Jessie Buckley’s win tonight is a magnificent achievement and a moment of real pride for Ireland. Her performance has captivated audiences worldwide, and this award is a testament to her extraordinary talent, dedication and artistic courage. Jessie continues to represent the very best of Irish creativity on the global stage.

Richard Baneham’s win tonight, his third, is a testament to his extraordinary expertise and his leadership in one of the most technically advanced areas of global filmmaking. His work on Avatar: Fire and Ash demonstrates the world‑class contribution Irish artists are making to major international productions.

The nomination for Hamnet is a significant international endorsement of Maggie O’Farrell’s exceptional storytelling and the creative collaboration with Chloé Zhao,

Their work has brought a powerful Irish‑authored story to global audiences, and this recognition reflects the enduring strength of Irish writing.

The nomination for Blue Moon is a tremendous achievement for Wild Atlantic Pictures and for the Irish screen industry. Made almost entirely in Ireland and supported by Section 481, the film showcases the strength of our production ecosystem and the calibre of Irish creative and technical talent.

Element Pictures’ nomination for Bugonia reflects the company’s long‑standing reputation for excellence. Their work continues to elevate Ireland’s profile in global cinema, and this recognition underscores the strength and consistency of their creative output.

The nomination for Retirement Plan is a significant recognition of the creativity and skill of John Kelly and the team behind the film, including Domhnall Gleeson’s outstanding voice performance. Ireland’s animation sector continues to shine internationally, and this nomination reinforces its growing global reputation.

Ireland’s presence at the Academy Awards continues to grow, reflecting the exceptional talent, creativity and ambition of our artists, writers, filmmakers and production companies. Whether through wins or nominations, tonight’s achievements demonstrate the global impact of Ireland’s screen and creative industries. The Government has long seen the tax incentive, Section 481, as a powerful growth tool for the screen sector. Increased funding for Screen Ireland in recent years and their screen industry skills development strategy through the National Talent Academy Network has contributed to the success we are seeing for the Irish screen industry at the moment. I congratulate all those recognised and look forward to supporting the continued growth of this vibrant sector.