IFTA 2016 Nominee Reactions

16th March 2016 - Michael Smiley ,Gemma Leah Devereux, John Crowley and Olwen Fouéré

The nominations for the 2016 IFTA Film & Drama Awards were announced on March 14th, acknowledging and rewarding the industry's great work and achievements in this Golden Age of Irish Cinema. Below are some reactions from nominees this year.

“I’m completely thrilled to hear about the nominations for Brooklyn. It's a film which is all about the idea of 'home', so to receive this kind of recognition from home means the world.”

John Crowley – Best Director Film for Brooklyn

“Am in damn fine company, too fine so I won't waste ink on a speech but am honoured and frankly giddy as a kid with cake. Lovely to think the industry at home thinks I¹ve got game. Couldn't appreciate it more.”

Victoria Smurfit – Best Supporting Actress Drama for Once Upon A Time

“I love this film so much, the heart of the man who wrote and directed it, blows me away. There is so much love in and around this project. I'm not surprised it has eight nominations, I am surprised and truly humbled that I am one of them. Thank you.”

Michael Smiley – Best Supporting Actor Film for My Name is Emily

“I think it's a great achievement for Northern Irish cinema that The Survivalist has been nominated in four major categories including Best Film. I am particularly pleased that Olwen Fouéré has received her first ever film nomination for her magical performance. I'm over the moon to be nominated alongside directors like Lenny Abrahamson and John Crowley who have led the way for other Irish filmmakers like myself."

Stephen Fingleton – Best Director Film for The Survivalist

“I couldn't be happier with the news this morning. I am truly honoured and grateful to be nominated alongside such talented actresses. Like everyone else who was involved with Get Up and Go I am extremely proud of this film. Working with the director Brendan Grant, producers Juliette Bonass and Macdara Kelleher was a dream team not to mention my two fellow leads Peter Coonan and Killian Scott. As an actress nominations are always fantastic to receive. However as an Irish actress an IFTA nomination is really something special. I’m floating on air.”

Gemma Leah Devereux – Best Supporting Actress Film for Get Up and Go

“Delighted to hear of my nomination in such great company and heard the news while fixing the drain on my washing machine this morning!”

Jane Brennan – Best Supporting Actress Film for ‘Brooklyn’

"I am thrilled to bits - for the film and my first ever nomination in Film! Thank you, IFTA!”

Olwen Fouéré – Best Supporting Actress Film for ‘The Survivalist’

“What the Dickens!? Thrilled to be included amongst so much talent!

Ned Dennedy – Best Supporting Actor Drama for Dickensian

“I was incredibly lucky to be working alongside such talented cast & crew on Critical. Jed Mercurio’s writing gave me the wonderful opportunity to play such a strong and complex female lead. Thank you to IFTA for the nomination.”

Catherine Walker – Best Actress Drama for Critical

“As an Irish actor and a Belfast man , to be embraced and supported by IFTA from the very beginning of my career to this present day, has been extremely important to me. I'm so proud of our industry and so happy that we support and show case our artists the way we do. And what's equally important is that on the 9th of April, I get to dress up and celebrate with friends I've been lucky enough to have worked with. Thank you IFTA!”

Martin McCann – Best Actor for The Survivalist

The IFTA Film & Drama Awards will take place at the Round Room of the Mansion House on Saturday 9th April 2016.

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