Irish hip- hop trio Kneecap are now shaking things up on a global level. Their Irish-language film has just landed two spots on the 2025 Oscars shortlist.
The semi-fictional film about the west Belfast rap group’s formation is now in the running for Best International Feature. Adding to that, their track Sick in the Head has been shortlisted for Best Original Song. Not bad for a trio who’ve built their reputation on sharp Irish-language rap and unfettered energy.
Directed by Rich Peppiatt, Kneecap has been turning heads all year. It recently cleaned up at the British Independent Film Awards, scoring Best British Independent Film. The trio of Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh, Naoise Ó Cairealláin, and JJ Ó Dochartaigh also earned Best Joint Lead. Peppiatt’s work earned him Best Debut Screenwriter.
The film stood out among 85 international submissions to secure a spot in the 15-film shortlist. Academy members will now view the shortlisted films and vote ahead of nominations being announced on January 17. The Oscars ceremony will then take place on March 2 in Los Angeles.
Other International Feature contenders include the UK’s Santosh, France’s Emilia Pérez, and Germany’s The Seed of the Sacred Fig.
In the Best Original Song category, Sick in the Head faces tough competition. Shortlisted tracks include Robbie Williams’ Forbidden Road from his biopic Better Man and Winter Coat by Saoirse Ronan and Nicholas Britell. Even Disney’s Moana 2 makes an appearance with Beyond.
Richard Williams, Northern Ireland Screen’s chief executive, said, “To make it onto an Oscar shortlist is no mean feat. This is testament to the incredible talent and creativity of the filmmakers and performers, as well as the rich storytelling potential of Northern Ireland.”
For a group rooted in challenging the norm, Kneecap breaking into the Hollywood stratosphere is no great surprise. Whether it’s through music or film, they’re pushing Irish-language rap into a whole new spotlight. And good on them for it.
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