**Irish‑language thriller *Aontas* selected as Ireland’s entry for the 2027 Academy Awards**
Dublin – The Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) announced on Tuesday that the Irish‑language crime thriller *Aontas* will represent Ireland in the International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards, scheduled for 14 March 2027 in Los Angeles.
The film, directed by Damian McCann, tells the story of three thieves – led by a woman on the brink of a breakdown – who attempt a robbery of a rural Irish credit union. Presented in reverse chronology, the narrative begins with the aftermath of a botched heist and gradually reveals the motivations and past of the central character.
“IFTA is delighted to announce that *Aontas* will represent Ireland in the upcoming International Feature Film category at the Oscars,” said Áine Moriarty, IFTA chief executive. “This wonderful Irish‑language film is resonating with audiences worldwide – congratulations to the filmmakers, cast and crew.” Moriarty highlighted the film’s “powerful female performances” as a core strength.
* Aontas* stars Carrie Crowley, Bríd Brennan, Eva‑Jane Gaffney, Seán T Ó Meallaigh, Marcus Lamb and Art Parkinson. The screenplay was written by McCann and Sarah Gordon, and the production was overseen by Órfhlaith Ní Chearnaigh and Christopher Myers for Púca Pictures. Funding was provided by TG4, BBC Gaeilge, the Northern Ireland Screen Irish Language Broadcast Fund, and the production company Yellowmoon.
The film follows earlier Irish‑language entries that achieved Oscar recognition, including *An Cailín Ciúin* (nominated in 2022) and *Kneecap* (shortlisted in 2024). The only other Irish‑origin film to be shortlisted for the International Feature category was *Viva* (2013), a Spanish‑language work directed by Paddy Breathnach.
Since its premiere at the 2025 Santa Barbara International Film Festival, *Aontas* has screened at 40 festivals worldwide and has accumulated ten international awards. It also received six nominations at this year’s IFTA Awards.
Director McCann said the film’s reception has exceeded expectations. “We’ve been overwhelmed by the film’s journey so far – what feels like a very specifically Irish story seems to have really resonated with international audiences,” he said. He added that the script was written in his home attic and that the production was shot over 18 rainy days in the Glens of Antrim.
The International Feature Film shortlist will be released on 15 December 2026, with the final five nominees announced on 21 January 2027. If selected, *Aontas* will compete with other non‑English‑language films for a nomination at the 2027 Oscars.
Article source: irishpost.com | Image credit: The Irish Times
