Ireland has seen some success in recent years, most notably with Cillian Murphy taking home Best Actor in 2024.
In 2026, it looks like at least one other Irish star could be heading home with an Academy Award.
"Hamnet", which releases in January, is set to receive a rake of Oscar nominations.
Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley look likely to both be nominated for their performances as William Shakespeare and his wife, Agnes.
Earlier this month, both stars were nominated for Golden Globes and the film received four other nominations.
The Golden Globes take place on January 11, usually giving an indication of how the Oscar nominations will play out.
Jessie Buckley in "Hamnet" as William Shakespeare's wife, Agnes.
The Oscar nomination ballots will open not long after on January 22.
Jessie will be hoping for a Best Actress nomination, while Paul will hopefully be given a Best Supporting Actor nod.
In the betting world, Jessie is currently the odds-on favourite to win the Oscar, though this could change closer to the time.
"Hamnet" is looking likely to be nominated in the best film, directing and screenplay categories.
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A screenplay nod would see the Derry-born author Maggie O’Farrell also getting a nomination, as she co-wrote the "Hamnet" script with director Chloé Zhao.
However, "Hamnet" is not Ireland’s only hope of an Academy Award this season.
John Kelly’s short film "Retirement Plan" and Cartoon Saloon’s Éiru have both been shortlisted in the Best Animated Short category.
"Retirement Plan" has a strong pedigree after being made with the New Yorker and is narrated by Domhnall Gleeson.
It has 59,000 views on YouTube and has been getting positive reviews.
Meanwhile, Cartoon Saloon is an Irish animation studio that already has a great history at the Oscars, receiving several nominations in the past.
There are Irish talents hidden in the workings of other major films as well.
Yorgos Lanthimos’ "Bugonia" was produced by Ireland’s Element Pictures, although it looks set for fewer nominations than "Hamnet".
Two Irishmen have also been shortlisted in the Cinematography category, Robbie Ryan for "Bugonia" and Seamus McGarvey for "Die My Love".
Neither Robbie nor Seamus are strangers to film’s biggest award show, having been nominated several times before.
Another possible Best Supporting Actor nomination could lie with Andrew Scott for his short but sweet appearance in "Blue Moon".
Andrew Scott.
The Richard Linklater film, starring Ethan Hawke, was also filmed in Ireland.
Kerry Condon could see herself back on the Best Supporting Actress list for her role in "Train Dreams", though this looks less likely than the others.
Playwright Enda Walsh could also be a possibility in the Best Adapted Screenplay category for co-writing "Die My Love".
* This article was originally published on Extra.ie.
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