Kneecap has officially been left out of the 2025 Oscar nominations, and neither the band or their fans are happy about it.
- READ MORE: Oscars 2025 nominations – see the full list
The semi-autobiographical comedy-drama based on the Irish hip-hop trio of the same name, Kneecap had been tipped as a contender in both the Best International Feature Film and Best Original Song categories, but today’s nomination announcement revealed that they were shut out of both.
The Northern Irish band, comprising of Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí, shared their reaction to being snubbed on social media, posting “Fuck the Oscars. Free Palestine.” on X and Instagram.
Their response is in line with their reaction to the news of a ceasefire in Gaza on January 16, where they posted “we must not forget what Israel has done”.
Fans also shared their disappointment at the film’s omission online. One X user wrote: “kneecap didn’t get nominated for an oscar i do not know what to do with myself now”. Another posted: “Hollywood pretends they’re obsessed with Ireland and Irish actors until Kneecap produce one of the best movies of the year…”
kneecap didn’t get nominated for an oscar i do not know what to do with myself now pic.twitter.com/RDqhwL6rDl
— kenny 🦐 (@inslayler) January 23, 2025
Hollywood pretends they’re obsessed with Ireland and Irish actors until Kneecap produce one of the best movies of the year… #Oscars https://t.co/AX7PHsxOlz
— holly🏎️ (@holly5704) January 23, 2025
Huge disappointment for the fans of #Kneecap – No nomination for best international film or song. #Oscars
— Evelyn O'Rourke (@evelyn_orourke) January 23, 2025
KNEECAP was just too cool for the Academy #Oscars pic.twitter.com/14lG6TYqhk
— Conor Holt (@conor_holt) January 23, 2025
Many fans compared Kneecap’s lack of nominations to the 13 bagged by the Zoe Saldaña and Selena Gomez-starring musical drama Emilia Pérez, including two in the Best Original Song category.
One X user wrote: “oscars snubbed kneecap and then nominated emilia pérez in almost every category. they are NOT serious people”
Another remarked on the importance of Kneecap’s message about keeping endangered languages like Irish alive, and how that should have contributed to it being acknowledged at this year’s Academy Awards.
@kirbyfaces wrote: “The snub of Kneecap is easily the biggest miss of this award season. It wasn’t just a “comedic” story about their lives; it was about the critical role language plays in keeping a culture alive. Without language, we don’t just lose words; we lose the soul of who we are.”
oscars snubbed kneecap and then nominated emilia pérez in almost every category. they are NOT serious people pic.twitter.com/c272VPcjLo
— shauna (@wednesdaysadums) January 23, 2025
The snub of Kneecap is easily the biggest miss of this award season. It wasn’t just a “comedic” story about their lives; it was about the critical role language plays in keeping a culture alive. Without language, we don’t just lose words; we lose the soul of who we are. #Oscars https://t.co/17VwMVC9in
— azra (@kirbyfaces) January 23, 2025
whaaat emilia pérez getting a nom but no kneecap 😭 you cannot be serious #Oscars https://t.co/f6CbMklyC4 pic.twitter.com/LSgQEEmUNG
— niamh (@xniamhamelia) January 23, 2025
Kneecap scored a five-star review from NME, with Andrew Trendell writing: “Unapologetically ballsy and brave, Kneecap has no business being as good as it is – not only one of the standout films of 2024, but arguably one of the best music biopics of all time. So, with much thought and time to percolate, here’s your full analysis: Holy shit, fuck me, what a film.”