25/01/2010

The Irish Film Board (IFB) and the Irish Film and Television Academy (IFTA) have announced the Rising Star Award nominees for 2010, the winner of which will be announced at the IFTAs ceremony on February 20.

The 2010 nominees are:
Margaret Corkery – Writer/Director, Eamon [+see also:
film review
film profile]
Darren Healy – Actor, Savage, Eamon
Tomm Moore – Director/Co-Producer, The Secret of Kells [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Didier Brunner
interview: Tomm Moore
interview: Viviane Vanfleteren
film profile]
Brendan Muldowney – Writer/Director, Savage
Robert Sheehan – Actor, Cherrybomb, Misfits
Ken Wardrop – Director, His & Hers

Previous winners include Michael Fassbender and Saoirse Ronan.

IFTA CEO Aine Moriarty said, “This important Award puts the spotlight on great Irish talent making a significant mark in the film industry at large. These six exciting Irish stars have shown themselves to be world class talents in their respective fields and I have no doubt that 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 Board’s ongoing support of new Irish industry talent.”

IFB CEO Simon Perry, said, “It’s been an interesting time for Irish film with an abundance of talent both in front of and behind the camera emerging. The Rising Star Award recognizes and champions new creative talent, which is a key objective of the Irish Film Board. This year’s nominees have all demonstrated exceptional talent in their field and we are delighted to see their achievements recognized with the award.”