2025, in Los Angeles.
A Breakthrough Film
Kneecap has already garnered attention for its bold and edgy portrayal of the rap group’s origins. The film received critical acclaim, dominating the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA), where it won seven awards, including Best British Independent Film. Other accolades included Best Debut Screenwriter for Rich Peppiatt, and Best Joint Lead for the trio of actors—Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh, Naoise Ó Cairealláin, and JJ Ó Dochartaigh.
The film was chosen as one of 15 films shortlisted for the International Feature category, from a longlist of 85 films submitted from around the globe. Academy members across various branches must view all 15 shortlisted films before casting their votes for nominations.
Kneecap is not alone on the shortlist for the International Feature category. Other films in the running include the UK’s Santosh, France’s Emilia Pérez, and Germany’s The Seed of the Sacred Fig.
Meanwhile, the Best Original Song category saw 89 eligible songs, which have now been narrowed down to 15. Sick in the Head is among them, competing against notable songs like Forbidden Road from Robbie Williams’ biopic Better Man, Winter Coat from Blitz, a World War II drama featuring Saoirse Ronan and Nicholas Britell, and Beyond from the Disney animated film Moana 2.
A Tribute to Northern Ireland’s Storytelling Talent
Richard Williams, the chief executive of Northern Ireland Screen, expressed his pride in the achievement, highlighting the significance of being shortlisted for an Oscar. He emphasized that 85 countries or regions had submitted films eligible for the Best International Feature category, making this an extraordinary accomplishment for Kneecap. Williams also noted that the recognition was a testament to the immense talent and creativity of the filmmakers and performers, as well as the rich storytelling tradition in Northern Ireland.
The Band Behind the Film
Kneecap the film is based on the real-life rap group Kneecap, formed in 2017 by three friends—Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí. Known for their politically charged lyrics and controversial approach, the trio has built a reputation for stirring strong reactions with their music. They have admitted to enjoying provoking their audience and challenging societal norms.
The idea for the film began in 2019 when director Rich Peppiatt saw the group perform in Belfast. Inspired by their unique blend of humor and social commentary, Peppiatt set out to create a film that reflected their story. Shot in both Belfast and Dundalk, the film offers a comedic and dramatized version of how the group came together, set in the backdrop of west Belfast in 2019.
The film, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, made history as the first Irish-language film to be featured at the festival. It went on to win the prestigious NEXT Audience Award at Sundance, further cementing its place in the international spotlight. Upon its release, it received widespread acclaim, with The Hollywood Reporter describing it as “gleefully irreverent,” highlighting its daring approach to storytelling.
What’s Next for Kneecap?
With the Oscars fast approaching, Kneecap‘s journey has already proven to be a remarkable success. The film’s selection for the Best International Feature and Best Original Song categories is a reflection of the growing recognition of both Irish cinema and the bold voices that are shaping it. As the countdown to the Academy Award nominations continues, the film has already made its mark on the global stage, showcasing the talent, creativity, and potential that Northern Ireland has to offer.
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