IRELAND has selected the Irish language biopic Kneecap as its entry for the best international film category at next year’s Oscars. The country is the first to submit an entry for the 97th annual Academy Awards, which will take place in 2025. Written and directed by Rich Peppiatt, the film stars the members of the west Belfast rap trio Kneecap – namely Móglai Bap, Mo Chara and DJ Provaí - alongside an ensemble cast which includes Michael Fassbender, Simone Kirby, Josie Walker, Fionnuala Flaherty, Jessica Reynolds and Adam Best.
It was selected by the Irish Film and Television Academy (IFTA) 2024 Selection Committee, which includes The Crying Game actor Stephen Rea, The Quiet Girl director Colm Bairéad, award-winning actors Liam Cunningham and Bríd Ní Neachtain and the award-winning producer Rebecca O’Flanagan. “The Irish Academy is delighted to announce Kneecap to represent Ireland in the Oscar International Feature Film category,” IFTA Academy CEO, Áine Moriarty said. “What a brilliantly creative powerhouse of a film, with its bold and fearless storytelling and its raw and boisterous screen performances,” she added.
“Nowhere before has filmmaking brought together the Irish language and music in such rebellious and youthful defiance. “We have no doubt that Kneecap will both surprise and entertain international audiences, and ultimately leave its unique mark on international Academy Members too”. Responding to their selection, Kneecap band membe.