IFTA Awards: The sun and the stars turn out to honour Irish cinema
Cork's Cillian Murphy scooped the award for Lead Actor in a Film and spoke about how special it was to be honoured at home. Picture: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland
The sun was out and so were the stars on Saturday as Ireland's finest turned out for this year's Irish Film and Television Academy awards (IFTAs).
After yet another year of incredible Irish cinema, there was tough competition in every category.
star Cillian Murphy was among those who donned their glad rags to celebrate.
The Cork man scooped the award for Lead Actor in a Film and spoke about how special it was to be honoured at home.
He said the support, especially from Cork, has meant the world to him.
Murphy also accepted the award for Best International Film for which he said had helped get people back into the cinemas.
was named Best Film. The film, adapted from John McGahern's novel, will hit screens next Friday.
One of the few shocks of the night was when Best International Actress went to Emma Stone for her performance in over Lily Gladstone who was in attendance at the awards in Dublin.
continued its impressive award season run with Robbie Ryan of Element Pictures taking home the award for Best Cinematography.
Renowned Irish actor Stephen Rea was presented with the Irish Academy's Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to Irish and international cinema.
Cillian Murphy and Jessie Buckley were among those to pay tribute to Rea before filmmaker Neil Jordan presented him with the accolade.
Rae took to the stage amid rousing applause and a standing ovation.
"If it happened a little later it could have been a posthumous award," he joked.
He later questioned why people had waited so long to say such nice things about him.
"It's about time," he yelled to a chorus of laughter.
Reflecting on his decades-long career, Rea gave special mention to which "changed everything" for him despite the fact that he was "upstaged by a shlong".
As well as fellow actors and directors, he took the time to thank the crews he has worked with.
He took time to speak about his sons who he said he loves dearly.
Siobhán Cullen of and was named the Screen Ireland Rising Star while Agnes O'Casey won her first IFTA for her role in the thriller .
Normal People star Paul Mescal won for his supporting role in but was not present to accept.
was the big winner when it came to television picking up no less than five awards including Best Drama.
Cork's Éanna Hardwicke was presented with the first award of the night for his chilling performance in .
He used his platform to express his support and solidarity with the people of Palestine.
IFTA CEO Áine Moriarty said that this year's winners represent the best in Irish filmmaking both at home and abroad.
"From blockbuster leading roles to brilliant animated shorts, this year's award categories span the breadth of great Irish film and drama," said Ms Moriarty.
The IFTAs, presented this year by Baz Ashmawy, is supported by Fis Éireann/Screen Ireland, RTÉ and Coimisiún na Meán.
