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The 2026 DIFF Awards: Celebrating Storytelling, Craft and New Voices
The Dublin International Film Festival Awards once again marked a standout moment of the 2026 programme, celebrating excellence in storytelling, craft and performance, while reflecting the breadth and diversity of this year’s selection.
Volta Award
A defining highlight of the closing weekend saw the Festival present its highest honour, the Career Achievement Volta Award, to BAFTA winner and Academy Award nominee Ellen Mirojnick, and SAG Award nominee Paul Rudd.
ICCL Human Rights Film Award
The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) Human Rights Film Award was presented to Everybody to Kenmure Street, directed by Felipe Bustos Sierra. The documentary captures a pivotal moment in Glasgow, where a community came together to prevent the deportation of their neighbours, sparking a powerful grassroots movement.
Best Documentary & Audience Awards
The Best Documentary Award was presented to The Slightest Touch, directed by Rachel Fleit. The film follows Emma Fogarty, who lives with the rare condition Epidermolysis Bullosa, as she prepares to complete the Dublin Marathon with the support of her friend Colin Farrell.
The Feature Audience Award was awarded to Gays Against Guns, which also received a Special Mention in the documentary category, while the Short Film Audience Award went to Molly and the Robot, directed by Táine King.
Avolon World Cinema Award
The Avolon World Cinema Award, recognising excellence in international storytelling, was presented to Water Can Go Anywhere, directed by Fang Liang. The film offers a striking portrait of life inside a Shenzhen factory, highlighting the human stories behind modern industry.
This year’s jury included Aidan Gillen, Rebecca Miller, Michael Doherty, Wendy Mitchell and Ciara Ruane.
Shorts Awards
In the Shorts categories, Wonderwall was awarded Best International Short, with Happy Birthday receiving a Special Mention. The Gnawer of Rocks took home Best Animated Short, while Praying Mantis received an Animated Short Special Mention.
The Sue Bruce-Smith Award for Best Irish Short was awarded to Sub5, directed by Laura Kavanagh, with Special Mentions going to Emergency Accommodation and His House, Home.
Discovery Awards
The Discovery Awards, which champion emerging talent both in front of and behind the camera, were presented to Ellius Grace, Joseph Ingersoll and Olivia McLaughlin, highlighting a new generation of voices in film.
First Frame: Spotlight on Emerging Talent
Now in its eighth year, First Frame continues to provide a vital platform for student filmmakers across Ireland. In 2026, over 120 submissions were received, with 35 films selected for screening across dedicated events in Galway and Dublin.
At this year’s First Frame Awards, Barracuda from the University of Limerick was named Best Film and also took home Best Fiction. Call Me Maev from IADT won Best Documentary, while I Am from TUD was awarded Best Experimental. Caught from DKIT received Best Animation, and Mixed Signals from TUD was recognised for Best Editing.
The ATU Student Jury Awards saw Art on Art from DKIT awarded Best Film, as well as Best Documentary and Best Editing. Barracuda from the University of Limerick was named Best Fiction, while An Ode to Noise from DKIT won Best Experimental and The Puppeteer from TUD took home Best Animation.
Congratulations to all of this year’s winners, whose work showcases the depth of talent and originality across contemporary filmmaking. Recognising emerging voices remains an essential part of the festival landscape, creating space for new perspectives, fresh storytelling and the filmmakers shaping what comes next.
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Celebrating new cinematic voices and storytelling craft is what makes film festivals so special! Huge congratulations to all the 2026 DIFF Award winners. When I'm not watching indie films or taking a work break, I like unwinding with a few quick casual games on minigame. Thanks for putting together such a inspiring highlight!
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