Ireland's Oscar Hope: Damian McCann's Thriller 'Aontas' Enters International Race!
Damian McCann's Irish-language heist thriller, “Aontas,” has been chosen as Ireland’s official entry for the best international feature film category at the 2027 Academy Awards. Selected by IFTA and a distinguished committee, the film features a reverse chronology plot about a rural bank robbery and powerful female performances. This selection highlights the continued international success of Irish cinema.
“Aontas,” the compelling Irish-language heist thriller directed by Damian McCann, has been officially selected as Ireland’s entry for the best international feature film category at the prestigious 2027 Academy Awards. This significant decision was made by the Irish Film & TV Academy (IFTA) alongside a distinguished committee of industry experts. The committee included notable figures such as “Evil Dead Rise” director Lee Cronin, “Derry Girls” creator Lisa McGee, BAFTA-nominated director Brian Kirk of “Game of Thrones” fame, BAFTA-nominated director Kathryn Ferguson known for “Nothing Compares,” Emmy-winning actress and filmmaker Aisha Tyler from “Friends,” actress Fionnuala Flaherty of “Kneecap,” and IFTA chief executive Áine Moriarty.
The film itself employs a unique reverse chronology narrative, unfolding the story of three unlikely thieves, spearheaded by a woman on the brink of a breakdown, as they attempt to rob a rural Irish bank. The plot masterfully opens in the tragic aftermath of a heist gone wrong, gradually revealing how what initially appears to be a poorly executed robbery evolves into a profound portrait of a willful woman inextricably linked to her past. “Aontas” boasts a talented cast, featuring Carrie Crowley, recognized for her work in “The Quiet Girl,” alongside Bríd Brennan, Eva-Jane Gaffney, Seán T. Ó Meallaigh, Marcus Lamb, and Art Parkinson.
Written collaboratively by Sarah Gordon and Damian McCann, the film was expertly produced by Órfhlaith Ní Chearnaigh and Christopher Myers under the banner of Púca Pictures. Financial backing for the production came from key Irish cultural institutions including TG4, BBC Gaeilge, and Northern Ireland Screen’s Irish Language Broadcast Fund, with additional support provided by Yellowmoon.
Director Damian McCann expressed immense honor upon receiving the news, stating, “It is such an honour that ‘Aontas’ has been selected to represent Ireland at the 99th Academy Awards. Thank you so much to IFTA and to the committee for their support. I was bringing some soggy washing in out of the rain when the news arrived – what a turnaround of a day.” McCann also reflected on the film’s remarkable journey, noting how a story that feels very specifically Irish has resonated strongly with international audiences. He shared the humble beginnings of the script, written in the attic of his and Sarah Gordon’s house, and the challenging yet rewarding 18 rainy days of shooting in the Glens of Antrim, highlighting the dedication and optimism of the cast and crew.
IFTA Chief Executive Áine Moriarty echoed the excitement, remarking, “IFTA is delighted to announce that ‘Aontas’ will represent Ireland in the upcoming International Feature Film category at the Oscars. What an intriguing and clever twist on the classic bank heist narrative, with powerful female performances at its core by Carrie Crowley, Bríd Brennan and Eva-Jane Gaffney. This wonderful Irish language film is resonating with audiences worldwide – congratulations to the filmmakers, cast and crew.”
“Aontas” follows a recent trend of Irish films achieving international recognition at the Academy Awards. This includes 2023’s “The Quiet Girl,” which made history as Ireland’s first-ever Oscar nominee for international feature film, and 2024’s “Kneecap,” which successfully made it onto the Oscar shortlist, underscoring the growing global impact of Irish cinema.