The Daily Star Ireland
Irish talent is set to shine at this year’s Sky Arts Awards, with acclaimed author Sally Rooney and Belfast rap trio Kneecap both earning nominations across major categories. The awards, which celebrate excellence across the arts in the UK and Ireland, will take place on 16 September at London’s Roundhouse, hosted by comedian and musician Bill Bailey.
Kneecap Recognized in Music and Film
Kneecap, known for their hard-hitting Irish-language rap and political edge, are nominated in the Popular Music category for their album Fine Art. They face competition from pop heavyweight Charli XCX (Brat) and rising star Lola Young (This Wasn’t Meant for You Anyway).
The group’s influence extends beyond music this year, with their self-titled biopic Kneecap, directed by Rich Peppiatt, earning a spot in the Film category. It will contend with Edward Berger’s Conclave and Karan Kandhari’s Sister Midnight, marking Kneecap as one of the few nominees to span multiple artistic disciplines.
Rooney Shortlisted for Literature Prize
Celebrated Mayo-born author Sally Rooney continues to make waves in contemporary literature. Her latest novel, Intermezzo, has been shortlisted in the Literature category, where she is joined by Alan Hollinghurst (Our Evenings) and Gwyneth Lewis (Nightshade Mother: A Disentangling).
Rooney, often hailed as one of the most influential voices of her generation, has previously gained international acclaim for works such as Normal People and Conversations with Friends. This latest recognition further cements her standing as a leading literary figure.
Other Key Nominees Across the Arts
The Television category features Netflix’s Adolescence, the BBC’s Mr Loverman, and Disney+’s Rivals, with Adolescence breakout star Owen Cooper also shortlisted for The Times Breakthrough Award.
In other fields, Barbara Walker (Being Here), Claudette Johnson (Three Women), and Michelle Roberts (Body of Work including Red Blue Up) are nominated in Visual Art, while Manchester Camerata, Errollyn Wallen, and Bold Tendencies represent the Classical Music field. Comedy, dance, opera, poetry, and theatre also feature prominently, showcasing the breadth of artistic talent across the UK and Ireland.
The evening will also see the presentation of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, with the recipient yet to be revealed.
A Celebration of Irish Creativity
The dual recognition of Kneecap and Rooney highlights Ireland’s continuing cultural impact on the international stage. Kneecap’s groundbreaking mix of music, activism, and cinema and Rooney’s distinctive literary voice place Irish creativity at the forefront of this year’s Sky Arts Awards.
With nominees spanning established icons and breakthrough artists, the 2024 ceremony promises to be both a celebration of past achievement and a glimpse into the future of the arts.
