Cork has been named among Ireland’s top Oscar-producing counties.

As the Rebel County continues to make its mark on Hollywood’s biggest stage, new research by Virgin Media Ireland analysed Irish nominees and winners at the Academy Awards from 1928 to today, revealing which counties have produced the most recognised talent across major categories including acting, directing, screenwriting and visual effects.

While Dublin tops the list overall with 53 Oscar nominations and wins, Cork ranks among the country’s strongest contributors to the awards. The Rebel County ties for third place with Galway, with a combined five Oscar nominations and wins linked to people from the county.

Much of Cork’s recent success comes from Cillian Murphy, who won Best Actor at the Oscars in 2024 for his role in the blockbuster film Oppenheimer. The Cork native’s performance earned worldwide acclaim and cemented his place as one of Ireland’s most celebrated actors.

Flying the Rebel flag

Cork has also made a major impact in the animation world through Nora Twomey, who received Oscar nominations for Best Animated Feature for The Secret of Kells and The Breadwinner.

Across the country, the research highlights just how widely Irish film talent is spread.

Dublin dominates the list thanks to stars such as Brenda Fricker, who made history in 1990 by becoming the first Irish actress to win an Oscar for her role in My Left Foot.

The capital has also produced behind-the-scenes innovators such as visual effects artist Richard Baneham, who won Oscars for his work on Avatar and Avatar: The Way of Water, as well as actors like Colin Farrell, who earned a Best Actor nomination for The Banshees of Inisherin.

Meanwhile, Kildare ranks second thanks largely to Oscar-winning makeup artist Michèle Burke and actor Paul Mescal, who was nominated for Best Actor for Aftersun.

But for Cork film fans, the findings reinforce something many already believe — the Rebel County continues to punch well above its weight when it comes to producing world-class creative talent.

With global stars like Murphy flying the Cork flag in Hollywood and animation talent earning international recognition, the county’s influence on the film industry shows no signs of slowing down.