Industry Gathers For Irish Film Celebrations

One of the most prestigious nights in the Irish entertainment and cultural calendar, the Irish Film & Television Awards (IFTAs), is shaping up to be a night of great celebration for the industry.

The Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) will welcome the cream of Ireland’s creative talent from the world of film and television as they gather in Dublin on Saturday 20th February to acknowledge and celebrate the Irish industry’s achievements both at home and abroad.
Hosted by Victoria Smurfit, the winners of 39 awards will be broadcast live across Ireland on RTÉ One.
Nominees walking the red carpet include; Brendan Gleeson, Colin Farrell, Saoirse Ronan, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Aidan Quinn, Ciarán Hinds, Michael Fassbender, Elaine Cassidy and Amy Huberman. A host of production talent will also be in attendance including Composer Neil Hannon and Costume Designers Joan Bergin, Consolata Boyle and Eimer Ní Mhaoldomhnaigh.
Legendary Writer, Director and Producer John Boorman will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
John's family, friends and former colleagues will pay tribute to the man and his illustrious career which spans over five decades.
Among the special guests flying into Dublin will be Oscar winning French actress Juliette Binoche (The English Patient, Chocolat, Caché, In My Country) and Oscar winning actor Jon Voight (Mission Impossible, Enemy of the State, Midnight Cowboy, Deliverance).
Special guests will partake in a special tribute to John Boorman, including Brendan Gleeson, Gabriel Byrne, Neil Jordan, Jim Sheridan, with special video contributions on screen from Burt Reynolds and Pierce Brosnan.
Upon hearing of John Boorman's Lifetime Achievement Award at IFTA 2010, Mr Voight said: "Beautiful Ireland – where John's heart truly lies – Ireland, the romantic, Celtic root and inspiration of all his art. He has given so much to Irish film making over the years, and now the love returns to him in this celebration. Congratulations, dear John. Love to you, and to your precious Ireland."
International guest presenters coming to join their Irish industry colleagues include Irish/American actors Matt Dillon and Josh Hartnett and British Director Sir Alan Parker.
Speaking ahead of the 7th Annual Irish Film & Television Awards, IFTA Chief Executive Officer, Áine Morairty commented: 
"After twelve months of planning, it’s hard to believe IFTA 2010 is almost upon us! Ireland can be proud of its creative talent who are delivering world class production, entertaining audiences both at home and around the world. We will celebrate these fine achievements in Dublin this weekend."
The 7th Annual Irish Film & Television Awards take place in Dublin's Burlington Hotel on Saturday 20th February. The IFTA ceremony broadcasts live on RTÉ One at 9.35pm.
For more information visit: www.ifta.ie
(BMcN/BMcC)