The Director of “The Knee Hour” Honors Everyone Who “Must Honor Their Homeland” at the BAFTAs

Kneecap Director’s Tribute

Kneecap Director Rich Peppiatt dedicated his BAFTA FILM Award on Sunday evening to “Everyone there” who is advocating for “respecting his homeland.”

• READ MORE: Knee review: Ballsy, brave and one of the best biographies of music when the libs made

About the Film

The biographical film about the hip-hop trio from West Belfast, known for their candid stance on a united Ireland, won the BAFTA for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer at the London Royal Festival Hall ceremony on Sunday (February 16).

Filmed primarily in Irish and featuring the group members as themselves, the film received a total of six nominations but won in just one category.

Peppiatt expressed that he was “absolutely honored” to receive the award, sharing with the audience how his wife encouraged their move to Belfast ten years ago, shortly before he met the group.

The winner of the award for Outstanding Debut is Rich Peppiatt for the Kneecap 👏 @Kneecapceol @Curzonfilm #EEBAFTAs pic.twitter.com/96lvasmxmh

– BAFTA (@bAFTA) February 16, 2025

A Message of Respect

“Kneecap is more than just a film,” he continued. “This is a movement advocating for respect for language, culture, and homeland. Therefore, this award is dedicated to everyone who fights this battle.”

Kneecap was named the best film of 2024 by NME, who praised it as “Inspired by the experiences of three individuals growing up in Belfast after the post-revolutions, the dark comedy docudrama intertwines fictional history with the lives of low-level drug traders, highlighting their struggle against both Republicans and loyalists. Ultimately, they discover a passion for music and connection through a local school teacher.”

The film was also nominated for the Oscars this year but was excluded from the final list last month. In response, the group tweeted: “Fuck Oscar. Free Palestine.”

Kneecap received a five-star review from NME, with Andrew Trendell commenting, “Unbelievably bold and courageous, Kneecap stands out as one of the finest films of 2024, if not one of the greatest musical biopics of all time. After much contemplation, here’s your full analysis: damn it, what a movie.”

The biggest winners at BAFTA included Conclave and Brutalist, each taking home four awards.