Oscars 2026: Jessie Buckley & Irish Hopefuls – Nominations & How to Watch

Jessie Buckley heads into Sunday night’s Academy Awards on the brink of history, with Richard Baneham and Retirement Plan also carrying strong Irish hopes.

The 98th Academy Awards promise a significant night for Irish talent, with Jessie Buckley leading the charge as a Best Actress nominee for her performance in Hamnet. A win for Buckley would mark a historic moment, making her the first Irish woman to claim the Oscar in that category. The ceremony, hosted by Conan O’Brien, will be broadcast live on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player beginning at 11pm on Sunday, March 15th.

Buckley’s nomination isn’t the sole source of Irish interest at this year’s Oscars. Hamnet itself is a contender in multiple categories, including Best Picture, Best Director for Chloé Zhao, and Best Adapted Screenplay, also credited to Zhao and Maggie O’Farrell. The film’s success reflects a broader recognition of Irish and international collaboration within the industry.

Richard Baneham could pick up his third Oscar tonight

Richard Baneham, a veteran visual effects artist, is once again nominated, this time for his perform on Avatar: Fire and Ash. This marks another opportunity for Baneham to add to his already impressive collection of accolades, having previously won two Oscars for his contributions to the Avatar franchise. The nomination underscores Ireland’s growing strength in the field of visual effects.

Adding to the Irish presence is the animated short film Retirement Plan, directed by John Kelly and produced by Kelly and Andrew Freedman. The film, which features the voice of Domhnall Gleeson, is nominated for Best Animated Short Film and has already garnered attention as a standout Irish success story this awards season. Backed by Screen Ireland’s Frameworks scheme in partnership with RTÉ, Retirement Plan is a testament to the investment in and nurturing of recent talent on the island of Ireland. The film is currently available to stream on RTÉ Player and will also air on RTÉ One on Saturday, March 14th at 10:50pm.

The Irish film industry is experiencing a period of growth, and the Oscar nominations are expected to further boost its profile. RTÉ’s extensive cross-platform coverage – encompassing television, player, radio, and social channels – demonstrates a commitment to showcasing Irish nominees and celebrating their achievements. This commitment extends to providing a platform for Irish films like Retirement Plan, giving them increased visibility both domestically and internationally.

Beyond Buckley, Baneham, and Retirement Plan, further Irish links exist within the Best Picture category. Bugonia, co-produced by Irish production company Element Pictures, is also in contention. Blue Moon, produced by Wild Atlantic Pictures, has received nominations for Best Original Screenplay and Best Actor for Ethan Hawke, further solidifying Ireland’s contribution to the cinematic landscape.

The success of these nominees comes on the heels of significant recognition at other awards ceremonies. Just recently, at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards, Jessie Buckley won Best Leading Actress for her role in Hamnet, and Robert Aramayo secured the Best Leading Actor award. This momentum undoubtedly adds to the anticipation surrounding the Oscars ceremony.

RTÉ’s coverage will not only focus on the awards themselves but also provide insights into the Oscars voting system, as explained in a recent segment featuring Sinead Courtney. This educational component aims to demystify the process for viewers and enhance their understanding of the awards. The network’s dedication to the Irish nominees is evident in its comprehensive programming and online presence.

The Academy Awards represent the pinnacle of achievement in the film industry, and the strong Irish presence this year is a source of national pride. Whether it’s Buckley’s potential history-making win, Baneham’s pursuit of another Oscar, or the recognition of Irish short film Retirement Plan, the night promises to be a memorable one for Irish cinema and its talented contributors. The ceremony at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood will be closely watched by audiences both in Ireland and around the world.