Jonathan Rhys Meyers says losing his home was both shocking and cathartic and confirms his family, including his son, are doing well as he attends the IFTA awards in Dublin
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At the Irish Film & Television Academy awards on Friday 20th February, actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers spoke openly on the red carpet about a recent personal upheaval. The Golden Globe-winning actor, known for The Tudors, described the experience of losing his property as shock followed by catharsis, and stressed that his family’s safety remained the central priority.
His comments arrived amid a weekend when Irish screen talent converged in Dublin for the IFTA awards, an event that honours achievements across film and television. The ceremony at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre was hosted by Kevin McGahern and is due to be broadcast on RTÉ One on Saturday 21st February at 10.50pm.
Personal aftermath: shock, perspective and recovery
On the red carpet, Meyers described how the initial reaction to losing his home was shocking, but that time allowed him to reframe the loss as something unexpectedly cathartic. He said the upheaval had helped build character when viewed from a different angle, while acknowledging that such events are not part of anyone’s plan.
He emphasised what mattered most: the wellbeing of his child. “The most important thing in my house was safe, that’s my son,” he told reporters, underlining that material losses are recoverable but family is irreplaceable. A year after the incident, he added, his family are doing “very, very well,” signalling a stabilisation after a turbulent period.
IFTA: a homecoming for Irish screen talent
The awards night brought a broad cross-section of Irish performers and filmmakers back to the capital. The IFTA ceremony, funded by Screen Ireland and Coimisiún na Meán, celebrates creative success at home and abroad and provides a social and professional reunion for the industry.
Among those confirmed to attend were a number of high-profile names: Oscar-nominated Jessie Buckley, Cillian Murphy, Steve Coogan, Aidan Quinn, Alison Oliver and many more. The presence of such talent turned the event into a genuine homecoming for Irish film and television.
Ciarán Hinds to receive lifetime recognition
One of the evening’s highlights was the announcement that Ciarán Hinds would accept the IFTA Lifetime Achievement Award. His recognition was planned to be a family-centred celebration, with colleagues, friends and peers gathering to honour his long-standing contribution to acting both in Ireland and internationally.
Who else was there and what to expect on broadcast
The guest list read like a snapshot of contemporary Irish screencraft: established performers, emerging stars and veteran filmmakers. Names such as Paul Mescal, Colin Farrell, Kerry Condon, Caitríona Balfe and many others were part of the nominations and attendance roster. Industry figures like Neil Jordan and Jim Sheridan were also expected to be present.
The televised show on RTÉ One will condense the night’s highlights for a wider audience, showcasing award presentations, speeches and red carpet moments. For viewers who follow Irish screen arts, this broadcast presents a curated look at the country’s recent creative achievements and notable personal stories shared on the night.
Partnerships and support for the ceremony
The Irish Academy Awards drew support from public and private partners. Official sponsors included Redbreast as the spirit partner and Sculpted by Aimee as the makeup partner, reflecting a mix of national cultural backing and commercial collaboration that helps stage large-scale industry events.
Backstage and off-camera, the awards continue to function as a network-building platform. For artists like Jonathan Rhys Meyers, the evening provided a moment to reconnect with colleagues and to share personal reflections—an interplay of professional recognition and human narrative that often defines awards nights.
In sum, the IFTA awards weekend combined celebration with candid conversation. Meyers’ remarks about loss and recovery added a personal dimension to the night’s festivities, reminding attendees and viewers that while careers and accolades matter, the protection and recovery of family remain paramount.
