Farrell and Ronan among those up for IFTA gongs

Colin Farrell, Saoirse Ronan, and Stephen Rea are among a host of Hollywood stars battling it out for an Irish Film and Television award.

Colin Farrell, Saoirse Ronan, and Stephen Rea are among a host of Hollywood stars battling it out for a top Irish showbiz award, it emerged today.

The big-screen celebrities have been invited to the gala 7th annual Irish Film and Television Awards next month celebrating the best in home-grown talent.

Nominations were unveiled in 37 categories including documentaries, entertainment, film and current affairs, as well as accolades for best actress and actresses.

Aine Moriarty, Irish Film and Television Academy chief, said the shortlist reflected the variety and creativity in the industry despite the global recession.

“It’s a tremendous line-up of strong, diverse Irish production for IFTA 2010 and the nominees’ showcase of work reinforces the fact that Ireland has a superb resource of creative talent, despite the difficult Irish economic year and the knock-on effect to our creative industries,” Ms Moriarty said.

“The Academy is proud to give due recognition to home-grown Irish talent for their creative achievements both at home and abroad.”

The five shortlisted Best Feature Film nominees are Margaret Corkery’s drama 'Eamon', Conor McPherson’s supernatural thriller 'The Eclipse', Neil Jordan’s modern fairytale 'Ondine', Tom Moore’s animated feature 'The Secret of Kells' and John and Kieran Carney’s comedy 'Zonad'.

Pat Kenny’s new show 'Frontline' will also battle it out with Paul William’s documentary on the Corrib Gas project, 'The Battle for the Gasfield', in the current affairs category.

Farrell and Rea are competing for the leading actor category for their respective role in the films 'Ondine' and 'Nothing Personal'.

Jonathan Rhys Meyers is up for the best actor in television show 'The Tudors' against Gabriel Byrne for his hit show 'In Treatment'.

Oscar nominee Ronan is hoping to clinch an award for her role in the taut thriller 'The Lovely Bones'.

All categories have been shortlisted by academy members and jury panels of experts from around the world.

The gala ceremony at the Burlington Hotel will be broadcast on February 20.