Northern Ireland’s screen shortlist is out — and the night that settles it is locked for Titanic Belfast. The Royal Television Society Northern Ireland has named the finalists for the 2026 RTS NI TV Awards, with winners revealed at the 11th ceremony on Thursday 12 November 2026.
Headline sponsor is Ka-Boom, with support from BBC Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Screen, Channel 4, RTÉ and TG4. Across 19 categories, 68 finalists made the cut — drama, comedy, documentary, news, craft and emerging talent among them.
Pictured: Zoe McGivern (RTS NI Awards Chair) and Maeve McLoughlin (RTS NI Chair) at Titanic Belfast announcing the shortlist. Credit: RTS NI / supplied.
For Belfast and NI viewers, the familiar titles are thick on the ground. Blue Lights runs through drama, acting, score and post. Channel 4’s Trespasses is equally busy. Lisa McGee’s Netflix comedy How To Get To Heaven From Belfast lands in comedy and writing, with Caoilfhionn Dunne shortlisted for Actor – Female. Mayhay’s Funboys is in comedy; BBC NI’s Spotlight | Politician, Predator & Paedophile sits in current affairs. Local factual pulls include Caitlin Hanna: Trafficked in Belfast and Stellify’s Titanic Sinks Tonight. The full roll-call lives on the RTS nominees page — we are not reprinting all 68 here.
What the chairs said
Maeve McLoughlin, Chair of RTS NI, said the shortlist shows how far local television has travelled.
“Northern Ireland’s television industry is firmly establishing itself as a major global force, with our productions and people enjoying success not only with leading UK and Irish broadcasters but also on streaming platforms,” she said. “This year’s shortlist showcases the world-class talent, ambition and creativity that defines our sector. Every finalist is a testament to the originality, dedication and bold storytelling that keeps Northern Ireland on the international radar.”
Zoe McGivern, Chair of the RTS NI Awards, pointed to the depth of the entries.
“The judging panels were genuinely impressed by the standard of entries this year,” she said. “From breakout new talent to returning heavy-hitters, the quality is exceptional. These awards are about celebrating the people who make Northern Ireland’s screen sector thrive, and November’s ceremony at Titanic Belfast looks set to be our biggest celebration yet.”
Night awards and tickets
Two special gongs stay under wraps until the dinner: the Hidden Hero Award (sponsored by Ka-Boom) and the Brian Waddell Award for Outstanding Contribution. Both are decided by the RTS NI Committee and announced on the night.
General tickets go on sale at midday on Monday 28 September — £87.50 (+ VAT) each, or tables of 10 at £875 (+ VAT), via the RTS NI Awards 2026 event page. If you are building a Titanic Quarter day around the venue, our Titanic Belfast guide and Things to Do in Belfast hub cover the wider visit.
Shortlist done. Winners night: Thursday 12 November 2026, Titanic Belfast — the 11th RTS NI Awards, Belfast’s screen industry under one roof.
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