Irish language rap band Kneecap said they are delighted to have received six nominations for this year’s BAFTA Awards for their self-titled debut film.
The nominations were announced earlier today and the Belfast and Derry trio of Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí have received nods for Outstanding Debut, Original Screenplay, Best Film not in English, Editing, Casting and the one they are particularly enjoying, Outstanding British Film.
In a video message to RTÉ News, the band responded to the news about the 'Bathtubs’, and confirmed that their movie is the most nominated debut film ever for the prestigious award ceremony, which takes place in London on 16 February.
"We’ve just been nominated for six out of seven BAFTA awards. It’s the most nominated (debut) film at the BAFTAs ever in the globe," they said.
"And lo and behold, it’s an Irish language film that’s done it because we built all your roads and we win all your awards."
Currently working and recording in London, the band are yet to confirm if they will attend the award ceremony but are clear in their delight that a scanánn as Gaeilge has got such acclaim from the British industry awards.
Writer-director Rich Peppiatt's critically acclaimed movie, which also stars Michael Fassbender, tells the trio’s "riotous and ground-breaking" origin story.
Kneecap includes Belfast's Fine Point Films, Dublin's Wildcard Distribution, London's Mother Tongues Films and the British Film Institute (BFI) among its producers.
Watch: Kneecap and Saoirse Ronan are among the 2025 BAFTA nominees
Among the organisations that funded the film are Northern Ireland Screen, the Irish Language Broadcast Fund, Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, Coimisiún na Meán and TG4.
Earlier on Tuesday, Kneecap took a swipe at the British establishment in a statement welcoming their record-breaking BAFTA nominations.
"For long enough the British Government has stolen Ireland's treasures, and even our f****** food - there was no famine," they said.
"To be first-time actors and now get to hopefully go over and take a few bits back the other way is a nice change and long may it continue.
"Ireland taking British awards is f****** hilarious. This acting business is handy."
