Kneecap’s DJ Próvaí Celebrates Oscar Shortlist
Irish Hip-Hop Trio Kneecap Celebrates Oscar Nomination, Hopes to “Teach Hollywood the Wrongs of Their Ways”
Los Angeles, CA - Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap is celebrating a major milestone: their self-titled biopic has been shortlisted for Best International Feature Film at the Oscars. The group, known for their energetic performances and politically charged lyrics, also received a nomination for Best Original Song for their track “Sick In The Head.”
DJ Próvaí, whose real name is J.J. Ó Dochartaigh, described the moment they learned about the nomination as surreal. “We got this big golden letter in the post,” he shared, “It told us we’d won, but not to tell anybody!”
The nomination marks a historic moment for Irish cinema. Kneecap is only the second Irish-language film and the third Irish film overall to be shortlisted for Best International Feature Film.
“It’s massive for the Irish language community,” Próvaí said. “It’s grate that minority languages and cultures are having a bit of a revival now, and people are getting back to their roots.”
He noted that the film has resonated with audiences worldwide, especially those from indigenous cultures. “People have been reconnecting with their own heritage, and using the film as a stepping stone to learn their own languages,” he explained.
The musician, who previously worked as a teacher, admitted that acting was “really easy.” He jokingly challenged the Academy, saying, “They need to up their game if three working-class men from Derry and Belfast can get nominated on their first try.”
Próvaí expressed excitement about the prospect of attending the Oscars, hoping for “nice goody bags” and the chance to mingle with Hollywood stars. He even singled out Samuel L. Jackson as someone he’d love to meet, adding, “We’d get him over and tell him to get a ticket for the next Kneecap show.”
The film’s success comes after a whirlwind year.Kneecap won the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival and swept seven awards at the British Autonomous Film Awards (BIFA).
Próvaí has no regrets about leaving his teaching career behind. “People who I was working with in the school, and a lot of the students have gone on to be Irish teachers themselves now… they’ve been saying that they’ve been showing some of the clips to students, and it’s been inspiring them,” he shared.”So job done on that front. I think we’re reaching more people doing what we’re doing at the minute.”
The comedy-drama chronicles the rise of the West Belfast hip-hop trio and has captivated audiences with its unique blend of humor, social commentary, and infectious energy.
Kneecap: From Derry Streets to Oscar Red Carpet
Newsdicrectory3.com – Teh Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap is bewildering Hollywood with thier infectious energy and politically charged lyrics. Their self-titled biopic has landed a coveted spot on the shortlist for Best International Feature Film at the Oscars, making history as only the second Irish-language film to achieve this feat.
“It’s massive for the Irish language community,” DJ Próvaí, also known as J.J. Ó Dochartaigh, revealed. “We’re thrilled that minority languages and cultures are experiencing a revival.”
the film’s nomination follows a whirlwind year, including the Audience Award at Sundance and seven wins at the British Autonomous Film Awards (BIFA).
Próvaí, who previously taught, joked about the nomination, “They need to up their game if three working-class men from derry and belfast can get nominated on their first try.”
The Oscar buzz is a far deviation from their teaching days, but Próvaí has no regrets. “I think we’re reaching more people doing what we’re doing at the minute,” he reflected, noting that former students and colleagues are using the film to inspire a new generation of Irish teachers.
Próvaí dreams of star-studded encounters at the Oscars, particularly with Samuel L. Jackson. “We’d get him over and tell him to get a ticket for the next Kneecap show,” he quipped.