The Irish Film and Television Academy (IFTA) Awards is back again with queer stars shining bright amongst this year’s nominations. The 2025 event, set for February 14 at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre, lands squarely in the heart of awards season—just two days before the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) ceremony.
FX Productions’ critically acclaimed Say Nothing leads the television rankings with 10 nominations. Based on Patrick Radden Keefe’s searing exploration of the Troubles, the series has garnered widespread acclaim. Close behind is the hit comedy-drama Bad Sisters, securing eight nods of approval.
Among the celebrated queer nominees is Say Nothing star Lola Petticrew, vying for Best Lead Actress in a Drama. In a 2022 interview with GCN, Petticrew, an outspoken advocate for queer representation, reflected on the importance of visibility in media: “Everyone deserves representation across the board. As a kid, I desperately needed to see myself onscreen. Many queer kids project onto characters because they don’t see themselves represented. For me, being that representation for others is a greater privilege than any single role.”
Andrew Scott is another queer nomination in the Best Lead Actor IFTA category for his portrayal of Tom Ripley in Netflix’s Ripley, adapted from Patricia Highsmith’s celebrated novels. Speaking about his sexuality in a 2013 interview with The Independent, Scott remarked: “Mercifully, these days, people don’t see being gay as a character flaw. But nor is it a virtue, like kindness, or a talent, like playing the banjo. It’s just a fact. Of course, it’s part of my make-up, but I don’t want to trade on it.”
Finally, celebrated performer Fiona Shaw is nominated for Supporting Actress in a Drama for her role in Bad Sisters. An Irish queer icon with a storied career spanning theatre, film, and television—from The Butcher Boy to Harry Potter and Killing Eve—Shaw remains one of the most respected names in the industry.
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The IFTA Awards’ strategic move to February reflects its ambition to play a key role in awards season. With films like Kneecap competing at both the IFTAs and BAFTAs, queer and Irish talent is poised for even greater recognition on the international stage.
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