The Dublin International Film Festival Awards celebrate excellence, originality, and bold storytelling across Irish and international cinema. From the prestigious Volta Award to our Discovery Awards and audience prizes, these honours recognise outstanding filmmaking talent and champion new voices shaping the future of film.
THE VOLTA AWARDS
The Festival’s most prestigious accolade is the Volta.
Named after Ireland’s first dedicated cinema, the Voltas are awarded each year to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the world of film.
Previous recipients have included iconic figures such as Ellen Mirojnick and Paul Rudd in 2026, Ed Harris and Jessica Lange in 2025, Steve McQueen and Isabelle Huppert in 2024, through to Al Pacino, Julie Andrews, Ennio Morricone, Daniel Day-Lewis, Claudia Cardinale, Martin Sheen, Kristin Scott Thomas, Brendan Gleeson, Terry Gilliam, Angela Lansbury and Adam McKay.
OUR VOLTA AWARD RECIPIENTS
Adam McKay
Al Pacino
Andrew Stanton
Angela Lansbury
Brendan Gleeson
Brendan Mc Caul
Charlie Kaufman
Ciaran Hinds
Claudia Cardinale
Colin Firth
Consolata Boyle
Costa-Gavras
Daniel Day-Lewis
Danny DeVito
Ed Harris
Emily Watson
Ellen Mirojnick
Ennio Morricone
Francois Ozon
Gabriel Byrne
George Morrison
Isabelle Huppert
Jeremy Thomas
Jessica Lange
Joss Whedon
Julie Andrews
Kenneth Branagh
Kevin Brownlow
Kristin Scott Thomas
Laurent Cantet
Leo Ward
Marin Karmitz
Martin Sheen
Michael Dwyer
Paul Rudd
Paolo Sorrentino
Patricia Clarkson
Paul Schrader
Peter Morgan
Ralph Fiennes
Richard Dreyfuss
Stanley Tucci
Stellan Skarsgård
Steve McQueen
Terry Gilliam
Thierry Fremaux
Tim Roth
Trine Dyrholm
THE DISCOVERY AWARDS
The Discovery Awards, in association with Screen Ireland, celebrate emerging filmmaking talent, spotlighting bold new voices and fresh perspectives in cinema. Recognising new and emerging filmmakers, these awards champion originality, ambition, and the next generation of storytellers.
The 2026 Discovery Award nominees and winners were:
Nominees: Grace Odumosu, Shannon Welby, Anna carney, Niamh Bryson, Taine King, Ruby Jean Lennon, Peter Lavery
Winners: Ellius Grace, Olivia McLaughlin, Joseph Ingersoll
THE AUDIENCE AWARDS
The Audience Award is voted for by festivalgoers, celebrating the films that resonate most with DIFF audiences. It reflects the collective voice of the festival, recognising storytelling that connects, moves, and leaves a lasting impression.
The feature winner of the Audience Award in 2026 was Gays Against Guns and the short winner was Molly & The Robot.
THE DOCUMENTARY AWARD
The Documentary Award honours outstanding non-fiction filmmaking, recognising films that inform, inspire, and challenge audiences. Celebrating both craft and impact, the award highlights stories that engage deeply with the world around us.
The winner of the Documentary Award in 2026 was The Slightest Touch.
THE AVOLON WORLD CINEMA AWARD
The Avolon World Cinema Award recognises outstanding achievement in international filmmaking. Celebrating exceptional storytelling from first, second, or third time directors, the award highlights films that resonate across borders and bring diverse perspectives to the screen.
The winner of the Avolon World Cinema Award in 2026 was Water Can Go Anywhere.
THE SHORT FILM AWARDS
The Short Film Awards celebrate excellence in short-form filmmaking, showcasing the creativity, innovation, and craft of filmmakers working across a wide range of styles and genres. These awards provide a platform for emerging talent and bold cinematic experimentation.
The 2026 Short Film Award winners were:
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Irish Short Special Mentions: His House, Home and Emergency Accommodation
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Sue-Bruce Smith Best Irish Short Film: Sub5
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International Short Special Mention: Happy Birthday!
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Best International Short: Wonderwall
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Animated Short Special Mention: Praying Mantis
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Best Animated Short: The Gnawer of Rocks
THE ICCL HUMAN RIGHTS FILM AWARD
Presented in partnership with the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, the ICCL Human Rights Film Award honours films that illuminate issues of justice, equality, and human rights. The award recognises powerful storytelling that challenges perspectives, sparks conversation, and advocates for change.
The winner of the ICCL Human Rights Film Award in 2026 was Everybody to Kenmure Street.