The Kneecap film has received six nominations in the British Film Academy Awards - including in the Outstanding British Film category.
The film, set in Northern Ireland, tells the story of rap group Kneecap and their journey to promote the Irish language through their art.
It is nominated for:
- Best Original Screenplay
- Outstanding Debut by a British Writer
- Director or Producer, Film not in the English Language
- Outstanding British Film
- Casting and Editing
Saoirse Ronan has also been nominated in the Leading Actress category for her role in Outrun.
Paul Mescal's Gladiator II and Outrun are both nominated in the Outstaning British Film category.
Irish Language Rap Group Kneecap. Alamy.comThe film has been a global hit, and will end this year's awards season with multiple accolades to its name.
It received its World Premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January this year, where it became the first Irish-language film to win the Audience Award in the festival’s NEXT strand.
Since then it recently became the biggest winner at the British Independent Film Awards (BIFAs) in December - which sparked outrage from some in the UK.
The Daily Mail 😂😂😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/bdvIdMcYTL
— KNEECAP (@KNEECAPCEOL) December 9, 2024
At home, the comedy-drama has received 17 nominations for the Irish Film and Television Awards (IFTA), including best film, director, three lead actor and supporting actor nods and a supporting actor nomination for Michael Fassbender.
The rap-trio may also make an appearance at this year's Oscars ceremony, with an Academy Award shortlisted for Best International Film and Best Original Song for 'Sick in the Head'.
Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland and TG4 who both provided funding for the film, have celebrated the win, calling it a 'monumental achievement' and a 'cinematic triumph.
@newstalkfm 'I’m blushing under my balaclava here Pat.' 🇮🇪 There was a lot to unpack from @kneecapceol's appearance on the Pat Kenny Show this morning, so we thought we'd present you with an out of context highlight reel! You can catch the full interview on our podcasts. The trio's hotly anticipated new film Kneecap hits Irish cinema screens today. #kneecap #ireland #irishtiktok #belfast #hiphop #newstalk ♬ original sound - Newstalk
Funding
The funding for the project proved to be controversial in the UK, leading Kneecap to take a case against the British government.
In 2023, the group applied for a grant from the government-backed Music Export Growth Scheme, which provides funding to promote UK artists overseas.
They were initially granted funding of around €16,000, but then-business secretary for the Conservative Party Kemi Badenoch rescinded it.
A government spokesperson said it did not want to give taxpayers’ money to “people that oppose the United Kingdom itself”.
The rap group took Ms Badenoch to court and won their case in late November, when it was ruled that the refusal of funds was 'unlawful'.
The money was released and Kneecap split it between two community groups - one on either side of the Belfast peace line.
Main image: Kneecap arrive at the Dublin premiere of their film at the Light House Cinema, 7-8-24. Image: Andres Poveda
