Bord Scannán na hÉireann/the Irish Film Board (IFB) and the Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) have finally unveiled the Rising Star Award nominees for 2017.
Selected by a special jury and sponsored by the IFB, the Rising Star Award is a unique IFTA Award in that it puts an international spotlight on Irish creative professionals (actors, directors, writers) who have not only honed their crafts in the formative years of their career – but who have also excelled in their respective fields.
The nominees are Seána Kerslake, the young actress who has delivered on the promise shown in her IFTA nominated debut ‘Dollhouse’, in two standout performances this year in Darren Thorntons ‘A Date for Mad Mary’, and Cathy Bradys ‘Cant Cope Wont Cope’ (written by Stefanie Preissner) ; Patrick Gibson, for his brilliant performance in Kit Ryans ‘Property of the State’ as the troubled killer Brendan O Donnell, and his many international projects, including Netflixs ‘The OA’, and just announced, Foxs ‘The Darkest Minds’.
Next on the nominees list is Barry Keoghan, who is always mesmerising on screen, from Wayne in ‘Love/Hate’, to his IFTA nominated lead role in Rebecca Dalys ‘Mammal’ last year, has a busy 2017, including Christopher Nolans ‘Dunkirk’ and ‘The Killing of a Sacred Deer’ (Yorgos Lanthimos); and Peter Foott, the writer/director/producer whose feature debut ‘The Young Offenders’ broke Irish box office records on its release and had audiences laughing in the aisles. Peters hilarious script, tiny budget and eye for talent (casting two young unknown Cork teenagers, now both IFTA nominees), clearly show Peters glittering future as a filmmaker.
Previous recipients of the Rising Star Award include Saoirse Ronan, Michael Fassbender, Tomm Moore, Domhnall Gleeson, John Michael McDonagh, Gerard Barrett, Jamie Dornan, Sarah Greene and Stephen Fingleton, all of whom have gone on to garner recognition and accolades both in Ireland and internationally.
Áine Moriarty, Chief Executive of the Irish Film and Television Academy said, “This important Award showcases four superb Irish talents who have proved themselves to be world class professionals in their fields and leading Irish creative professionals to spearhead and continue Irelands golden era of filmmaking into the future. IFTA is proud to showcase Irelands Rising Stars and acknowledges the partnership with the Irish Film Board across this Award supporting new Irish industry talent.”
James Hickey of Bord Scannán na hÉireann /the Irish Film Board (IFB) said of the Award, “Supporting up and coming talent is the cornerstone in the development of the Irish film industry. We provide funding across a wide range of films which ultimately creates opportunities for Irish writers, directors and cast to work on Irish films in Ireland. We are delighted to support the IFTA Rising Star Award and look forward to working with this year’s nominees in the future.”
