Derry talent triumphs at prestigious RTS NI Awards
Lisa McGee’s latest comedy and productions from Derry studios Alleycats and Dog Ears claim top prizes at glittering RTS NI ceremony.
Derry’s thriving television and animation sector was celebrating on Thursday night (November 12 2026) as local production houses and homegrown talent took home major honours at the 11th Royal Television Society (RTS) Northern Ireland Awards.
Held at Titanic Belfast and hosted by Irish broadcaster Craig Doyle, the glittering ceremony, sponsored by Ka-Boom, recognised the very best of the region’s screen industry.
Derry-based production companies Alleycats and Dog Ears were both among the big winners on the night. Foyle-based independent company Alleycats picked up the Factual Entertainment award for its deeply personal programme Ronan Keating’s Wild Atlantic.
Meanwhile, Derry animation studio Dog Ears won the Children’s / Animation Award for My Brother the Minotaur, praised by judges for bringing Celtic folklore to life in a truly beautiful way.
Derry-born writer Lisa McGee also continued her winning streak, as her latest series How to Get to Heaven from Belfast - produced by Hat Trick Productions - scooped the Comedy Award for its brilliant balance of drama and humour.
The prestigious Brian Waddell Award was presented to outgoing Northern Ireland Screen CEO Richard Williams, who is stepping down after taking the helm in 2003.
Since taking on the role Richard has helped transform Northern Ireland into a destination for major film and television productions, creating opportunities for local creatives to work, learn and thrive on the global stage while sustaining businesses, creating jobs and bringing investment into the economy
Paying tribute to his 23-year legacy, RTS NI Chair Maeve McLoughlin said: “What an amazing line-up of winners this year.
“It is especially poignant to acknowledge the incredible contribution Richard Williams has made as CEO of Northern Ireland Screen, to say his influence has made a difference is a huge understatement, look at how the industry has been transformed under his leadership bringing world class productions like Game of Thrones, Derry Girls, Line of Duty, Trespasses, The Northman and so many more to our shores. Congratulations to all tonight’s winners and the outstanding nominees reflecting the strength and resilience of our creative sector.“
Accepting the award, Richard Williams said: “I am delighted to receive the Brian Waddell Award for 2026, not least because Brian was my boss and mentor for many years.
“This award is triggered by my stepping down from Northern Ireland Screen and I’m grateful to accept that personal recognition, but the award really speaks to the pivotal role Northern Ireland Screen plays in the sustainability of our sector.
“The good news is that Northern Ireland Screen is strong, remains supported by both government and the sector, and most importantly is full of talented and committed people well capable of driving it forward.”
Hit police drama Blue Lights took home two awards for Two Cities Television and Gallagher Films, with Katherine Devlin winning Actor–Female and Derry's Dearbhaile McKinney claiming the Breakthrough On-Screen award for their emotional performances in the rookie cop series.
Zoe McGivern, Chair of the RTS NI Awards, said: “With more than 30 years under her belt working in the industry, the advice, encouragement and overwhelming support Helen has given to so many to get started in the industry makes her a very worthy recipient for our third RTS NI Hidden Hero Award.
“So many in the industry who nominated Helen feel they simply wouldn’t be where they are now without her help. That’s a pretty remarkable legacy to have. Congratulations to all our winners and finalists for making our 11th RTS NI awards so special with their amazing talent.”