Kneecap secures top prize at Celtic Media Awards

KNEECAP have won the top prize at this year’s Celtic Media Awards for their self-titled, Irish-language film.

The film was awarded the Spirit of the Festival at the three-day event in Newquay, Cornwall, which promotes Celtic nations’ languages and cultures.

Helmed by director Rich Peppiatt, Kneecap is set in West Belfast in 2019 and follows the trio’s—Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí’s—origin story. The film also stars Michael Fassbender, Simone Kirby, Jessica Reynolds and Josie Walker.

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

TG4 Commissioning Editor, Proinsias Ní Ghráinne, commented on KNEECAP’s win, saying that it follows “a year and a half of incredible success for Kneecap since the film premiered at Sundance Film Festival in January 2024.

"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 commented, via RTÉ.

“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.”