Kneecap movie takes top prize at Celtic Media Awards
Kneecap, the Belfast rap trio's acclaimed Irish-language origin movie, has won the top prize at this year's Celtic Media Awards in Cornwall.
The film was awarded Spirit of the Festival at the three-day celebration of film, television, radio and digital media which promotes languages and cultures of the Celtic nations and regions.
Directed by Rich Peppiatt, Kneecap is set in West Belfast in 2019 and tells the story of how the group, consisting of Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí, formed and went on to "change the sound of Irish music forever".
The winner for the 2025 #SpiritOfTheFestival is ✨Kneecap✨ @KNEECAPCEOL @richpeppiatt @TG4TV @FPF_Docs @ScreenIreland @NIScreen @CNaM_ie @BFI @belowtheradartv #CelticMedia #TorcAwards #SpiritOfTheFestival pic.twitter.com/kEe9eK0pE6
— Celtic Media Festival (@CelticMediaFest) June 5, 2025
It also stars Oscar-nominated actor Michael Fassbender, Simone Kirby, Jessica Reynolds and Fionnuala Flaherty.
TG4 is the broadcast partner for Kneecap, and the channel's Commissioning Editor, Proinsias Ní Ghráinne, said that this honour follows "a year and a half of incredible success for Kneecap" since the film had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2024, where it won the coveted Audience Award.
" Kneecap has brought the Irish language to the most important stages of the world as a powerful creative channel that speaks to indigenous cultures, music lovers and anyone who appreciates good storytelling," Ní Ghráinne said.
"TG4's commitment to support this wave of excellence in both scripted and non-scripted content is unwavering. It is particularly rewarding to see our content stand up to competition from the best of the best from the Celtic Nations. Comhghairdeas Kneecap."
The Celtic Media Festival (CMF) is held annually, rotating between venues in the various Celtic nations and regions, with this year's festival taking place in Newquay, Cornwall.
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