DIFF AWARDS
2025
AWARDS
DISCOVERY AWARDS AWARDS
The Discovery Awards celebrate the vibrant and ever-evolving Irish film industry, spotlighting the next generation of filmmakers who are making waves both in front of and behind the camera. These prestigious awards recognise emerging talent in various roles, including directors, writers, producers, and performers. The Discovery Awards serve as a platform to champion creativity, innovation, and passion within the Irish film scene, offering winners the recognition and support to propel their careers to new heights. Each year, a distinguished panel of industry professionals select nominees who demonstrate exceptional skill, vision, and potential. The winner will be announced at our Awards Ceremony on Sat 1 March – there are limited public tickets available!
Nominees
DIFF 2025 AWARDS
Each year, the Festival Awards champion excellence in filmmaking across the programme, including shorts, features, documentaries, and new work from emerging artists and creatives. Previous winners include Colm Bairéad (An Cailín Ciúin), Luke McManus (North Circular), Cara Holmes (Welcome to a Bright White Limbo), and TJ O’Grady-Peyton (Room Taken).
AWARDS
The DIFF Awards offer recognition for every type of film and every kind of filmmaker, at any stage of their career. They include:
Date: Saturday 1 March Time: 12:00 – 13:30 Venue: The Complex
• Discovery Awards • Documentary Award • ICCL Human Rights Film Award • Short Film Awards • World Cinema Award supported by Avolon Our Awards Ceremony is open to the public, so you too can be part of this prestigious annual event. As part of the celebration, some of Ireland’s most exciting emerging filmmakers will engage in a live discussion about their work. This highly anticipated Meet the Discovery Award Nominees event is part of the Tanqueray 0.0% Film Club and will be hosted by a very special guest. Sign up to our mailing list at www.diff.ie to get programme announcements as they happen. Limited tickets available. This year’s awards are kindly provided by Waterford Crystal.
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Aisling Byrne Writer/Director, Turnaround
Albert Hooi Cinematographer, Bunker Baby & Nay Day
Cara Loftus Writer, Spilt Milk
Conor McCormick Writer/Director, Bunker Baby
Florence Adebambo Jack Phelan Actor, Nay Day Director, Mero
Carol Tormey Cinematographer, The Wilde Sisters
Clare Monnelly Writer, Cat & Mouse
Paudie Baggott Writer/Director, Peat
Reuben Harvey Composer, We Beg to Differ
Jury
Paul Fitzsimons Producer and writer, head of Prelude Content
Sarah McCann Lecturer in Creative Arts, Media and Music, DKIT
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Sinead O’Riordan Actress and producer, founder of Orion Productions
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