Love/Hate stars at the IFTAs
Jim Sheridan miffed at lack of support for industry
IT may not have been on live TV, but there was still plenty of glamour at the Irish Film and Television Awards last night – even if there wasn’t quite the expected number of A-listers.
And while Al Pacino was across town hosting his own evening, Jim Sheridan hit out at the Irish stars who snubbed last night’s ceremony at the Mansion House.
As Pacino readied himself to meet his paying public for An Evening With... night of chat in the Bord Gáis Theatre, on the Mansion House red carpet there was a lacklustre showing of Irish talent. Jack Reyner, Jamie Dornan, Michael Fassbender and Colin Farrell were all notable by their absences.
Love/Hate, feature film Frank and drama The Fall all picked up prizes
For My Left Foot director Sheridan, who last night received a lifetime achievement award, the sparse guest list was a disappointment.
‘I do think it is a mistake,’ he said. ‘They should be here... There is a duty to support the industry. I don’t know who exactly is here and isn’t but people should support the industry.’
Sheridan also said that he was emotional at the prospect of receiving his award, saying that he was particularly proud coming from Sheriff Street and making it to the top of the industry. He said: ‘ I don’t think that another person from Sheriff Street could do it now. The world has become less mobile. Every place seems to be shrinking and the 1 per cent seems to getting everything and it is just harder to get that break.’
The annual awards ceremony had come under criticism after last year’s shambolic live show came with poor sound, empty chairs and bored celebrities.
As a result RTÉ dropped its live coverage of the event and TV3 took over the broadcasting rights – but will not be showing the ceremony until next week.
This year’s host Caroline Morahan was quick to defend the sometimes maligned awards. Wearing a white Armani dress from Brown Thomas, Ms Morahan said: ‘I know last year had problems but any IFTA I have been too has been technically slick and I have always enjoyed it.’
Amy Huberman, who was still on a high from celebrating Saturday’s referendum result, insisted that the ‘Irish Oscars’ are important.
She said: ‘I always had the best nights out at the IFTAs. It is a big event, it is hard to do and I think everyone compares it to the BAFTAs but it is not the same because we are a smaller nation and we have a smaller industry. I think it is great that we have a night that recognises Irish talent.’
Lord Of The Rings star Sean Bean was looking forward to celebrating the Irish film industry. He said: ‘‘It is my first time here. And to be asked to present an award to the most extraordinary man as Jim Sheridan is is a real treat. Jim was someone who I worked with 25 years ago and it was an eye- opening experienced for me. I owe him a lot.’