The Emerging Director Awards 2026 – The Lighthouse Cinema, 6pm Thursday 30th of April

The EDAs in awards event celebrating the best Emerging film talent Ireland has to offer. It is a joint collaboration between ICAD and CPI.

The awards validate the very best work, while providing a platform for the country’s most talented early-stage creatives to showcase their work to the wider industry. The event is attended by emerging filmakers and industry professionals alike, which enables connections and collaborations.

18:00PM Doors open

18:30PM Panel Discussion

19:30PM Awards

The Emerging Director Awards 2026 – Entries are now closed

The EDA’s recognise excellence in the fields of directing, cinematography, editing and producing, amongst creatives with no more than 5 years professional experience. The awards validate the very best work, while providing a platform for the country’s most talented early-stage creatives to showcase their work to the wider industry. The event is very well attended by younger, emerging talent, as well as business and creative leaders from the advertising and production community.  

Previous notable winners at the EDA’s are Benjamin Cleary who went on to win an academy award for his short “Stutterer”, multi award winning directors Finn Keenan, Zak Razvi and Kate Dolan.