Dublin — Jessie Buckley, fresh off an Oscar nomination for her role in Hamnet, joins Cillian Murphy, nominated for Steve, at the Irish Film & Television Academy Awards this Friday. The event draws Ireland’s top acting and filmmaking talent to the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre.

Kevin McGahern, known for his sharp stand-up, takes the stage as host. Organizers expect a full house of industry figures honoring work from both sides of the camera. Buckley headlines the confirmed attendees, with Murphy close behind. Steve Coogan arrives from his Saipan project, while Jonathan Rhys Meyers of The Tudors fame and Aidan Quinn from The Walsh Sisters round out early names.

Alison Oliver, who starred in Wuthering Heights and Task, adds to the buzz. The House of Guinness cast descends en masse: Anthony Boyle, Danielle Galligan, Jack Gleeson and Fionn O’Shea all confirmed. Game of Thrones fans take note—Peter Claffey appears for his role in the upcoming A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.

Niamh Algar brings intrigue from The Irish Affair. Lola Petticrew earned nods for Trespasses, and Louisa Harland shares screen time with Quinn in The Walsh Sisters. Jamie-Lee O’Donnell shines in Leonard & Hungry Paul, Siobhán Cullen from Obituary attends, and Genevieve O’Reilly flies in after Andor.

Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee teams with Roisin Gallagher for How To Get To Heaven From Belfast. The lineup spans blockbusters, indies and TV hits, spotlighting Ireland’s global reach. IFTA officials highlighted the ceremony’s role in uniting creators after a banner year.

Tickets sold out fast, with red carpet action starting at 7 p.m. Broadcast follows on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player. Past winners like Paul Mescal and the Banshees of Inisherin crew set a high bar. This year’s nominees reflect surging Irish exports, from Netflix series to festival darlings.

McGahern joked in rehearsals about wrangling the crowd. ‘It’s like herding cats with Oscars,’ he said. Expect live music, tributes and surprise moments. The academy praised the attendees’ range, from West End stages to Hollywood sets.

Security ramps up around the venue amid fan excitement. Dublin hotels near the theater report heavy bookings. IFTA launched the event in 2002 to boost national cinema. Friday’s gala caps a week of screenings and panels across the city.