Pierce Brosnan, Saoirse Ronan, Brendan Gleeson, Kim Cattrall and Joely Richardson Join Irish Film & Television Awards Celebrations

DUBLIN, February 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Irish film and television industry celebrated its 8th Annual Irish Film & Television Awards at a gala ceremony held in Dublin's spectacular Convention Centre on Saturday 12th February.

In what was a glittering night for the Irish film and television industry the IFTA Awards saw a host of filmmakers, actors and producers walking the red carpet and celebrating an outstanding year of Irish creative achievements and production.

Awards were announced in 37 categories across film and television with the IFTA ceremony broadcast live on Irish television.

Bosnian war drama As If I Am Not There, received three Awards including the IFTA for Best Film, Director and Script for the film's debut writer/director Juanita Wilson. Winners in the IFTA acting categories included Martin McCann (Actor Lead Film - Swansong - Story of Occi Byrne), Pierce Brosnan (Supporting Actor Film - The Ghost), Saoirse Ronan (Supporting Actress Film - The Way Back) and Amy Humberman (Lead Actress - Rewind). Stephen Rea, Domhnall Gleeson and Ruth McCabe also received IFTA statuettes.

The fourth and final series of The Tudors, which has filmed on location in Ireland since 2006, received the IFTAs for Best Drama Series, Costume Design and Make-up Hair. A highlight of the evening saw The Tudors producer Morgan O'Sullivan honoured with the Outstanding Contribution to Industry Award for his career achievements and immeasurable contribution to the Irish film and television community. Morgan, who is credited with bringing productions such as Braveheart, PS I Love You, Saving Private Ryan, Reign of Fire and Camelot to Ireland, was surrounded by hundreds of colleagues and friends from the industry which included special guests The Tudors actresses Joely Richardson, Joss Stone and Natalie Dormer.

The IFTAs for International film and International actor went to The Social Network and its star Jesse Eisenberg. Annette Bening won the International actress award for her performance in The Kids are All Right.

Other guests at IFTA 2011 included; Sex and The City star Kim Cattrall; President of Ireland Mary McAleese who gave a rousing speech to the 1,300 strong audience; leading Irish directors Jim Sheridan and Neil Jordan; and Irish actors including Brendan Gleeson, Colm Meaney, The Rite star Colin O'Donoghue, Harry Potter's Evanna Lynch and Aidan Gillen, star of The Wire.

For images, clips and information about the IFTAs visit:

http://www.image.net http://press.ifta.ie

SOURCE Irish Film & Television Awards (IFTA)