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Irish Independent

Here's who Kerry International Film Festival have chosen as recipient of 2025 Maureen O'Hara Award

First introduced in 2008, the Maureen O'Hara Award was among the earliest accolades dedicated solely to recognising the achievements of women in film and television. The inaugural recipient was Oscar-winning actress Brenda Fricker, and over the years, the award has honoured a diverse range of women both in front of and behind the camera, most recently producer Rebecca O'Flanagan in 2024. Fiona Shaw, widely regarded as one of Ireland's finest actors, has enjoyed an illustrious career across both stage and screen. Known for her powerful performances in productions such as Electra and As You Like It, she has twice received the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress (1990, 1994), was appointed CBE in 2001 for services to drama, and earned a Tony Award nomination in 2002 for her performance in Medea on Broadway. Shaw made her film debut in Jim Sheridan's My Left Foot (1989) and has since built a prolific screen career with credits including The Butcher Boy (1997), The Tree of Life (2011), Ammonite (2020), and more recently Hot Milk and Park Avenue (both 2025). She is also well known for her role as Petunia Dursley in the Harry Potter films (2001–2010). On television, Shaw earned widespread acclaim for her performance in Killing Eve (2018–2022), which won her a BAFTA and multiple Emmy nominations. Additional notable roles include appearances in Fleabag (2019), for which she received another Emmy nod, and Andor (2022), which brought further BAFTA and Critics Choice Super Award nominations. Speaking about receiving the award, Fiona Shaw had the following to say: "Maureen O'Hara took on studio sexism despite knowing it would limit her career, but she herself was limitless - on and off screen. As well as being the iconic strong and fiery redhead, Maureen played vulnerability and tenderness, defying the one-dimensional roles often written for women. Maureen did all her own stunts, was a trained opera singer, and a pioneering woman in the aviation business. "All this, and she was an absolute looker. I hate her! I jest. I adore Maureen, and I am thrilled to be the 2025 recipient of the Kerry International Film Festival (KIFF) Maureen O'Hara Award. It puts me in great company - women who have played a blinder, both in front of and behind the camera. Film needs women just as the world needs women - all kinds. We can never forget that if we are to explore and celebrate the full spectrum of humanity". "The KIFF Board are thrilled to have Fiona awarded this honour. She's, quite simply, a living legend both on and off-screen. We couldn't be happier," added KIFF Chair Ailbhe Keogan. Fiona Shaw will be honoured with an official award ceremony in Kerry later in the year. Stay tuned to KIFF's social media for further information. KIFF extends sincere thanks to its headline sponsor Kerry Airport, and appreciates the support of The Arts Council of Ireland, Kerry County Council, Fáilte Ireland, and the many local businesses whose contributions help make the festival possible.