WATCH: Irish language heist thriller Aontas receives Oscar nod

New Irish language heist film, Aontas, has been selected by IFTA as Ireland's entry for ‘Best International Feature Film’ at the Oscars, which take place in Hollywood on March 14, 2027.

It's the fifth TG4 movie – Arracht, Foscadh, An Cailín Ciúin and Kneecap being the others – that's been in the Academy Award running.

Directed by Damian McCann and starring Carrie Crowley, Bríd Brennan and Eva-Jane Gaffney, it had its TV premiere in March on TG4 and has also aired on BBC One Northern Ireland and the BBC iPlayer.

"Three unlikely thieves, led by a woman on the verge of a breakdown, rob a rural Irish Credit Union," we're told. "Opening in the tragic aftermath of the heist-gone-wrong, Aontas unfolds backwards, chapter by chapter to unravel the events that led to this point. What starts as a poorly executed robbery becomes a portrait of a wilful woman trapped in her own past."

“Aontas was born out of a conversation with my Mum where she described in detail how she would rob a bank – she’s an unlikely candidate!" Damian McCann reveals. "That conversation led to a film that has connected with audiences around the world. I’ve been blown away by the response to date and I’m excited for audiences at home to see it. The film has resonated strongly with viewers and festivals, and its international success is a testament to the power of its storytelling and performances."

"The selection of Aontas by IFTA to represent Ireland on the international stage is another hugely significant moment for TG4, and a powerful endorsement of original Irish-language creativity and storytelling," reflects Deirdre Ní Choistín, Director General of TG4 "Five TG4 films have been selected by IFFA as Ireland's entry for the Best International Feature Film in recent years. An Cailín Ciúin went on to make history at the Academy Awards in 2023 showing again that original stories told through the Irish language can resonate profoundly with audiences across the world.

"Aontas continues that momentum and demonstrates the extraordinary creative talent working in our independent production sector. We are enormously proud of our relationship with Northern Ireland Screen's Irish Language Broadcast Fund and with BBC Gaeilge through the Gealán scheme. Congratulations to Damian, Sarah Orfhlaith and Christopher and everyone else involved in Aontas.”

Watch Aontas at https://www.tg4.ie/ga/player/catagoir/dramaiocht/seinn/?pid=6390785755112&title=Aontas&series=Aontas&genre=Drama