IFTA award pays tribute to rising Irish stars in film industry
The Rising Star Award is a unique IFTA Award in that it aims to highlight breakthrough talent working in all areas of the Irish film industry.
The nominees selected by a special jury for this years award are:
* Actress Antonia Campbell Hughes for Bright Star, When Harvey Met Bob.
* Actor Domhnall Gleeson for True Grit, Sensation.
* Writer/director Ian Power for The Runway, The Wonderful Story of Kelvin Kind.
* Writer/director Juanita Wilson for As If I Am Not There, The Door.
IFTA chief executive Áine Moriarty said the award puts an important spotlight on great Irish talent making a significant mark in the film industry at large.
“These four exciting Irish stars have shown themselves to be world class talents in their respective fields and I have no doubt they will be counted among the wealth of leading Irish talents over the coming years. IFTA is proud to put the international spotlight on Ireland’s Rising Stars and acknowledges the Irish Film Boards on-going support of new Irish industry talent.”
The 2010 Rising Star Award was won by Tomm Moore, writer/director of the Oscar nominated feature animation The Secret of Kells.
Hunger actor Michael Fassbender received the Rising Star Award in 2009, whilst young actress Saoirse Ronan was named the winner of the first Rising Star IFTA in 2008 for her breakthrough performance in Atonement.
IFB and deputy chief executive Teresa McGrane added that developing new talent is one if its core objectives.
“New and emerging talent is the life blood of the Irish film industry and this year’s Rising Stars nominees have already been receiving international recognition for their work. We are delighted to sponsor this award and look forward to working with the nominees in the future.”
lThe 8th Annual Irish Film and Television Awards will be broadcast live on RTÉ1 on February 12. www.ifta.ie
