Lola Petticrew delivered a powerful speech at the IFTA (Irish Film & Television Academy) Awards ceremony on Friday, February 14, calling out the Irish governments, North and South, for their handling of various pressing issues. The Belfast star took to the stage after winning Best Actress in a Lead Role (Drama) for their portrayal of Dolours in Say Nothing, a limited historical drama set during The Troubles.
“This show asks big questions about how we in the North move forward and move on,” Petticrew began.
“Gutless politicians kick about ideas like painting over murals while working-class people on both sides of the green and orange line cry out for investment in social housing, education, youth services and mental health services.
“While both governments punish trans kids for existing and legitimise war criminals with handshakes and shamrocks, my peers are dying by suicide,” they continued.
“There is what feels like an insurmountable intergenerational trauma and insufficient services to deal with it.”
The non-binary actor called on politicians to improve mental health supports and youth services and implement a proper standard of living for all working-class people in the North. Petticrew concluded their IFTA speech by thanking the audience and saying, “Free Palestine”.
Theirs was just one of several wins for Say Nothing. Petticrew’s castmates Tom Vaughan-Lawlor and Hazel Doupe both received Best Supporting Actor/Actress (Drama) awards, while Anthony Boyle was announced as the 2025 Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland IFTA Rising Star.
The Kneecap team were also big winners, collecting four trophies for categories including Best Director (Film), Best Casting, Best Costume Design and Best Editing. Small Things Like These won arguably the night’s most coveted accolade, Best Film, while Cillian Murphy received the Best Actor in a Lead Role trophy.
Saoirse Ronan took home the awards for Best Actress in a Lead Role and Supporting Role for her work in The Outrun and Blitz, respectively. Andrew Scott announced the latter category and presented her with the trophy at the ceremony in the Dublin Royal Convention Centre.
Click here to see the full list of winners.
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